🧀 Southern Cheese Crackers 🧀

Bring a Touch of Homemade Delight to Your Snack Time! Perfect for parties or a cozy evening at home.

🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️
- 🧈 8 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 🧄 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 🧂 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 🧀 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳
1. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the shredded cheddar cheese and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 3 minutes.
2. Incorporate the kosher salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper into the cheese mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed for a nice savory kick.
3. Gradually add the flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until a cohesive dough forms. If the mixture seems dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of ice water to help it bind.
4. Divide the dough into two portions and roll each into a log approximately 1 inch in diameter. Wrap the logs in parchment or plastic wrap, twist the ends to seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial as it helps in slicing and maintaining the shape of the crackers.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
6. Remove the dough logs from the refrigerator, unwrap, and slice into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 1/4 inch apart.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crackers are lightly golden and crisp.
8. Transfer the baked crackers to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before serving.

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎
- Calories: 70 per cracker
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 95mg

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡
- For an extra pop of flavor, sprinkle a bit of sea salt or smoked paprika over the crackers before baking.
- Keep these scrumptious crackers in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh and tasty for up to a week.

⏳ Preparation time ⏳
Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Serving: Makes about 40-60 crackers

Enjoy these delightfully crispy Southern Cheese Crackers at your next gathering or as a savory treat during your workday! They are sure to be a hit!