Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
Craving a delightful appetizer that combines savory and sweet flavors with a hint of heat? Look no further than Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly! These easy-to-make bites feature a buttery cheese dough filled with fiery hot pepper jelly, creating an irresistible contrast that your guests will love. With crispy, golden edges and a creamy center, these appetizers are perfect for any gathering—be it a casual get-together or a festive celebration. Plus, they can be prepped in advance, making them an excellent choice for busy hosts. With endless variations possible, you can easily customize these cheesy treats to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings (24 appetizers) 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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined. Add flour, salt, and optional garlic powder; mix until a slightly sticky dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap 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 baking sheet. Press your thumb gently into each ball to create an indentation.
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 appetizers (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg