Description
Cheddar Rice Crispy Bites offer a savory twist on classic sweet treats, blending sharp cheddar cheese with crispy rice for an irresistible snack. Cheesy, crunchy, and perfect for gatherings, these bites will become your new go-to party appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (470 ml) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups (240 g) flour
- 2 cups (50 g) Rice Krispie cereal
- 1 cup (227 g) butter
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus more for sprinkling
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Fire up the oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning the rack in the center to ensure even heat distribution.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, whip the butter and shredded cheddar cheese using an electric mixer until the mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous blend with no visible lumps.
- Gradually introduce the flour into the creamy base, then gently stir in the Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Blend thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula until the ingredients are completely integrated and the dough begins to hold together.
- Delicately fold the Rice Krispies cereal into the seasoned dough, ensuring an even dispersion of the crispy morsels throughout the mixture.
- Utilizing a teaspoon, carefully shape the dough into compact, bite-sized spheres approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
- Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving modest spaces between each morsel.
- Gently press down on each ball using the tines of a fork, creating a slight flattened profile and adding a decorative crosshatch pattern.
- Sprinkle a whisper of additional cayenne pepper atop each creation for an extra hint of warmth and complexity.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a delectable golden brown and the surface develops a satisfying crispness.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cheddar rice crispy bites to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling.
Notes
- Perfectly balance the savory cheddar cheese with a crispy Rice Krispies texture for an unexpected appetizer that surprises party guests.
- Prepare ingredients at room temperature to ensure smooth blending and optimal dough consistency when mixing butter and cheese.
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for more intense flavor and better melting properties compared to pre-shredded alternatives.
- Spicy cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick that complements the rich cheese, creating a complex and memorable bite-sized snack.
- Flatten cookies gently with a fork to create classic ridged edges and ensure even baking throughout each crispy morsel.
- Store cooled bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their satisfying crunch and robust cheesy flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg