Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are the perfect blend of savory and sweet with a hint of spice. These bite-sized treats are crispy, cheesy, and topped with a burst of flavorful hot pepper jelly. They’re easy to prepare, making them a hit at parties, gatherings, or as a quick snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Salt
- Hot pepper jelly
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, butter, and salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of hot pepper jelly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 24 appetizers. Preparation time: 15 minutes Baking time: 12-15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Substitute hot pepper jelly with fig jam, apricot preserves, or cranberry sauce.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for extra heat.
- Use a mix of cheeses like Parmesan or Gouda for different flavor profiles.
- Add finely chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Make mini versions for bite-sized party treats.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy.
FAQs
Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and form the thumbprints in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and add the jelly just before baking.
What type of hot pepper jelly should I use?
Any variety you prefer works well. Choose from mild to spicy based on your taste preference.
Can I freeze these appetizers?
Yes, freeze them before baking. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I prevent the jelly from spilling over?
Don’t overfill the indentations and ensure they are deep enough to hold the jelly.
Are these appetizers gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
What can I serve with these appetizers?
They pair well with a charcuterie board, fresh fruits, or a crisp salad.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded cheese melts better, but pre-shredded can be used for convenience.
How spicy are these appetizers?
The spiciness depends on the hot pepper jelly used. Adjust based on your heat preference.
Can I add herbs to the dough?
Yes, adding fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary enhances the flavor.
How do I keep them crispy?
Bake them until golden and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Conclusion
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are an irresistible combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and sweet, spicy jelly. Perfect for any occasion, they’re quick to make, easy to customize, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
Print
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 24 appetizers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers are a savory twist on the classic thumbprint cookie. Made with a buttery, cheesy dough and filled with sweet and spicy hot pepper jelly, they’re the perfect bite-sized treat for parties, holidays, or any gathering. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup hot pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional Garnish:
- Fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped chives
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-cheese mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Shape the Thumbprints:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
- Fill and Bake:
- Spoon a small amount (about 1/2 teaspoon) of hot pepper jelly into each indentation.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the dough is set.
- Allow the appetizers to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Optional: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped chives for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Try using a mix of sharp cheddar and Parmesan for added depth.
- Jelly Options: Swap hot pepper jelly with red pepper jelly, jalapeño jelly, or even fig jam for a different flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Tip: These can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Reheat slightly before serving if desired.
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