Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated
60 pecan halves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Butter and Worcestershire Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and Worcestershire sauce together until creamy.
Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and freshly ground black pepper.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
Add Cheese:
Fold in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 2: Shape the Wafers
Form the Dough:
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Press with Pecans:
Place the dough balls onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Press a pecan half onto the top of each dough ball, flattening it slightly.
Step 3: Bake the Wafers
Bake:
Bake the wafers in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the wafers to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Serve
Serve:
Serve the Southern Pecan Cheese Wafers at room temperature as a savory snack or appetizer. They pair well with a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail.