🧀🌰 Buttery, Flaky & Perfectly Spiced!
These Southern-style cheese crackers are irresistibly crisp with sharp cheddar, toasted pecans, and a hint of cayenne—like a gourmet upgrade to store-bought cheese crackers. Perfect for holiday parties, game day, or fancy snacking!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Rich, buttery texture – Melts in your mouth
✅ Savory-sweet balance – Toasted pecans + sharp cheddar
✅ Make-ahead magic – Dough keeps for 3 days in the fridge or 1 month frozen
✅ Customizable heat – Adjust cayenne to taste
📋 Ingredients
Cheese & Fat
- 200g (2 cups) sharp cheddar, freshly shredded
- 115g (½ cup) salted butter, softened
Seasonings
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (reduce to ¼ tsp for mild)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
Nuts & Dry Ingredients
- 60g (½ cup) pecans, finely chopped
- 190g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1–2 tbsp ice water (if needed)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cream Cheese & Butter
- In a bowl, beat cheddar + butter with a mixer for 3 mins until fluffy.
2️⃣ Add Seasonings
- Mix in salt, cayenne, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3️⃣ Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add flour in 3 parts, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in pecans.
- If dough is crumbly, add 1–2 tbsp ice water.
4️⃣ Shape & Chill
- Divide dough in half, roll into 2.5cm (1-inch) logs, and wrap in parchment.
- Refrigerate 30+ mins (or freeze for firmer slices).
5️⃣ Slice & Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets.
- Cut logs into 3mm (⅛-inch) rounds, place ½ cm apart.
- Bake 15 mins until golden edges. Cool completely.
💡 Pro Tips
🔹 Freshly grate cheese – Pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly.
🔹 Toast pecans first – 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 mins for deeper flavor.
🔹 Uniform slices – Use a bench scraper for clean cuts.
🔹 Extra flair – Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with flaky salt before baking.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
✨ Perfect with:
- Wine & cheese boards (pair with fruit preserves)
- Soup or chili (instead of croutons)
- Charcuterie spreads
🎉 Great for:
- Holiday cookie tins
- Gift-giving (package in mason jars)
- Tailgating snacks
🌶 Flavor Variations
- Bacon-cheddar – Add ¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- Everything bagel – Roll logs in everything seasoning before slicing
- Smoky version – Use smoked cheddar + ½ tsp smoked paprika
📊 Nutrition (Per 10 Crackers)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 11g
🧀 Final Thoughts
These Southern Cheese & Pecan Crackers are elegant yet easy—buttery, nutty, and just spicy enough to keep you reaching for more. They’re far superior to store-bought and worth every minute of prep!
Chef’s secret: For extra crispiness, bake an extra 2–3 mins (watch closely!).
Tag your creations #CheesePecanCrackers! 📸🌰
Want to make them gluten-free? Swap flour for 1:1 GF blend! 🌾
