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
