Are you craving a mouthwatering, crispy cheese pastry but dread the thought of endless rolling and kneading? Get ready to revolutionize your baking game with Jane's incredible Crisp Cheese Pastry that comes together in mere minutes! This game-changing recipe will transform your kitchen experience, delivering golden, cheesy delights that are so simple, you'll wonder why you ever struggled with traditional pastry techniques.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Pastry
Serves: 12 pieces
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, grated cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using a fork or whisk to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredient mixture. Stir gently but consistently until the ingredients form a cohesive, slightly crumbly dough that holds together when pressed.
- Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, form the dough into small, uniform balls approximately 1-inch in diameter. Place these balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Gently flatten each dough ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass, creating a round, disc-like shape approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the pastries turn golden brown and the cheese begins to create a crisp, lightly browned surface.
- Remove from the oven and let the pastries cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up and become more crisp.
- Transfer the pastries to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
- Serve at room temperature as a savory snack, appetizer, or accompaniment to soups and salads. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Cheese Selection: Choose a sharp cheddar for maximum flavor, but feel free to experiment with gruyère or parmesan for unique taste variations.
- Butter Matters: Use room temperature melted butter for the best dough consistency. Cold butter can make the mixture crumbly and difficult to form.
- Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform pastry balls, which guarantees consistent baking and a professional look.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave enough space between pastries on the baking sheet to allow for slight spreading and ensure crisp edges.
- Watch Closely: Ovens vary, so start checking your pastries at the 12-minute mark to prevent over-browning.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the pastries cool on the baking sheet for those first 5 minutes - this helps them set and become delightfully crisp.
- Storage Tip: Keep in an airtight container to maintain their perfect crunch for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
