Pecan Cheese Rounds

By MarieR

Crisp and cheesy with a nutty crunch, these crackers put their store-bought counterparts to shame.
October 2018, TASTE OF THE SOUTH, page 32

Ingredients

• MAKES 40
• 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup finely ground pecans
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 40 pecan halves or 1/3 cup roughly
• chopped pecans

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a large bowl, beat cheese and butter with a mixer at medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add flour, ground pecans, and salt, beating just until combined. Shape into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350°. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to !/4-inch thickness. Using a 1 3/4-inch round cutter, cut 40 rounds from dough, rerolling scraps as necessary. Place 1/2 inch apart on prepared pan. Gently place 1 pecan half on each slice, or sprinkle with chopped pecans.
4. Bake until pale golden brown, about 12 minutes. Remove from pan, and let cool completely on wire racks.