Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly! These bite-sized treats perfectly blend creamy cheddar cheese and a spicy-sweet pepper jelly, making them an irresistible choice for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or celebrating a special occasion, these appetizers are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Easy to prepare and customizable, they can be made ahead of time, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your event. Serve them warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor, and watch as they disappear from the table!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 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 together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined.
- Add flour, salt, and optional garlic powder; mix until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough tightly and chill for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your 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 down in the center of each ball to create an indentation.
- Fill each thumbprint with about 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 thumbprints (28g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 174mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 21mg