Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
Indulge in the delightful combination of savory and sweet with these Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly. Perfect for any gathering, these bite-sized treats feature a buttery cheese dough that encases a fiery-sweet jelly center, creating an explosion of flavor in every mouthful. Ideal for parties, holidays, or just a cozy night in, they’re easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. With their crispy edges and creamy texture, these appetizers are a must-have addition to your menu. Get ready to wow family and friends with this simple yet delicious recipe!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Mix in shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined.
- Add flour, salt, and garlic powder; mix until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared sheet.
- Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create an indentation.
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 appetizer (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg