Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

why make this recipe

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a delightful combination of creamy cheese and a spicy kick from the jelly. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or family gatherings. They are handmade and can easily impress your guests with their flavor and unique presentation. Plus, the mix of warm cheese and sweet-spicy jelly makes for an unforgettable snack!

how to make Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/3 cup hot pepper jelly
• Fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined.
3. Add the flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using); mix until a dough forms.
4. Wrap the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each ball.
7. Press your thumbprint into the center of each ball to make an indentation.
8. Fill each thumbprint with about 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly.
9. Bake in the oven for 13–15 minutes or until golden.
10. Allow them to cool slightly, garnish with herbs if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers combine creamy cheese and a kick of spicy hot pepper jelly. Perfect for parties, these bite-sized treats are a delightful and impressive snack.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 24 pieces

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened softened to room temperature
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional) for added flavor

Topping

• 1/3 cup hot pepper jelly adjust according to spice preference
• Fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined.
3. Add the flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using); mix until a dough forms.
4. Wrap the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each ball.
3. Press your thumbprint into the center of each ball to make an indentation.
4. Fill each thumbprint with about 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly.
5. Bake in the oven for 13–15 minutes or until golden.
6. Allow them to cool slightly, garnish with herbs if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 150mgSugar: 1g

Notes

Store leftover Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

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how to serve Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

Serve the Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers warm or at room temperature on a platter. They are great as finger foods at parties or as a fun appetizer before dinner. You can also pair them with drinks like wine or cocktails to enhance the experience.

how to store Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

Store leftover Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to get them nice and warm again.

tips to make Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

• Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature to mix easily.
• Adjust the amount of hot pepper jelly according to your spice preference.
• For added flavor, you can sprinkle some smoked paprika or more spices into the dough.

variation

If you want to try something different, you can use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, for a unique taste. You can also substitute hot pepper jelly with any type of fruit jam or chutney if you prefer a milder flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze these appetizers?
Yes, you can freeze the raw dough before baking. Just roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and chill it in the fridge. Just shape the balls and bake them when you are ready to serve.

3. What can I use instead of hot pepper jelly?
You can substitute hot pepper jelly with any spicy relish, fruit preserves, or even barbecue sauce for a different taste.