"Spicy, flavorful pimentos amid melted cheddar and sweet pecans makes for a warm, comforting appetizer and game-day starter. To save time, use store-bought dough instead of homemade."
for dough:
1 cup whole milk, warmed slightly
2 teaspoons instant yeast
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon sea salt
5 cups all-purpose flour + more for rolling out
1 teaspoon pecan oil or olive oil or cooking spray
for the filling/assembly:
1/3 cup pecan pieces, divided
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 4-ounce jar diced pimentos, drained, and patted dry with paper towel, divided
To a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the milk and instant yeast. Allow to stand for 5 to 7 minutes, until foamy.
To the bowl of a stand-up mixer, with the hook attachment, add the yeast/milk mixture, melted butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Turn the mixer on medium speed and knead for 5 to 8 minutes, until the dough has formed a smooth ball.
Rub the inside of a clean bowl with olive oil or coat with cooking spray and transfer the dough to the bowl. Grease the top of the ball of dough and cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Spray or oil a 9-inch round cake pan or baking dish. Liberally flour the work surface and roll the dough into a 12×12-inch square that’s about 1/2-inch thick. Cut that into 36 squares. Roll the squares into balls.
Place half of the balls into the prepared pan and top with half of the cheese, pecans, and pimentos. Add the other half of dough balls and top with the remaining cheese, pecans, and pimentos. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 20–30 minutes, until top is golden brown and puffed.