Cowboy Cheese Bites Recipes

JALAPENO CHEESE CRISPS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
• Sprinkle the jalapeno slices around one of the prepared baking sheets in a single layer. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes; this will remove some of the moisture from the jalapeno and help ensure your cheese crisps live up to the crisp in their name. Transfer to a bowl.
• Meanwhile, mix the cheeses together in a medium bowl.
• Using a tablespoon measure, spoon mounds of the cheese mixture onto the lined baking sheets, 1 to 1 1/2 inches apart from each other. Press a jalapeno slice into the center of each mound. Bake until golden and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Allow the crisps to cool slightly before handling, then serve. Or let cool completely and store in an airtight container.

CHEESE STRAWS

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment.
• Lightly roll out the sheet of pastry into a 10-by-12-inch rectangle, then brush with the melted butter. Sprinkle over the Cheddar, cayenne and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan. Using the rolling pin, press the cheese into the pastry. Cut the pastry into 12 strips. Twist each strip about 5 times and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Place in the freezer for 20 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Mix together the egg and 1 teaspoon water in a small bowl, brush the strips with the mixture and sprinkle over the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Bake until golden brown and puffed, 10 to 12 minutes.

CHILI CHEESE GRILLED CHEESE BITES

Steps:

• Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the beef in a thin, single layer and cook, undisturbed, until the bottom begins to brown, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the seasoning. Mix the garlic powder, cayenne, cinnamon, cumin, mustard powder, onion powder and paprika and 2 teaspoons salt in a small bowl. Check to make sure the bottom of the beef is a brown color, add the seasoning, then stir to combine and cook for 4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until the mixture is brick red, about 1 minute. Stir in 3 ounces of water, then remove from the heat.
• Preheat a large nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat.
• Place 4 of the bread slices on a work surface. On each slice, spread 1 tablespoon (0.5 ounce) of cream cheese, then top with 1 heaping tablespoon of Cheddar and set aside.
• Spread 2 heaping tablespoons of the chili on 4 more of the bread slices.
• Place 2 heaping tablespoons of Cheddar on the top left corner of the pan, spreading it out so it resembles the shape of a brioche slice as much as possible. Repeat three more times to create 4 squares or rectangles.
• Place each cheese-topped bread slice, cheese-side up, on top of a square of melting Cheddar. Top each with a chili-topped bread slice, chili-side up. Cook until the cheese starts to turn dark, golden yellow around the edges and is slightly crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer the sandwiches to a plate.
• Place 2 heaping tablespoons of Cheddar on the top left corner of the pan, spreading it out so it resembles the shape of a brioche slice as much as possible. Repeat three more times to create 4 squares or rectangles.
• Place each of the 4 remaining bread slices on top of a square of melting Cheddar. Top with the sandwiches, chili-side down. Cook until the bottoms are crunchy and golden, about 5 minutes more. Transfer to a cutting board. Cut each sandwich into 4 squares and serve immediately.