There is something truly irresistible about the humble, crunchy delight of cheddar cheese baked into perfect little rounds that melt in your mouth with the perfect balance of flavor and texture. This Slice and Bake Cheddar Cheese Coins Recipe captures that magic effortlessly. Imagine sharp cheddar combined with a hint of spice and smoky paprika, rolled in savory everything bagel seasoning, and baked until just crisp around the edges. Whether you’re serving them for an unexpected snack, a charming appetizer, or alongside a soup, these cheddar cheese coins turn simple ingredients into a party on your palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slice and Bake Cheddar Cheese Coins Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: the sharp cheddar gives that bold cheesy punch, the flour provides structure, butter adds tenderness, and the seasonings bring just the right warm kick and aroma.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, 2 cups (8 ounces), shredded: Using room temperature cheese ensures it blends smoothly into the dough for that perfect cheese distribution.
- All-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups, spooned and leveled: This forms the base of the dough, so measure carefully for optimal texture.
- Unsalted butter, 8 tablespoons (1 stick), softened: Softened butter is key to creating a tender, easy-to-roll dough.
- Kosher salt, ½ teaspoon: Enhances the flavors without overwhelming the cheddar’s sharpness.
- Cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon (optional): Adds a gentle heat, but feel free to skip if you prefer mild flavors.
- Ground mustard powder, ¼ teaspoon: A secret weapon for a subtle zest that lifts the cheddar’s profile.
- Sweet paprika, ¼ teaspoon: Brings a hint of smoky warmth and gorgeous coloration.
- Everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds: For rolling and coating the dough logs, giving these coins a delightful crunch and amazing aroma.
How to Make Slice and Bake Cheddar Cheese Coins Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Butter and Dry Ingredients
Start with a medium bowl, combining the flour, softened butter, cayenne, paprika, mustard powder, and kosher salt. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment helps incorporate the butter evenly into the dry ingredients, creating a crumbly, sand-like texture. No mixer? No worries! Your hands will get a bit of a workout but will do the job just fine.
Step 2: Add the Cheese and Form the Dough
Next, fold in your room-temperature sharp cheddar cheese until the mixture comes together into a cohesive dough ball. If using your hands, be patient—this takes around five minutes to fully mix. You want the dough to be speckled with cheese bits and stick lightly when pressed between your fingers. This step is where the magic starts to form.
Step 3: Shape the Dough Logs
Divide the dough into two equal halves and turn them out onto a floured surface or silicone mat. If the dough isn’t fully blended, give it a gentle knead before rolling each half into a log about 8 inches long and 1.5 inches in diameter. Don’t rush—these logs are the foundation for your perfect cheddar coins.
Step 4: Coat with Seasoning and Chill
Sprinkle your work surface generously with everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds. Roll each log through the seasoning, pressing lightly so the coating clings beautifully. Then, wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for at least two hours. This chilling step firms up the dough, making slicing a breeze and ensuring they hold their shape during baking.
Step 5: Slice and Bake the Cheddar Cheese Coins
Preheat your oven to 400˚F (205˚C). Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the dough logs into coins slightly less than ¼ inch thick. Thicker slices mean a softer bite and less risk of burning, so err on the side of slightly thicker. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a little spacing. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for the edges to turn just golden brown. Once out of the oven, cool completely to let them crisp up perfectly.
How to Serve Slice and Bake Cheddar Cheese Coins Recipe
Garnishes
These cheese coins stand wonderfully on their own, but topping them with a light smear of herbaceous cream cheese or a dab of tangy fig jam takes them to the next level. A sprinkle of fresh chives or cracked black pepper adds a sophisticated finish that delights the senses.
Side Dishes
They’re a match made in heaven alongside a vibrant tomato soup or a creamy butternut squash bisque. Their crispy, cheesy texture offers the perfect counterpoint to velvety, warm bowls of comfort. Pairing with mixed greens also adds freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange these Slice and Bake Cheddar Cheese Coins Recipe treats on a wooden board surrounded by colorful veggies, olives, and cured meats. Or create mini cheese coin stacks with layers of sliced pickles for an eye-catching savory bite that guests can’t resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delightfully crisp and flavorful for up to a week. Just avoid stacking them too tightly to maintain their crunchy integrity.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough logs wrapped well in plastic wrap for up to one month. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking. This makes the recipe super convenient for planning ahead or last-minute cravings.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the cheese coins in a 350˚F (175˚C) oven for about 5 minutes, just enough to revive their crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it can make them rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for its robust flavor, try mixing in gouda, parmesan, or even pepper jack for varied tastes. Just ensure the cheese is shredded finely and at room temperature.
Why do I need to chill the dough before slicing?
Chilling firms up the butter and dough, making slicing cleaner and preventing the coins from spreading too much during baking. It helps maintain their shape and texture perfectly.
Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
For a dairy-free option, substitute vegan butter and a plant-based cheddar-style cheese. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ slightly, but the method remains the same.
What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?
No worries! You can roll the dough logs in sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or a simple mixture of garlic powder and dried herbs for a tasty alternative coating.
How thin should I slice the logs?
Slice the logs slightly less than ¼ inch thick. Thinner slices risk burning, while thicker ones might be softer but still delicious. Aim for a thickness that lets you get about 40-45 coins per log.
Final Thoughts
There is such joy in making this Slice and Bake Cheddar Cheese Coins Recipe and sharing it with loved ones. The blend of bold cheddar, fragrant spices, and crunchy coating creates bite-sized morsels perfect for nearly any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a new favorite snack, these cheese coins are guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for seconds. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start baking these crispy little gems today!
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Slice and Bake Cheddar Cheese Coins Recipe
These Slice and Bake Cheddar Cheese Coins are savory, crispy, and bursting with sharp cheddar flavor. Easy to make ahead and perfect as a snack or appetizer, these cheese crackers are rolled in everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor. They bake up golden and crisp in just 8-10 minutes, making a delicious treat that pairs well with dips or cheese boards.
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 90 cheese coins (45 per log)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (omit if sensitive to spice)
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon sweet paprika
Wet Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups (8 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and at room temperature
Topping
- Everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds, for rolling
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients and butter: In a medium mixing bowl, add the flour, softened butter, cayenne pepper, paprika, ground mustard, and salt. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix until the butter is evenly incorporated with the dry ingredients. If you don’t have a mixer, use your hands to combine thoroughly.
- Add cheddar cheese and form dough: Add the shredded cheddar to the bowl and mix with the mixer or your hands until the dough comes together into a ball. The dough should be speckled with small pieces of cheese and stick together when pressed. Hand mixing may take over 5 minutes to incorporate properly.
- Divide and roll dough logs: Divide the dough in half and transfer to a silicone baking mat or lightly floured surface. Knead briefly if needed to fully incorporate. Roll each half into an 8-inch long log about 1.5 inches in diameter with your hands.
- Coat with seasoning and chill: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds on your work surface. Roll the dough logs in the seasoning until well coated. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 hours or freeze for 30 minutes, until firm.
- Preheat oven and slice coins: Preheat your oven to 400˚F (205˚C). Using a serrated knife, slice the chilled dough logs into thin coins just under ¼ inch thick. Thicker slices are better to avoid burning. Expect about 45 coins per log.
- Bake the cheese coins: Place the coins on a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet with a little space between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges begin to lightly brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Store and serve: Once cooled, store the cheddar cheese coins in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days. Enjoy as a savory snack or paired with your favorite dips and cheese boards.
Notes
- Room temperature cheese and butter help in better incorporation of ingredients.
- Rolling the dough logs in seasoning prior to chilling ensures better flavor adherence.
- Slice coins just under ¼ inch thick to prevent burning during baking.
- These cheese coins keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.
- You can omit cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
