Virginia Ham-And-Cheese Wafers

4.5

(4)

3 Reviews

Elegant but easy, these cheesy wafers are great for tailgates, showers, parties, and more.

By

Ann Taylor Pittman

Published on August 2, 2023

Southern Living Virginia Ham and Cheese Wafers on a platter to serve — Photo:
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Dailey

Active Time:

35 mins

Total Time:

3 hrs 45 mins

Yield:

3 to 4 dozen

For proud alumni of Virginia Tech, Hampton University, Virginia State, and the University of Virginia, this easy make-ahead recipe is a great way to show your spirit. Like cheese straws in cookie form, these bites include irresistible bits of country ham (aka Virginia ham) along with toasted pecans, loads of extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, and a bit of cayenne pepper to amp things up.

The wafers will keep beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week (if you can resist eating them that long). Or just stash the dough in the freezer for when you need an appetizer in a hurry.

Ingredients

1 cup (8 oz.) unsalted butter, softened
8 oz. extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
2 cups (about 8 1/2 oz.) all-purpose flour
1 tsp. kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal), plus more for sprinkling (optional)
3/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans (from 1 [8-oz.] pkg.)
1/2 cup finely chopped country ham (about 3 1/2 oz.)

Directions

Beat butter with a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium-low speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add cheese; beat on medium-low speed until well combined, about 2 minutes.
Whisk together flour, salt, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Add flour mixture to butter mixture; beat at low speed until just combined, 15 to 30 seconds. Add pecans and ham; beat at low speed until well incorporated, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Divide dough in half. Place each dough half on a large piece of wax paper or plastic wrap. Using wax paper or plastic wrap, roll each dough piece into a 7-inch-long log. Wrap tightly, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 to 3 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Unwrap dough logs, and place on a cutting board. Cut each log into 1/3-inch-thick slices using a thin, sharp serrated knife. Arrange dough slices 3/4- to 1-inch apart on each baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle slices with additional salt (if using). Bake in preheated oven, 1 baking sheet at a time, until just starting to brown on bottom, 20 to 25 minutes, rotating baking sheet 180 degrees on rack halfway through baking time. Let cool completely on baking sheets on wire racks, about 30 minutes.

Virginia Ham-And-Cheese Wafers

Ingredients

Directions

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