These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a delightful combination of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors. With sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of cayenne pepper, each bite is perfectly balanced with a dollop of sweet and spicy hot pepper jelly. They’re a fantastic addition to any party or snack time, offering a perfect contrast in flavors with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love these Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers because they offer the perfect balance between savory and sweet. The sharp cheddar cheese creates a rich, satisfying base, while the touch of heat from the cayenne pepper adds an extra zing. The hot pepper jelly brings in a delightful sweetness, making these little bites incredibly addictive. They are simple to prepare, baked to golden perfection, and can be served warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for any occasion!
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup hot pepper jelly
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and shredded Cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it for extra spice). Mix until a soft dough forms.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 1 inch of space between each ball.
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each ball.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges.
Once out of the oven, let the appetizers cool for about 2–3 minutes. Then, spoon a small amount of hot pepper jelly into the thumbprint of each appetizer.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 24 appetizers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Variations
Cheese Options: You can switch up the cheddar cheese with another type of cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
Spice Level: If you like more heat, try adding extra cayenne pepper or even a bit of finely chopped jalapeño to the dough.
Jelly Flavors: While hot pepper jelly is fantastic, you can experiment with other jams like raspberry or apricot for a different sweet and spicy combination.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for about 20-30 seconds until heated through.
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FAQs
How can I make these appetizers spicier?
If you like more heat, add extra cayenne pepper to the dough or consider mixing in finely chopped fresh jalapeños or chili flakes for added spice.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can try using Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a mild mozzarella cheese. Just remember, the sharper the cheese, the more flavorful the appetizers will be.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I freeze these appetizers?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked dough balls. Once they’re formed, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to 1 month. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers ahead of time. You can either freeze them before baking or bake them and store them in the fridge for a day or two. Just add the jelly before serving!
Conclusion
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a fun and flavorful treat that’s sure to impress. The combination of rich cheddar cheese, a hint of heat, and sweet pepper jelly makes these appetizers perfect for any gathering. Whether served warm or at room temperature, they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
📖 Recipe:
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Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 appetizers
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly offer a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors. Made with sharp Cheddar cheese, cayenne pepper, and a dollop of sweet and spicy hot pepper jelly, these bite-sized treats are ideal for parties and gatherings. Quick and easy to prepare, they offer a unique flavor contrast in every bite, making them a must-try recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup hot pepper jelly
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, mix softened butter and shredded Cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper (optional) and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
- Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- After baking, cool the appetizers for 2-3 minutes, then spoon a small amount of hot pepper jelly into each thumbprint.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked dough balls on a baking sheet and transfer to a zip-top bag after freezing. Bake directly from the freezer, adding extra minutes to the bake time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 appetizers
- Calories: ~85 kcal per appetizer
