Spicy Cheddar & Jalapeño Shortbread Bites (Crisp, Buttery, and Bold)
Looking for the perfect savory snack that’s buttery, cheesy, and has a little kick? These Spicy Cheddar & Jalapeño Shortbread Bites check every box. Think of them as a grown-up version of cheese crackers, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and the warmth of fresh jalapeños baked right in.
Ideal for entertaining, gifting, or just snacking with your favorite drink, they’re everything you love in a shortbread — minus the sugar, plus all the flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe
These shortbread bites are:
- 🧈 Rich and buttery like classic shortbread
- 🧀 Packed with sharp cheddar cheese
- 🌶️ Just spicy enough with jalapeños (remove seeds to dial it down)
- 🕒 Quick to make — under 30 minutes
- 🍻 Perfect with Beer Cheese Dip
Whether you’re hosting happy hour or building a snack board, they bring just the right touch of heat and crunch.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- ¼ cup jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for milder flavor)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cold water, if needed
👨🍳 How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Shortbread Bites
1. Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add Butter and Cheese
Add softened butter and grated cheddar to the bowl. Mix until crumbly and just starting to come together.
4. Add Jalapeños
Fold in the chopped jalapeños. If the dough is too dry, mix in cold water one teaspoon at a time until it forms a firm dough.
5. Shape and Cut
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to create bite-size rounds or squares.
6. Bake
Transfer the shapes to the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Cool
Let the shortbread rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
🧀 Pro Tips
- Use extra-sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor.
- For more heat, keep the jalapeño seeds or swap in serrano peppers.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt or smoked paprika on top before baking for visual flair.
- Make ahead and freeze the dough, then slice and bake as needed.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair these savory bites with:
- A cold beer or bold red wine
- Beer Cheese Dip for double the cheddar goodness
- A warm appetizer board with Baked Kosher Salami
- A variety of dips and spreads like herbed cream cheese or hummus
Want to make a sweet-savory spread? Include Cake Mix Cookies and Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups for contrast.
🧊 Storage Tips
To Store:
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To Freeze:
Freeze baked shortbread for up to 2 months, or freeze dough and slice/bake later.
🥄 More Snacks & Treats You’ll Love
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Baked Kosher Salami
- Cake Mix Cookies
- No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls
- Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups
📝 Final Thoughts
Spicy Cheddar & Jalapeño Shortbread Bites are the kind of snack that disappears fast. They’re buttery, cheesy, and just fiery enough to keep you coming back for more. Whether you serve them at a party or snack on them solo, they’re guaranteed to please.
Tried them? Snap a pic and tag @Chefmaniac — we’d love to see how you spice up your shortbread!
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