The Pioneer Woman’s Zesty Jalapeño Cheese Crisps Recipe

Crispy, savory cheese crisps with jalapeño kick might just become your new snack obsession.

Spicy peppers dance through melted cheese, creating an irresistible appetizer.

Sharp cheddar provides a delightful backdrop for zesty jalapeño heat.

Baking these little morsels transforms simple ingredients into crunchy perfection.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this quick recipe.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch that will make you want seconds.

Let these jalapeño cheese crisps surprise and delight your taste buds.

Jalapeño Cheese Crisps That Pack a Bite

• Spice Up Snack Time: These jalapeño cheese crisps deliver a zesty kick that transforms ordinary appetizers into an exciting, flavor-packed treat perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
• Effortless Gourmet Cooking: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, home cooks can easily create restaurant-quality crispy cheese snacks that look impressive and taste amazing.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: These cheesy, spicy crisps come together in minutes, making them an ideal last-minute appetizer for unexpected guests or spontaneous get-togethers that need a delicious and memorable snack.
• Low-Carb Indulgence: Cheese crisps offer a perfect low-carb alternative to traditional chips, satisfying crunchy snack cravings while providing a protein-rich option for health-conscious food lovers.

Jalapeño Cheese Crisps (Pioneer Woman) Ingredients

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese for the crisp base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds extra flavor and helps create crisp texture.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional spice for depth of flavor.

• Jalapeño Pepper: Fresh pepper slice for spicy kick.

• Parchment Paper, Silicone Baking Mat: Non-stick surface for even baking.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Jalapeño Cheese Crisps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Cheese Goodness

• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Smoked paprika (optional but super tasty)

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Create Cheesy Circles

Using a spoon, drop little mounds of the cheese mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them out about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each mound with the back of your spoon.

Step 4: Add Spicy Topping

Place a thin slice of jalapeño right on top of each cheese circle. This will give your crisps a zesty kick!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and looks irresistibly crispy.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cheese crisps hang out on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up and become wonderfully crunchy. Transfer to a plate and get ready to munch!

Cheese Crisp Tips from the Pioneer Woman’s Playbook

• Prevent Sticking: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure cheese crisps release easily without breaking or tearing.
• Slice Jalapeños Carefully: Wear disposable gloves when cutting peppers to protect your hands from spicy oils that can irritate skin.
• Control Spice Level: Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder crisp or leave them in for extra heat, depending on your taste preference.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties to get better melting and crispier texture.
• Perfect Spacing Technique: Keep cheese mounds at least 2 inches apart to prevent them from merging into one large crisp during baking.

Tips To Store Pioneer Woman Jalapeno Cheese Crisps

• Store cooled jalapeño cheese crisps in an airtight container between parchment paper layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain crispness and flavor.
• Carefully place crisps in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating each layer. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Avoid stacking to prevent breaking delicate edges.
• Warm crisps at 275°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crunchiness. Spread in single layer on baking sheet to prevent soggy texture.
• Let frozen or refrigerated crisps sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore original crisp texture.

What Complements Jalapeno Cheese Crisps

• Spice Up Your Drink Pairing: Choose a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial to complement the jalapeño's heat and cheese's richness.
• Cool Down the Fire: Select a creamy, chilled ranch or blue cheese dressing as a dipping sauce to balance the spicy kick of the crisps.
• Elevate the Appetizer: Match with a light, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the cheese's intensity and enhance the jalapeño's flavor.
• Craft Beer Companion: Opt for a hoppy IPA with subtle malt undertones to stand up to the smoky, spicy cheese crisps and cleanse the palate between bites.

Salmon Cranberry Salsa Topping Styles

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use gluten-free Parmesan to create a celiac-friendly crisp.
• Low-Carb Option: Use aged sharp cheddar and omit Parmesan to reduce carbohydrate content, perfect for keto dieters.
• Mild Pepper Adaptation: Substitute jalapeño with roasted green chile or bell pepper for a less spicy version that kids and heat-sensitive individuals can enjoy.
• Herb-Infused Crisp: Add dried herb blends like Italian seasoning or ranch mix directly into cheese mixture for extra flavor complexity without changing core technique.

FAQs

• Are jalapeño cheese crisps spicy?

The heat level depends on the jalapeño slice. Remove seeds for milder flavor or use fewer slices to control spiciness.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, experiment with monterey jack, pepper jack, or gouda for unique flavor variations. Sharp cheddar works best for crispiness.

• How do I prevent the cheese crisps from sticking?

Always use parchment paper or silicone mat. Non-stick surfaces help crisp easily and prevent breaking when removing from baking sheet.

• What makes these cheese crisps crispy?

Using hard, aged cheeses like parmesan and cheddar creates a crisp texture. Baking until golden brown and letting them cool helps achieve the perfect crunch.

Pioneer Woman Jalapeno Cheese Crisps Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy pioneer woman jalapeno cheese crisps bring zesty southwestern flair to snack time. Crisp edges and melted cheese deliver bold flavors that make appetizer lovers crave more.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Pepper Ingredient:

• 1 medium jalapeno, thinly sliced

Seasoning and Baking Accessories:

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meticulously prepare your workspace by heating the oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for optimal crisp formation.
2. Create a flavorful cheese blend by thoroughly combining sharp cheddar, nutty Parmesan, and smoky paprika in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Carefully drop precise mounds of the cheese mixture onto the prepared baking surface, maintaining approximately two inches of separation between each dollop.
4. Gently flatten each cheese mound using the back of a spoon, creating a uniform circular shape that will crisp evenly during baking.
5. Strategically place a delicate slice of fresh jalapeño atop each cheese circle, adding a vibrant burst of heat and color to the crisps.
6. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and allow the crisps to transform for 8-10 minutes, watching for a golden brown edges and completely melted texture.
7. Remove from the oven and permit the crisps to rest and solidify on the baking sheet for five minutes, allowing them to develop a perfectly crisp texture.
8. Delicately transfer the cooled jalapeño cheese crisps to a serving plate, ready to be enjoyed as a zesty and crunchy appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and crispy texture, avoiding pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.
• Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder flavor, or keep them for extra heat, depending on your spice tolerance.
• For a low-carb option, these cheese crisps work perfectly as a keto-friendly snack or appetizer with zero carbohydrates.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or gouda to create unique flavor profiles and add variety to the basic recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 30mg