Description
These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a perfect mix of savory, creamy, and spicy. With a buttery cheese dough and a sweet-hot jelly center, they make irresistible bite-sized party snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ⅓ cup hot pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, beat together cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and softened butter until smooth.
- Add flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Use your thumb or the end of a spoon to make an indentation in each ball.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and deepen the thumbprint if needed.
- Fill each indentation with a small amount of hot pepper jelly.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool slightly and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Try different jellies like apricot, red pepper, or jalapeño.
- You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
- These reheat well in the oven for 3–4 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American