Description
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly combine creamy cheddar cheese, a touch of spice, and the sweet heat of pepper jelly in bite-sized treats perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup hot pepper jelly
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and shredded Cheddar cheese until smooth. Gradually add the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each ball.
- Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each ball.
- Bake the appetizers for 10–12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the appetizers cool for 2–3 minutes. Spoon a small amount of hot pepper jelly into the thumbprint of each appetizer.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese options like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
- For extra spice, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or use spicier hot pepper jelly.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches a soft, non-sticky consistency.
- These can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 appetizer
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
