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    Home > Appetizers and Snacks > Cheese Wafers with Pecans

    Cheese Wafers with Pecans

    Published: May 18, 2023 by Kathleen · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Cheese Wafers with Pecans is a shortcut recipe for cheddar cheese crackers with chopped pecans stirred in the dough and crowned with a pecan half on top! These cheese pecan wafers taste like a cross between the traditional Southern cheese straw and a pecan-covered cheese ball.

    Stack of cheese wafers with pecans on top with one in foreground with bite taken out.

    Thank you to my friends at Whaley Pecan Company for sponsoring this post.

    I've been making the old-fashioned version of these cheese wafers for decades where you hand-shred a block of cheddar cheese, shape the dough into a log, then slice and bake them into wafer-thin, cheese "crackers".

    Not any more!

    Almost every recipe you come across for crispy cheese wafers will insist that pre-shredded cheese is a "no-no". And for good reason! Pre-shredded cheese is lightly coated with a powdery, anti-caking agent for the sole purpose of keeping the cheese from sticking together.

    This is exactly why shredding your own cheddar cheese is always recommended... to help the cheese stick together in the dough...until, now!

    Open up that bag of pre-shredded cheese!

    Stack of 3 cheese wafers with pecan half on top on a white plate.

    What's the trick?

    Why this shortcut recipe works

    My daughter has been perfecting what she calls "her signature party recipe", kind of a Cheddar cheese "cookie" with a thumbprint dollop of pepper jelly in the center.

    Wait for it... She uses pre-shredded cheese!

    Her trick to getting the cheese incorporated into the dough and avoid a dry, crumbly mess?

    The food processor. Not a mixer.

    The knife blade of the food processor pulverizes the pre-shredded cheese, so I added that technique in this recipe.

    Also, I first "beat" the softened butter in the food processor, then add the cheese before adding the flour. This helps form a perfectly smooth dough.

    Stack of 3 cheese wafers with pecans inside and on top on a wire rack.

    Now, to gild the lily, I've added the nutty flavor and added crunch of pecans to this recipe for cheese wafers. Again, think "toasted pecans covering a cheddar cheese ball" to imagine the flavor combo.

    You can dress them up with a whole pecan on the top. Stir in finely chopped pecans in the dough, or both!

    Stack of 3 cheese wafers with pe can topped wafers in background.

    I've also made a few from this batch without pecans.

    Shortcuts

    Just having 4 ingredients in this easy appetizer recipe is a shortcut in itself, but this one is loaded with shortcuts!

    • Using the food processor allows you to use pre-shredded cheddar cheese.
    • I show you my trick to softening butter in seconds so you don't have to wait for it to come to room temperature, like watching paint dry!
    • Rolling this cheese straw dough into balls and flattening them is less effort than extruding the dough through a cheese straw press.
    • No need to chill this dough before shaping or baking!

    Serve these crunchy cheese wafers along with my Pimento Cheese on a charcuterie board or in a Jarcuterie arrangement for your next holiday party, finger food potluck or baby shower.

    Ingredients

    What you will need to make this cheese wafer recipe.

    Scroll down to printable recipe for exact ingredient quantities.

    Ingredients for Cheese Wafers with Pecans.
    • Cheddar Cheese- Finely shredded cheddar cheese works best when using pre-shredded cheese in this recipe. You can also shred your own from a block of cheese.
    • Butter- Eliminate one ingredient by using salted butter. If using unsalted butter, add 1/4 teaspoon salt.
    • Flour- Use all-purpose flour for the best results. I haven't tried it with self-rising flour, but I imagine, you'll get a fluffy cheddar cheese cookies, rather than crunchy cheese wafers.
    • Pecans- For the finely chopped pecans inside the dough, you can chop pecan halves from the same bag you're putting on top of the wafers. Or, use pecan pieces and even as finely chopped as Whaley's pecan meal.

    To make sure you are getting this year's crop of pecans, order your pecans from Whaley Pecan Company in Troy, Alabama.

    I give you substitutions and flavor variations later in the post, too.

    White tray of cheese wafers with pecans served as holiday appetizers with silver Christmas tree in background.
    A row of overlapping cheese wafers with pecans on top next to a baby shower blanket.

    Don't wait for the holidays or a party to make this easy cheese appetizer. This cheese crackers recipe is also perfect for wedding and baby showers, and even game day food.

    How to make cheese wafers with pecans

    Scroll down to the bottom for the printable recipe with detailed instructions.

    Note: If you don't have a food processor, shred an 8-ounce block of cheddar cheese and use a stand mixer to blend the dough together.

    Stick of butter in wrapping on a microwave's turn table.
    Butter cut in cubes in an open food processor with a bag of shredded cheese on surface next to it.
    • My shortcut trick to softening butter is to microwave (1200 watt) the whole stick straight from the fridge for 9 seconds on HIGH. Flip the stick of butter to the opposite side and microwave another 9 seconds.
    • Cut the butter in 4 pieces and place in a 14-cup food processor.
    Whipped butter in an open food processor.
    Shredded cheese and butter in an open food processor.
    • Pulse the butter, scraping down the sides between pulses.
    • Add the cheese and pulse until combined, scraping down sides between pulses.
    Cheese wafer dough in an open food processor.
    Chef knife next to chopped and whole pecans on a cutting board.
    • Add the flour and pulse until mixture forms a ball on the side of the bowl.

    Pro Tip: Pick out any broken pecan halves in the bag, first, and chop those for inside the dough, leaving the whole halves to put on top.

    Scooped balls of cheese wafers lined up on a parchment paper covered cookie sheet.
    Rolled balls of cheese wafers lined up on a parchment paper covered cookie sheet.
    • Using a cookie scoop or your fingers, divide dough into 1 tablespoon portions.
    • Then, roll each portion into balls and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

    You can make the cheese wafers "bite-size" using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop and two-bite-size using a 2 tablespoon scoop. Baking times are given in the printable recipe at the bottom of the post.

    Finger tips pressing down on cheese wafer balls on a cookie sheet.
    Parchment covered cookie sheet with uncooked cheese wafers and pecans on top.
    • Using your fingertips, gently flatten the cheese wafer balls.
    • Place a pecan half on top of each one and press down slightly.

    No need to roast the pecans before baking these cheddar pecan wafers. The pecan halves will roast while baking on top of the dough.

      Baked cheese pecan wafers on baking sheet.
      Cheese wafer crackers on wire cooling rack.
      • Bake according to printable recipe below. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet 1 minute.
      • Remove the cheese and pecan wafers to a wire rack to cool completely.
      Stack of pecan cheese wafers on white platter.

      Stack these pecan wafers in a cellophane bags and tie a ribbon around it to give as food gifts for teacher appreciation day, welcome a new neighbor, or as a special thank you to a friend.

      I also make these for my husband (mortgage lender) to give to his new home owners and real estate agents as closing gifts.

      Substitutions & Variations

      This is an easy cheese cracker recipe, plus you can add extra flavor. Here's how:

      • Spicy Cheese Crackers: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne) when adding the flour.
      • Cheddar Pennies: Make these it a 3 ingredient recipe without pecans and
      • Parmesan Wafers: Mix in 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese. No need to take away any Cheddar cheese. Just add the Parm.
      • Rice Krispie Cheese Wafers: It may sound a little odd, but stirring in 3/4 cup of puffed rice cereal like Rice Krispies instead of chopped pecans (or in addition to), before shaping into balls adds a ton of crunch.
      Stack of 3 cheese wafers with pecans inside and on top on a wire rack.
      Chopped pecans inside and pecan half on top of cheese wafers.
      Stack of 3 cheese wafers with pecan on top.
      Pecan half pressed into top of cheese wafers.
      Stack of 3 cheese wafers with pe
can topped wafers in background.
      Cheddar Pennies: Cheese wafers.

      Helpful Information

      What are cheese wafers?

      Cheese wafers are bite-size, thin cheesy treats traditionally made with Cheddar cheese, butter, flour, and sometimes cayenne pepper. They can be eaten as a snack or served as an appetizer.

      Can I make Cheese Wafers with Pecans in advance?

      Yes! Cheese wafers are a make ahead recipe in several stages. The dough can be refrigerated until ready to roll into balls. The flattened balls can be frozen until ready to bake. And the baked cheddar cheese wafers can be frozen and reheated when ready to serve.

      What to serve with cheese wafer crackers

      • Cheese and charcuterie boards: Create an attractive arrangement of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, and condiments along with cheese wafers to add a crunchy element.
      • Dips and spreads: Serve a variety of dips and spreads like my Bacon Tomato Dip, Lima Bean Dip and Pimento Cheese with Fire Roasted Peppers, alongside these homemade cheese crackers.
      • Fresh Fruit: Add a refreshing touch to your party spread by including fresh fruits like grapes, apples and berries.

      How to store

      Frozen unbaked pecan cheese wafers placed in freezer bag for storage.
      Freeze unbaked cheese wafers on parchment, then store in freezer bags until ready to bake.
      Baked pecan cheese wafers placed in airtight container for freezer storage.
      Store baked cheese wafers in airtight containers or resealable bags.
      • To Store. Let pecan cheese wafers cool completely in airtight container or resealable storage bag in the refrigerator up to one week.
      • To freeze: For longer-term storage, freeze wafers baked wafers in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 3 months.
      • To reheat from frozen. Reheat frozen cheese wafers in an air fryer or oven at 350 degrees for 30 seconds up to 2 minutes or until slightly warm. Or, allow to thaw and come to room temperature before serving.

      Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. Be social and share, y'all! Don't forget to sign up with your email so you don’t miss a single post on my Southern shortcut recipes!

      If you make this recipe I'd love to see it! Tag me on social media with #gritsandgouda or @gritsandgouda. Leave a comment below the printable recipe if you have questions or tell me how you liked the recipe. Don't forget to rate it 5 stars if you love it!

      Want more easy pecan recipes?

      • 3 Ingredient Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
      • Dark Chocolate Pecan Clusters
      • Cast Iron Skillet Pecan Pie
      • Maple Pecan Tassies
      Stack of 3 cheese wafers with pecan half on top on a white plate.
      Print Recipe
      5 from 1 vote

      Cheese Wafers with Pecans

      Cheese Wafers with Pecans is a shortcut recipe for Cheddar cheese crackers with chopped pecans stirred in the dough and crowned with a whole pecan on top! These cheese pecan wafers taste like a cross between the traditional Southern cheese straw and a pecan-covered cheese ball.
      Prep Time15 minutes mins
      Cook Time15 minutes mins
      Total Time30 minutes mins
      Course: Appetizer, brunch, Snack
      Servings: 32 servings
      Calories: 85kcal
      Author: Kathleen Phillips | GritsAndGouda.com
      Cost: 8
      Prevent your screen from going dark

      Equipment

      • 1 tablespoon cookie scoop
      • 2 tablespoon cookie scoop
      • Parchment paper
      • 14 cup food processor

      Ingredients

      • 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick), softened
      • 8 (ounces) pre-shredded sharp cheddar cheese*
      • 1 cup all-purpose flour
      • 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
      • 32 pecan halves

      Instructions

      • Preheat the oven to 350F degrees.
      • Cut the softened butter in 4 pieces and place in a 4 quart food processor.
      • Pulse the butter, scraping down the sides between pulses.
      • Add the cheese and pulse until combined, scraping down sides between pulses.
      • Add the flour and pulse until mixture forms a ball on the side of the bowl.
      • If you are adding chopped pecans to the dough, add them now, then pulse two or three times just until combined. You can finish mixing them in with a spatula so you don't overwork the dough.
      • Using a cookie scoop or your fingers, divide dough into 32 (one tablespoon) portions. You can also divide them into 16 (two tablespoon) portions for larger cheese wafers.
      • Then, roll each portion into balls and place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Using your fingertips, gently flatten the cheese wafer balls.
      • Place a pecan half on top of each one and press down slightly.
      • Bake for 15 minutes for smaller cheese wafers and 16 minutes for the larger cheese wafers. Remove from oven when the bottoms of the cheese wafers are slightly browned and the tops are firm. The edges will be slightly golden brown.
      • Let the cheese wafers cool on thebaking sheet 1 minute, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

      Notes

      *You can also shred your own cheddar cheese from one (8-ounce) block of cheese.
      Pro Tip: Pick out any broken pecan halves in the bag, first, and chop those for inside the dough, leaving the whole halves to put on top.
      My shortcut trick to softening butter is to microwave (1200 watt) the whole stick straight from the fridge for 9 seconds on HIGH. Flip the stick of butter to the opposite side and microwave another 9 seconds.
      No need to roast the pecans before baking these cheddar pecan wafers. The pecan halves will roast while baking on top of the dough.
      Rice Krispie Cheese Wafers: It may sound a little odd, but stirring in 3/4 cup of puffed rice cereal like Rice Krispies instead of chopped pecans (or in addition to), before shaping into balls adds a ton of crunch.

      Nutrition

      Serving: 1cheese wafer with pecans | Calories: 85kcal
      Did you make this recipe?If you love it, share it! Tag me on Instagram @gritsandgouda using #gritsandgouda Comment below before you go!

      Nutrition analysis on GritsAndGouda.com recipes are mostly calculated on an online nutrition calculator. I am not a dietitian and nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on products used.

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      Hi y'all! I’m Kathleen. I share Southern shortcut recipes! I’m a food stylist, cookbook author, and former test kitchen director in Alabama. I take traditional Southern recipes you know and love (and a few new ones) and make them with shortcuts so you can enjoy them faster.

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      Hi y'all! I’m Kathleen. I share Southern shortcut recipes! I’m a food stylist, cookbook author, and former test kitchen director in Alabama. I take traditional Southern recipes you know and love (and a few new ones) and make them with shortcuts so you can enjoy them faster. Learn More…

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      Hi y'all! I’m Kathleen. I share Southern shortcut recipes! I’m a food stylist, cookbook author, and former test kitchen director in Alabama. I take traditional Southern recipes you know and love (and a few new ones) and make them with shortcuts so you can enjoy them faster.

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