Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe

Introduction

These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a perfect blend of savory and sweet with a hint of spice. They’re easy to make, bite-sized, and great for entertaining or snacking.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Can substitute with other types of cheese like pepper jack.)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup hot pepper jelly (Can experiment with different flavors of jelly.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir until a dough forms. If the dough is too crumbly, you can add a teaspoon of water to help it come together.
4. Step 4: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 teaspoon in size. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball.
5. Step 5: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press down in the center of each ball to create a small indentation.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Fill each thumbprint with a small spoonful of hot pepper jelly.
8. Step 8: Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Try using pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar for a spicier flavor.
• Experiment with different flavors of jelly like apricot or fig for a unique twist.
• If the dough feels too dry, add water a little at a time until it holds together well.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store these appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or serve at room temperature to preserve the texture of the cheese bites and jelly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the balls ahead of time and refrigerate them. Add the jelly just before serving to keep it fresh.

Can I use a different type of jelly?

Absolutely! While hot pepper jelly adds a nice kick, you can use any sweet jelly or jam that pairs well with cheese, such as apricot, fig, or raspberry.

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe

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These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a delightful blend of savory cheddar and sweet, spicy jelly, perfect for entertaining or snacking. Soft, buttery dough balls are baked to golden perfection, then filled with a flavorful hot pepper jelly for a fun and tasty bite-sized treat.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (approximately 24 appetizers) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (can substitute with pepper jack or other cheese)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Topping

• ½ cup hot pepper jelly (can experiment with different jelly flavors)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired for easy cleanup.
2. Mix Butter and Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Form Dough: Add all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the butter-cheese mixture. Stir until a dough forms. If the dough feels too crumbly, add a teaspoon of water to help it come together smoothly.
4. Shape Balls: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 teaspoon in size each. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Create Thumbprints: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press in the center of each dough ball to create a small indentation for the jelly.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.
7. Cool and Fill: Remove the baked dough balls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of hot pepper jelly.
8. Serve: Serve the appetizers warm or at room temperature and enjoy these cheesy, spicy bites!

Notes

• You can substitute cheddar cheese with other cheeses like pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• If dough is too crumbly, adding a teaspoon of water helps it bind better.
• Try different flavors of jelly like apricot or raspberry to customize your appetizers.
• These are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Make sure not to overfill the thumbprints to prevent jelly from overflowing during serving.

Keywords: cheesy appetizers, thumbprint cookies, hot pepper jelly, easy party snacks, savory bites