Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
Craving a savory bite with a hint of sweetness and heat? Look no further than these delightful Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly. These easy-to-make bites feature buttery cheese dough with a creamy center, perfectly complemented by a fiery-sweet jelly filling. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for simple finger food ideas, this recipe will impress guests and satisfy cravings alike. With their crispy edges and inviting presentation, these cheesy morsels are bound to become a favorite at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 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 cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Mix in shredded cheddar cheese until combined. Add flour, salt, and garlic powder; mix until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough 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.
- Press a thumbprint into the center of each ball and fill with hot pepper jelly.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 96
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 91mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg