Description
Savory Southern cheese delight crackers combine rich cheddar with buttery texture. Crisp edges and sharp flavor invite cheese enthusiasts to enjoy a classic Southern snack you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (473 ml) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- 8 tbsps (113 g) salted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) pecans, finely chopped
- 1 tsp (6 g) kosher salt
- ½ tsp (1 g) cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp (0.5 g) black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/8 tsp (0.25 g) garlic powder
Instructions
- Creaming: Whip softened cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, blending for approximately three minutes to create a smooth, uniform texture.
- Seasoning Integration: Sprinkle kosher salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder into the cheese mixture. Thoroughly mix to distribute spices evenly, ensuring a consistent flavor throughout.
- Dough Formation: Gradually fold in all-purpose flour, kneading gently to prevent lumps. If the dough seems dry, add minimal ice water to achieve proper consistency and bind ingredients effectively.
- Chilling Preparation: Shape the dough into two uniform cylindrical logs, each about one inch in diameter. Wrap tightly in parchment or plastic wrap, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
- Oven Preparation and Slicing: Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove chilled dough and slice into thin, eighth-inch rounds, positioning them with precise spacing on the prepared sheets.
- Baking Process: Slide baking sheets into the preheated oven, baking for approximately 15 minutes. Watch carefully as crackers transform into golden, crisp delicacies with rich coloration.
- Cooling and Finishing: Transfer freshly baked crackers to a cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature. This final step enhances their crispness and develops a more intense flavor profile.
Notes
- Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps develop stronger flavors and prevents spreading during baking, ensuring crisp and uniform crackers.
- Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut consistently thin rounds, maintaining even thickness for uniform baking and perfect cracker texture.
- Monitor Baking Carefully: Watch crackers closely during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent burning, as they can quickly transform from golden to overdone.
- Storage Secrets: Cool crackers completely before storing in an airtight container to preserve crispness and prevent moisture absorption, maintaining optimal texture for several days.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 25
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg