The Dreamiest Cheesy Pecan Delights Recipe You Must Try

Cheesy pecan delights enhance ordinary snacking into a delectable adventure of rich, nutty flavors.

Crisp, golden edges hint at the irresistible texture waiting to tantalize your taste buds.

These savory treats blend sharp cheese undertones with the warm, earthy essence of toasted pecans.

Crafted with precision and passion, each bite promises a symphony of contrasting sensations that dance across your palate.

The delicate balance between creamy and crunchy creates an addictive quality that keeps you reaching for more.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these delights elevate simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that appeals to both casual nibblers and serious food enthusiasts.

Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that celebrates the art of unexpected flavor combinations.

Cheesy Pecans: A Flavorful Snack

• Unleash Savory Flavor Explosion: These delightful bites pack an incredible punch of rich cheese, buttery goodness, and subtle spicy undertones from cayenne and garlic powder that dance across your taste buds.
• Master Quick and Easy Technique: The recipe offers a simple slice-and-bake method that transforms basic ingredients into elegant, professional-looking appetizers in under an hour, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Create Versatile Party Snacks: These crispy, delicate cheese wafers work brilliantly as cocktail party nibbles, game day treats, or sophisticated appetizers that can be prepared well in advance and stored easily.
• Enjoy Irresistible Texture Contrast: Experience a satisfying crunch from the perfectly baked edges combined with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center that provides a delightful sensory experience with every bite.

Ingredients for Cheesy Pecans

• Cream Cheese: Soft, tangy base that provides rich, creamy texture to the appetizer.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, fluffy mixture with excellent flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together for perfect consistency.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the richness of cheese and butter.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the savory appetizer.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces a gentle heat and slight kick to the cheese mixture.
• Garlic Powder: Brings a deep, aromatic flavor without adding moisture.

• Pecans: Offers a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to complement the cheesy base.

How to Make Cheesy Pecans

Step 1: Cream Cheese and Butter

Beat cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters

• Kosher salt
• Cayenne pepper
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Step 3: Blend in Flour

Gradually add all-purpose flour, at a time, stirring gently until a smooth dough forms. Mix carefully to maintain the perfect texture.

Step 4: Shape Dough Logs

Roll the dough into 2 logs, each 1-inch in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap, securing the ends. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Station

Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Slice and Arrange

Remove chilled dough logs and slice into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Place slices about 1/4 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until edges turn light golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer baked treats to a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely to achieve the ideal crispy texture. Serve and savor these delightful cheese crackers!

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Pecans

• Chill for Success: Refrigerate the dough logs for at least 30 minutes to help them maintain shape and develop richer flavors during baking.
• Even Slicing Technique: Use a sharp knife and slice the logs consistently at 1/8-inch thickness to ensure uniform baking and crispy texture.
• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter and cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better dough consistency.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to match your preferred heat intensity without overwhelming the cheese flavor.
• Perfect Cooling Strategy: Let crackers cool completely on the rack to achieve a satisfying crisp texture that crumbles delicately when bitten.

Storing and Reheating Cheesy Pecans

• Refrigerate: Store cooled Cheesy Pecan Delights in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain their crisp texture and rich flavor. Protect them from moisture and strong-smelling foods.
• Freeze: Wrap the crackers tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or place in a sealed freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing their delicate crunch. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Reheat: Restore crispness by warming crackers in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even heating.

Pairing Cheesy Pecans with Drinks

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enjoy these savory cheese wafers with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the rich, buttery flavor and complements the sharp cheese notes.
• Match with Charcuterie Board: Serve these delicate crackers alongside cured meats, olives, and soft cheeses to create a stunning appetizer spread that highlights their delicate texture and bold seasonings.
• Complement with Light Salad: Balance the intense cheesy flavor by pairing with a fresh arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, providing a bright, tangy contrast to the rich pecan delights.
• Elevate with Sparkling Cocktail: Sip a dry champagne or prosecco to enhance the cracker's peppery undertones and create a sophisticated pre-dinner snacking experience.

Cheesy Pecans: Fun Variations

• Spicy Cheddar Crunch: Replace the cheese with sharp cheddar and increase cayenne pepper for a bolder, zestier flavor profile that packs a punch.
• Herb-Infused Cheese Wafers: Mix in fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage to create an aromatic savory shortbread with elegant herbal undertones.
• Smoky Blue Cheese Rounds: Swap original cheese for crumbled blue cheese and add a dash of smoked paprika to develop a rich, complex taste that elevates the classic recipe.
• Parmesan Pecan Crisps: Incorporate grated parmesan cheese and sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking for an extra nutty, crisp texture that adds depth and crunch.

Cheesy Pecan Delights Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cheesy Pecan Delights bring Southern comfort to your table with a perfect blend of sharp cheddar and toasted pecans. Crisp, golden crackers offer a delightful crunch that will make you crave more of this irresistible appetizer.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Dairy:

• 2 cups (480 ml) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 tablespoons (113 grams) salted butter, softened

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60 grams) finely chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cream together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer, whipping until the mixture becomes light and airy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Introduce a blend of seasonings including kosher salt, cayenne pepper, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder into the creamy mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
3. Gradually fold in all-purpose flour, adding at a time and gently mixing to create a smooth, cohesive dough that holds together without becoming tough.
4. Divide the seasoned dough into two equal portions and carefully roll each portion into uniform logs measuring approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter.
5. Wrap each log tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap, securing the ends by twisting to create a compact shape. Refrigerate the logs for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the dough to firm up.
6. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
7. Remove the chilled dough logs and slice them into thin rounds approximately 1/8 inch (3 millimeters) thick using a sharp knife.
8. Arrange the sliced rounds on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1/4 inch (6 millimeters) apart to ensure even baking.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden brown and the centers appear set.
10. Transfer the baked Cheesy Pecan Delights to a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool completely, which will help them achieve a crisp and delicate texture.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is crucial for developing a rich, buttery flavor and ensuring the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Use room temperature cheese and butter for a smoother, more evenly mixed base that blends seamlessly.
• Slice the logs with a sharp knife to create uniform, thin wafers that bake evenly and look professionally made.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level, making these savory cookies adaptable to different taste preferences.
• Parchment paper is essential for preventing sticking and achieving a perfectly golden bottom without burning.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture and keep them fresh for several days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 115 kcal
• Sugar: 0.1 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg