Savory Cheddar Shortbread Delights
Inspired by a treasured Land O Lakes Cookbook, these Savory Cheddar Shortbread Delights are a perfect blend of flakiness and rich cheese flavor. With the heat of cayenne pepper complementing the sharpness of cheddar, these delightful bites are not just easy to prepare but also store exceptionally well, making them an ideal snack for parties or a tasty addition to your cheese platter. Enjoy the unique crunch from poppy and sesame seeds sprinkled on top, elevating these savory treats to new heights.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1 cup (Measuring and sifting as needed)
Butter
1/2 cup (Softened at room temperature)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Measuring)
Ground red pepper (cayenne)
1 dash (Measuring)
Sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (Shredded)
Egg white
1 (Beaten with a tablespoon of water)
Water
1 tablespoon (For egg wash)
Poppy seeds
2 tablespoons (Sprinkled on top)
Sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (Sprinkled on top)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, salt, and ground red pepper. Beat the mixture at medium speed until a crumbly dough forms.
2
Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the bowl and mix until the dough comes together into a ball.
3
Shape the dough into a circular disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or, for optimal flavor, overnight.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Be patient, as the dough might be tough to roll initially—press together any cracks that form along the edges.
5
Use a 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into your desired shapes. Transfer the cut-outs to ungreased baking sheets, spacing them apart.
6
In a small bowl, beat together the egg white and water until well combined. Use a brush to apply the egg wash to the surface of the cut-outs, then generously sprinkle them with poppy seeds and sesame seeds.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let the shortbread cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before loosening them from the pan.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
25g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Cheddar Shortbread Delights?
They are a flaky, rich cheese-flavored snack inspired by a Land O Lakes cookbook, featuring cheddar and cayenne pepper.
What flavor profile can I expect from these snacks?
These delights offer a blend of sharp cheddar flavor with a subtle heat from ground red pepper.
What is the texture of the shortbread?
They are flaky and provide a unique crunch thanks to the poppy and sesame seeds sprinkled on top.
How much all-purpose flour is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
What state should the butter be in for mixing?
The 1/2 cup of butter should be softened at room temperature.
How much salt is used in the dough?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What kind of pepper provides the heat in this recipe?
A dash of ground red pepper, also known as cayenne, is used for heat.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
How is the egg wash prepared?
The egg wash consists of one egg white beaten with one tablespoon of water.
What seeds are used for the topping?
The shortbread is topped with 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds and 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds.
How do I mix the initial dough components?
Combine flour, butter, salt, and red pepper in a bowl and beat at medium speed until a crumbly dough forms.
When should the cheese be added to the dough?
Add the shredded sharp cheddar after the initial crumbly dough forms and mix until it comes together into a ball.
How should the dough be stored before chilling?
Shape the dough into a circular disk and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
How long should the dough be refrigerated?
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor profile.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How thick should I roll the dough?
Roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch on a lightly floured surface.
What should I do if the dough cracks while rolling?
If the dough is tough or cracks form along the edges, simply press the cracks together as you roll.
What tools can I use to cut the shortbread shapes?
You can use a 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter or a pizza cutter to create your desired shapes.
Do I need to grease the baking sheets?
No, the cut-outs should be placed onto ungreased baking sheets.
How do you apply the seeds to the dough?
Use a brush to apply the egg wash to the surface of the cut-outs, then sprinkle seeds generously.
How long do these savory delights bake?
They typically bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
How do I know when the shortbread is finished baking?
They are done when the edges are very lightly browned.
What is the cooling process for the shortbread?
Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before loosening and moving them.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these shortbreads?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the recipe?
Each serving provides 10 grams of protein.
Are these suitable for party appetizers?
Yes, their ease of preparation and storage make them ideal for parties or cheese platters.
How many total ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 9 ingredients in total.
Can the dough be made ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated overnight, which is recommended for optimal flavor.