Spicy Cheese Rounds Recipes

CHEDDAR CHEESE ROUNDS

Steps:

• Process pecans, flour, and cornstarch in food processor until finely ground. Add remaining ingredients and pulse until dough forms. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and roll into two 8-inch logs. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or up to 3 days.
• Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 400 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice logs into 1/4-inch rounds and place 3/4 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake until golden, about 15 minutes, switching and rotating baking sheets halfway through baking. Let cool 3 minutes on sheets, then transfer to wire rack and cool completely. Serve. (Rounds can be kept in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.).
• Make Ahead: At the end of step 1, logs can be wrapped in plastic, then foil, and frozen for up to 1 month. Defrost in refrigerator before proceeding with step 2.

SOUTHERN PECAN CHEESE WAFERS

Steps:

• In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce until smooth and creamy.
• Add 2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika, if you're using it. Beat well, scraping the sides.
• Add the cheddar cheese and beat well, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl.
• Cover the dough and chill well, at least 2 or 3 hours or up to 3 days.
• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet 1 inch apart. Press the top of each ball with a fork (if the fork sticks, coat with flour).
• Place a pecan half on top of each wafer.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes, until the edges are quite brown.
• Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store covered on the counter. Best served within 2 days.
• Re-heating: I made these a day in advance as Thanksgiving appetizers. They lose a bit of their crunch by day 2, so I spread them out on baking sheets and baked at 350 for about 5 minutes until they got crispy again. Worked great!

SPICY CHEESE PUFF APPETIZERS

Steps:

• Cut crust from bread; slice bread into 1 inch cubes.
• Melt butter and cheeses over low heat, stirring to blend. Add spices and Tabasco sauce. Fold in the beaten egg whites.
• Toss bread cubes into cheese mixture to coat and place on parchment lined cookie sheet in a single layer (leaving a small space between each piece). Refridgerate 2 hrs or overnight (or you can freeze them and bake later).
• Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

MY SISTER'S SPICY CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Let cream cheese come to room temperature.
• Combine all ingredients in a medium glass bowl.
• Mix well.
• Shape like a ball and roll in nuts.
• Refrigerate overnight for best flavour.
• Serve with your favourite crackers.

THREE-CHEESE CRESCENT ROUNDS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375°F Lightly spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Mix cheeses and mayonnaise in small bowl until well blended and soft.
• Separate dough into 2 long rectangles. Firmly press perforations to seal. Spread cheese mixture evenly over rectangles. Starting at short side, roll up each; pinch edges to seal. Cut each roll into 8 slices. Place cut side down on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with parsley.
• Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Cool 3 minutes. Serve warm.