Description
Savory parmesan cheddar basil bites offer a delightful blend of rich cheese and aromatic herbs. Crispy edges and melted centers make these appetizers perfect for gatherings where guests crave small, flavorful nibbles you’ll want to devour.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5 cups (595 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1.5 cups (355 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1.5 cups (355 ml) all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup (118 ml) butter, softened
- 5 tbsps (75 ml) half-and-half
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) basil, fresh, finely chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Preparation: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and dust work surface lightly with flour for dough handling.
- Mixing Base: Combine sharp cheddar, softened butter, half-and-half cream, and salt using electric mixer until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Dough Formation: Gently fold in flour, Parmesan, and fresh basil until ingredients blend into a cohesive dough, avoiding overmixing.
- Shaping Process: Divide dough into three equal portions, roll each section to 1/8-inch thickness on floured surface, ensuring even distribution.
- Cutting and Positioning: Use star-shaped cookie cutter to create precise shapes, strategically placing cutouts 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Baking Technique: Position sheets in preheated oven, monitoring for golden-brown edges that signal perfect crispness, typically requiring 11-14 minutes of baking time.
- Cooling Stage: Transfer baked cheese bites to wire racks, allowing complete cooling for 30 minutes to enhance texture and set crisp edges.
Notes
- Cheese Temperature Matters: Ensure butter and cheeses are at room temperature for smooth, even blending and optimal dough consistency.
- Gentle Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cheese bites; mix just until ingredients barely combine.
- Precise Rolling Crucial: Use a ruler or guide to maintain consistent 1/8-inch thickness for uniform baking and crispy texture.
- Cooling Patience Required: Let cheese bites cool completely on wire racks to develop maximum crispness and prevent soggy bottoms.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg