Sharp Cheddar Cheese Coins (Printable)

Buttery, crispy cheddar bites ready in 30 minutes. Perfect savory appetizer.

# What you'll need:

→ Dairy

01 - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
02 - 8 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and diced

→ Dry Ingredients

03 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
06 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

07 - 1 tbsp poppy seeds or sesame seeds

# Directions:

01 - Pulse flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in food processor until evenly mixed.
02 - Add cold diced butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
03 - Add grated cheddar and pulse just until dough comes together. Add 1-2 teaspoons cold water if mixture is too crumbly.
04 - Turn dough onto parchment paper and shape into 1 1/2-inch diameter log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
05 - Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
06 - Cut chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds and arrange on prepared baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
07 - Sprinkle with poppy seeds or sesame seeds if desired.
08 - Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown.
09 - Let rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • These little coins manage to be both elegantly buttery and seriously addictive, the kind of appetizer that disappears before anyone even thinks about dinner
  • You can make the dough ahead, keep it in your freezer, and have fresh baked goodness in 15 minutes whenever unexpected guests arrive
02 -
  • If your dough crumbles when you try to slice it, let it warm for just 5 minutes on the counter, trying to slice rock hard dough will only end in frustration
  • The cayenne pepper is subtle but essential, it creates that mysterious warmth at the finish that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is
03 -
  • Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded, the anti-caking coating on bagged cheese prevents proper melting and affects texture
  • Let these cool completely before serving, they need that time to crisp up fully and develop their signature crunch

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