Description
Spicy cheese meets crispy perfection in this Pioneer Woman jalapeno cheese crisps recipe, delivering bold southwestern flavors. Crunchy, zesty bites promise a delightful snack that’ll spark conversation and satisfy spice enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (475 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 fresh jalapeno
Garnish and Seasoning:
- 1 pinch smoked paprika
- 1 pinch garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to ensure easy release of the cheese crisps.
- Arrange shredded cheese in circular patterns, creating uniform disk shapes with consistent thickness across the baking surface.
- Carefully sprinkle finely chopped jalapeños over each cheese disk, distributing them evenly to guarantee a balanced spicy flavor in every crisp.
- Gently press jalapeño pieces into the cheese using the back of a spoon or fingertips to help them adhere during baking.
- Place the prepared baking sheet into the preheated oven, positioning it in the center rack for optimal heat circulation.
- Bake for approximately 5-7 minutes, watching closely as the cheese transforms from soft to golden and crispy around the edges.
- Remove from the oven when the cheese crisps turn lightly golden and show delicate, lacy patterns with slightly darkened borders.
- Allow the cheese crisps to cool directly on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, which helps them firm up and become perfectly crisp.
- Carefully transfer the cooled crisps using a thin spatula onto a serving plate, handling them gently to prevent breaking.
- Serve immediately while still warm and crisp for the most enjoyable texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for maximum meltability and crisp texture, avoiding pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.
- Slice jalapeños uniformly thin to ensure even heat distribution and consistent crispness across each cheese crisp.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar and monterey jack for complex flavor profiles that complement the spicy jalapeño kick.
- Store cooled cheese crisps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their satisfying crunch and prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg