Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
Craving a delightful appetizer that balances cheesy goodness with a hint of spicy sweetness? Look no further than these Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly. With a buttery cheese dough encasing a fiery-sweet jelly center, each bite is bursting with flavor. Perfect for any gathering—from cozy nights in to festive celebrations—these easy-to-make appetizers are sure to impress your guests. They feature crispy, golden edges and a creamy center enhanced by the zing of hot pepper jelly. Get ready to elevate your appetizer game!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 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
- Cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until combined.
- Add flour, salt, and garlic powder; mix until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 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 the prepared baking sheet.
- Create thumbprints in each ball and fill with hot pepper jelly.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before garnishing and serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 82
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 16mg