Description
Homemade cheesy pecan delights combine Southern comfort with elegant appetizer charm. Crisp pastry shells cradle rich cheese and toasted pecans, offering guests a perfect bite-sized indulgence you’ll savor at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 8 tbsps (113 g) butter, salted and softened
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) flour, all-purpose
- ½ cup (60 g) pecans, finely chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Mixture Preparation: Whip cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the seasoned crackers.
- Seasoning Fusion: Incorporate kosher salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution of bold, zesty flavors.
- Dough Formation: Gently fold in all-purpose flour, mixing until a consistent, malleable dough forms without overworking the mixture.
- Log Shaping: Divide the seasoned dough into two equal portions, rolling each into uniform logs approximately 1 inch in diameter, then wrap tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- Chilling Process: Refrigerate the wrapped logs for at least 30 minutes to solidify the dough and enhance flavor melding, allowing the seasonings to fully penetrate.
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for optimal baking.
- Slicing and Arranging: Retrieve chilled logs and slice into thin, delicate rounds about 1/8 inch thick, positioning them carefully on prepared baking sheets with minimal spacing.
- Baking and Finishing: Bake for 14-16 minutes until edges transform to a golden-brown hue and centers appear set, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and crisp texture development.
Notes
- Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerating logs for at least 30 minutes ensures firmer texture and prevents spreading during baking.
- Slice Consistently: Use a sharp knife and maintain uniform 1/8-inch thickness to guarantee even baking and professional-looking results.
- Watch Browning Carefully: Golden edges indicate doneness; avoid overbaking to preserve delicate, crisp texture and rich cheese flavor.
- Store Smartly: Once completely cooled, store in airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 22
- Calories: 144
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 156 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3.5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg