🧀 Homemade Pimento Cheese Squares 🧀 🟡 Perfectly crispy, cheesy bites to brighten your snack time – your taste buds will thank you! 🟡 🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️ - 1 tsp ground mustard - 1 4 oz jar diced pimentos (drained and finely chopped) - 2.5 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese 🧀 - 1.5 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tsp salt 🧂 - 1/2 tsp chili flakes - 1/2 cup olive oil 🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳 1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to avoid any sticking. 2️⃣ Thoroughly drain the pimentos and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Chop them finely and set them aside. 3️⃣ In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground mustard, and chili flakes. Toss in the chopped pimentos, ensuring they are well-coated by the dry ingredients. 4️⃣ In a separate bowl, beat the shredded cheddar cheese, olive oil, and salt together until it forms a cohesive mixture. Gradually add the flour mixture and combine until it just comes together. Use your hands to gently knead the dough, evenly distributing the pimentos. 5️⃣ Lightly dust a flat surface with flour. Divide the dough into two equal-sized portions and roll each portion out to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter of your choice, cut the dough into shapes and transfer the pieces to the prepared baking sheets. Place them about 1 inch apart. 6️⃣ Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes. For a perfect golden crisp, 17 minutes often works best, but keep an eye on them to suit your preference. 7️⃣ Remove from the oven, transfer to a wire rack, and allow the cheese squares to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. 🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎 Per Serving (Approximate): - Calories: 170 - Carbohydrates: 12g - Protein: 6g - Fat: 11.5g - Sodium: 240mg 💡 Tips and Tricks 💡 - Shelf Life: These delicious bites will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature if stored airtight. For those in warmer climates, refrigerate instead. - Reheating: Pop them in a toaster oven for a quick re-crisp before serving. Let cool slightly before enjoying. - Customization: Want a spicier kick? Add an extra pinch of chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika. - Shape Fun: Use cookie cutters in fun designs to make the experience even more enjoyable for kids or holiday celebrations. ⏳ Preparation time 🍴 Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 17 minutes | Serving: 6-8 servings