Savory Parmesan Shortbread Rounds

Savory Parmesan Shortbread Rounds
45 min.
24
114kcal

Suggestions

If you're on the lookout for a snack that marries elegance with a bold flavor punch, these Savory Parmesan Shortbread Rounds are sure to become your new favorite. Imagine buttery, crumbly shortbread infused with sharp, nutty Parmesan cheese and a subtle kick of cayenne pepper that teases your taste buds without overwhelming them. It’s a delightful twist on a classic treat, perfect for serving at cocktail parties, afternoon teas, or just as an indulgent nibble with your favorite glass of wine.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its satisfying balance of flavors and textures. The dough is enriched with cold, unsalted butter, which creates a tender crumb while ensuring the rounds hold their shape during baking. A hint of garlic adds depth without overshadowing the Parmesan’s rich, savory notes, and the coarse kosher salt lends the perfect finishing crunch. Plus, they bake up beautifully golden on the bottom with a delicate dryness on top that practically melts in your mouth.

These shortbread rounds deliver both on taste and convenience, ready in just 45 minutes and easily prepared ahead of time. You can make them up to a week in advance and keep them fresh at room temperature or pop them in the freezer for later. Each bite-sized round, at just 114 calories, makes for an indulgent yet measured treat. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply craving something special to snack on, these Parmesan Shortbread Rounds hit the spot with a sophisticated yet approachable flavor profile you won’t want to miss.

Ingredients

  • 1.8 cups flour 
  • pinch ground pepper 
  • teaspoon kosher salt 
  • 0.5 small garlic clove minced
  • 0.8 cup parmesan cheese grated ()
  • cup butter unsalted chilled cut into 1/2-inch cubes (2 sticks)

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • baking paper
  • oven

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix flour, 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic, and cayenne pepper in processor.
  3. Add butter and, using on/off turns, process until dough begins to come together. Gather dough into ball. Divide dough in half.
  4. Roll each half into 12-inch log, and cut each log into 1-inch pieces.
  5. Roll each piece into ball. Arrange dough balls on prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 1/2 inches apart. Press each ball into 2-inch-diameter round.
  6. Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese over.
  7. Bake shortbread rounds until tops are dry and bottoms are golden brown, about 20 minutes.
  8. Transfer shortbread rounds to rack and cool completely. DO AHEAD: Shortbread rounds can be made 1 week ahead. Store rounds in airtight container at room temperature, or freeze up to 1 month.

Nutrition Facts

Calories114kcal
Protein6.79%
Fat67.58%
Carbs25.63%

Properties

Glycemic Index
5.71
Glycemic Load
5.04
Inflammation Score
-2
Nutrition Score
2.123043489116%

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:114.26kcal
5.71%
Fat:8.64g
13.29%
Saturated Fat:5.36g
33.48%
Carbohydrates:7.37g
2.46%
Net Carbohydrates:7.12g
2.59%
Sugar:0.03g
0.04%
Cholesterol:23.05mg
7.68%
Sodium:152.82mg
6.64%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:1.95g
3.9%
Selenium:4.29µg
6.13%
Vitamin A:265.13IU
5.3%
Vitamin B1:0.07mg
4.87%
Folate:17.16µg
4.29%
Vitamin B2:0.06mg
3.48%
Manganese:0.07mg
3.33%
Phosphorus:32.03mg
3.2%
Calcium:31.44mg
3.14%
Vitamin B3:0.55mg
2.73%
Iron:0.44mg
2.45%
Vitamin E:0.24mg
1.61%
Zinc:0.21mg
1.39%
Vitamin D:0.16µg
1.05%
Source:Epicurious