Description
Savory and buttery, these Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are the perfect bite-sized snack for any occasion. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese, flaky dough, and sweet-spicy jelly makes these an irresistible addition to holiday parties, brunches, or casual gatherings. Simple to prepare and endlessly customizable, these appetizers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup hot pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, grated cheese, and seasonings.
- Add cold, diced butter, and use a pastry cutter or food processor to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Knead gently until the dough forms a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat and Shape:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
- Make the Thumbprints:
- Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press an indentation into the center of each ball.
- Fill with Jelly:
- Spoon about ½ teaspoon of hot pepper jelly into each indentation. Be careful not to overfill.
- Bake and Cool:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Cheese Options: Use Gouda, Parmesan, or Pepper Jack for variations in flavor.
- Pepper Jelly Alternatives: Try cranberry jelly, mango habanero jelly, or fig jam for unique twists.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours or frozen for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Appetizer
- Calories: ~110
- Sugar: Sugar:
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg