Description
Cheesy Southern Cheese Crisps deliver a crispy, golden-brown delight that melts in your mouth with irresistible Southern charm. Savory, simple ingredients combine to create a perfect snack that will keep guests coming back for more.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Nuts:
- 2 cups (473 ml) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (60 g) finely chopped pecans
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon (1 g) cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.25 g) garlic powder
Base Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- 8 tablespoons (113 g) salted butter, softened
Instructions
- Whip the shredded cheese and softened butter together in a mixer until the mixture becomes airy and smooth, creating a light base for the cheese crisps.
- Introduce a flavor profile by blending in salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder into the fluffy cheese mixture, ensuring a robust and zesty seasoning.
- Gradually fold flour into the seasoned mixture, incorporating it carefully to develop a consistent dough. If the mixture appears dry, introduce a few drops of ice water to enhance its cohesiveness.
- Mold the dough into two cylindrical logs, approximately one inch in diameter, and encase them in parchment or plastic wrap for protection.
- Refrigerate the wrapped logs for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the dough to solidify and become more manageable for slicing.
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.
- Slice the chilled logs into delicate rounds, approximately 1/8 inch thick, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets with minimal spacing.
- Bake the cheese rounds until their edges transform into a delicate golden hue, typically around 15 minutes.
- Transfer the freshly baked crisps to a cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and develop their signature crisp texture.
Notes
- Cheese selection dramatically impacts the crispness and taste, so opt for high-quality, freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties.
- Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading and maintaining the crisp’s structured shape during baking.
- Precise thickness when slicing determines the cracker’s texture – too thick results in softer edges, while too thin causes quick burning.
- Cayenne and black pepper create a subtle heat profile that elevates these cheese crisps from ordinary to extraordinary snacking experience.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, ensuring uniform distribution of spices and achieving a consistent dough texture.
- Storing in an airtight container keeps these crisps fresh and crunchy for several days, making them perfect for advanced preparation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg