Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
Craving a savory snack with a touch of sweetness and spice? Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are here to satisfy that craving! These delightful bites feature a buttery, cheesy dough that perfectly cradles a luscious dollop of fiery-sweet pepper jelly. Ideal for any gathering, from holiday parties to casual get-togethers, these appetizers combine crispy edges with a creamy center, delivering bold flavors that will impress your guests. Whether you’re in search of easy finger foods or new dinner ideas, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and keep everyone coming back for more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Mix in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Add flour, salt, and optional garlic powder; mix until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes to firm it up.
- 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 your thumb gently into 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.
- Cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 appetizer (30g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg