Tasty Jalapeño Cheese Bites

Featured in: Small Snacks with Big Flavor

Grate strong cheese finely, add diced jalapeños. Form tiny mounds on parchment paper, flatten them out. Cook at gentle temperature until golden edges form and centers puff up crunchy. Cool entirely before peeling off. Creates ideal zesty snacks quickly.

A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:05:08 GMT
A close-up of cheesy, crispy snacks topped with sliced jalapeños and sesame seeds, presented on a tray. Pin it
A close-up of cheesy, crispy snacks topped with sliced jalapeños and sesame seeds, presented on a tray. | cookingkitchn.com

Whip up these mouthwatering Jalapeño Cheese Crisps that suit your keto lifestyle. Combine tangy cheese with fiery peppers for a speedy treat that's crunchy and zesty. Ideal for gatherings or when you're craving a tasty nibble.

Benefits Worth Trying

Ready in just 20 minutes. Crispy, fiery, and zero carbs. Perfect for gatherings or home snacking. Works for keto and gluten-free folks. Looks impressive but needs only two ingredients. They're always a hit.

Ingredients List

  • Sharp Cheddar: Pre-shredded works great
  • Fresh Jalapeños: Thinly sliced, seeds removed

Preparation Steps

Prepare Oven:
Set to 350°. Line your baking sheet with parchment.
Prepare Jalapeños:
Cut jalapeños into thin circles. Remove seeds for milder flavor.
Form Cheese Bases:
Drop spoonfuls of cheese onto the lined sheet. Keep them separated.
Place Peppers:
Top each cheese mound with a jalapeño slice.
Cook:
Bake for around 12 minutes until they turn golden.
Rest Before Enjoying:
Let them cool 2 minutes. Transfer to serving dish.

Simple Yet Delicious

Just two ingredients create something amazing. Ideal if you're counting carbs but miss crunchy snacks. The cheese turns crisp, the peppers bring heat. Tastes better than store-bought chips and they're healthier too.

Party Favorites

Serve these when guests drop by. They pair wonderfully with beverages. They're gluten-free so all your friends can enjoy them. They'll vanish quickly – the crunch and spiciness win everyone over.

Adjust The Spiciness

Want more kick? Keep some seeds. Prefer it milder? Use fewer peppers or swap in bell peppers. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra zing. Customize to match your taste buds.

Pairing Suggestions

Enjoy alone or with your favorite dips. Try alongside guacamole or sour cream. Add them to your charcuterie board. They even taste great broken up over salads or soups.

Storage Advice

They shine straight from the oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 4 days. Bring to room temp before munching again. They'll stay crunchy if kept dry.

A stack of crispy cheese rounds topped with sliced jalapeños, arranged on a baking tray. Pin it
A stack of crispy cheese rounds topped with sliced jalapeños, arranged on a baking tray. | cookingkitchn.com

Handy Suggestions

Grate your own cheese - it melts nicer. Make all portions equal for uniform cooking. Keep an eye on them at the end - they blacken quickly. Cool completely or they'll snap. Don't pile them when storing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Sticking to the sheet?

Use parchment first. Spray a little oil. Leave good gaps. Cool completely. A thin spatula helps peel them up.

→ Which cheese is best?

Aged cheddar works great. Try blending varieties. Firm cheese crisps better. Mind the saltiness. Freshly grated melts smoother.

→ Hot peppers hurt fingers?

Use kitchen gloves. Keep away from eyes. Scrub hands afterward. Jarred peppers work too. Remove seeds if too spicy.

→ How to store leftovers?

Airtight container works. Room temp is fine. Finish within days. Keep them dry. Add paper towel to keep crispness.

→ Can't have dairy cheese?

Vegan options work. They cook differently. Keep an eye on them. Might need extra time. Some brands melt oddly.

→ Getting too dark?

Turn temp down. Check often. Remove sooner. Raise oven rack. Try shorter cooking time.

→ Want crunchier results?

Bake slightly longer. Spread them thinner. Let them cool fully. Gentle heat works better. Give them plenty space.

→ Taking to parties?

Don't stack them. Use sturdy container. Keep them flat. Make some extras. Maybe add paper between layers.

→ Need more heat?

Toss in extra peppers. Choose hotter varieties. Sprinkle red pepper flakes. Try adding hot sauce. Season cheese beforehand.

→ Making lots at once?

Bake in smaller batches. Space them apart. Keep temp steady. Prepare extra parchment. Time each batch carefully.

→ Look uneven when baked?

Drop equal amounts. Try a small scoop. Shape edges neatly. Trim stray bits quickly. Wait until set before handling.

→ Want flavor variety?

Switch up your peppers. Mix in dry seasonings. Combine cheese types. Try fresh herbs. Garlic powder works well too.

Conclusion

Enjoy spice? Give zesty cheese bread a shot. Or cook peppery muffins. They both pack that awesome zing.

Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Bites

Quick fiery cheese snacks.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
22 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Bite-Sized Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (16 crisps)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 big fresh jalapeño chili.
02 1 cup grated strong cheddar cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Get your oven hot at 350°F. Put some parchment on a baking tray so your treats won't stick.

Step 02

Take out the seeds from the jalapeño while wearing gloves to keep your hands safe, then cut it into skinny circles.

Step 03

Drop tablespoon-sized piles of grated cheese onto your lined tray, making 16 little heaps.

Step 04

Lightly flatten each cheese pile with your fingertips, leaving space between them as they'll spread out.

Step 05

Set one jalapeño ring right in the middle of each cheese pile for a spicy kick.

Step 06

Pop them in the oven until they turn a rich golden color, about 12 minutes.

Step 07

Let them sit and harden on the tray for a minute or two before moving them to a plate with a small spatula.

Notes

  1. This tasty bite was slightly changed from a dish I found on buttoni.wordpress.com.
  2. Always use gloves when cutting jalapeños to avoid burning your hands.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stove.
  • Flat baking tray.
  • Baking paper.
  • Tablespoon measure.
  • Tiny spatula.
  • Hand protection.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk products.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 114
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: 7 g