Spicy Candied Orange and Black Pepper Cheese Bites

This recipe involves layering melted cheese with cracked black pepper and candied orange peel on thin crackers. The dish is assembled by toasting and combining these ingredients, resulting in crunchy bites with bursts of spicy and sweet flavors, finished with a golden appearance and slightly crisp texture.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: fusion

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup shredded salty cheese (e.g., Gruyère or aged cheddar) preferably grated for easy melting
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper coarsely cracked
2 tablespoons candied orange peel finely chopped
8 small crackers plain crackers

Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Saucepan
Spatula
Cheese grater
Knife

Method

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the crackers in a single layer.
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the shredded cheese until smooth and gooey, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cheese should be glossy and fully melted.
1 cup shredded salty cheese (e.g., Gruyère or aged cheddar)
Sprinkle the cracked black pepper and chopped candied orange peel evenly over the melted cheese. Continue stirring until well combined, about 30 seconds.
1 cup shredded salty cheese (e.g., Gruyère or aged cheddar)
Spoon or pipe small dollops of the cheese mixture onto each cracker, covering the surface. Use a spatula to spread evenly if needed.
Bake in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden around the edges. Watch closely to prevent over-browning.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly until the cheese firms up and develops a crispy texture. Serve immediately as a crunchy, flavorful snack or appetizer.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of sea salt before baking. Adjust the amount of orange peel for sweetness to taste.