Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Spicy Pepper Jelly Recipe
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Spicy Pepper Jelly Delight are savory bite-sized treats featuring a buttery cheddar cheese dough filled with a sweet and spicy hot pepper jelly. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these golden, flaky appetizers combine rich cheese flavors with a tantalizing kick of pepper jelly, baked to a bubbly finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 27-30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 appetizers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of garlic powder (optional)
- Pinch of onion powder (optional)
- Herbs such as thyme or oregano (optional)
Filling
- Hot pepper jelly (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the appetizers.
- Mix Butter and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is well blended and creamy.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt (along with optional garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs if using) to the butter-cheese mixture. Stir carefully until a soft dough forms, taking care not to overmix to keep the texture tender.
- Shape Dough Balls: Roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Create Thumbprints: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, press a small indent into the center of each dough ball to hold the filling.
- Add Pepper Jelly: Spoon a small amount of hot pepper jelly into each thumbprint indent, ensuring not to overfill to avoid spilling during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the appetizers cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer them to a cooling rack to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- For added flavor, incorporate herbs like thyme or oregano into the dough mixture.
- Do not overmix the dough to ensure a tender, flaky texture.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Adjust the amount of hot pepper jelly to your preferred level of spiciness and sweetness.
- These appetizers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Keywords: cheesy appetizers, thumbprint cookies, pepper jelly, party snacks, savory treats, cheddar cheese bites
