Cheddar Shortbread Bites (Crackers)

~Srb~'s Note:

From Land-o-Lakes: "These flaky, cheesy bites are easy to make and store well." These are our favorite. The possibilities are endless: sesame seed topped, more heat (spices), no salt, garlic-flavored, etc. NOTE: Chill time of 2 hours+ has not been added to preparation nor bake time.

• Total Time: 24 mins
• Prep Time: 12 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6

Yield: 60.0 appetiz ...

Cracker ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup land-o-lakes butter , softened
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 dash ground red pepper (cayenne)
• 2 cups land-o-lakes sharp cheddar cheese , shredded (1 8-ounce package)

Optional Topping Ingredients

• 1 egg white (optional)
• 1 tablespoon water (optional)
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine flour, butter, salt and red pepper in medium bowl; beat at medium speed until dough forms.
2. Add cheese; mix until a ball forms.
3. Shape dough into circle; wrap in plastic wrap.
4. Refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.
5. Heat oven to 350.
6. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. (It will be hard to roll at first, but will soften. Press together any cracks that form on edges of dough.).
7. Cut dough with 1 1/2-inch cookie cutters or pizza cutter into desired shapes.
8. Place onto ungreased baking sheets.
9. If toppings wanted:.
10. Beat one egg white and water together in small bowl. Brush cut-outs with egg wash; sprinkle with seeds.
11. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until very lightly browned around edges. Immediately loosen from pan; let cool on pan.
12. Variations: Shortbread bites can be topped with variety of other ingredients such as chili powder, seasoned salt, fennel seed or herbs.

Reviews

[Red Jenny]

Very tasty. I made this without the topping. I used less cheese (maybe 1 cup, but of a really old tasty cheddar), but they are a tiny bit greasy already and plenty cheesy, so I would probably not want to use any more. I think they would be nice with some herbs added. Will probably make again.

Second time making: the dough was way too dry so I added an egg and some milk. Slightly different result, but still tasty. Added some minced peppers and they had a nice bite.