Delightfully crisp and irresistibly cheesy, these homemade Cheese Wafers are the perfect savory snack or appetizer for any occasion. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, rich unsalted butter, and a touch of optional cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, these bite-sized treats boast a bold, buttery flavor that's hard to resist. The simple dough comes together quickly and transforms into perfectly golden rounds baked to perfection in just 12 minutes. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for a vibrant finish and enjoy these delectable cheese crackers as a standalone snack, paired with your favorite dips, or served alongside a charcuterie board. With easy-to-follow steps and just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe proves that homemade indulgences can be both elegant and effortless to prepare.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the unsalted butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Gradually add the grated sharp cheddar cheese to the butter, mixing until well combined.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter and cheese mixture, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
Add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and gently knead the dough until it just comes together into a ball. Be careful not to overwork it.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a small round or decorative cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
Place the wafers onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of paprika on top of each wafer for added color and flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden brown.
Remove the wafers from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Calories |
1751 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 138.6 g | 178% | |
| Saturated Fat | 83.4 g | 417% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 383 mg | 128% | |
| Sodium | 1971 mg | 86% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 96.7 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g | ||
| Protein | 43.5 g | 87% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 901 mg | 69% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 314 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.