ADVERTISEMENT
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly: A Perfect Party Treat
When it comes to appetizers that are both delicious and visually appealing, Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a showstopper. These savory bites are a delightful combination of rich, creamy cheese and a spicy-sweet burst of pepper jelly. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or looking for a unique dish to serve at a holiday gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
For the Filling:
- ½ cup hot pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Set it aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky, you can chill it for about 10–15 minutes in the fridge to make handling easier.
Step 2: Form the Thumbprints
Take about one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press down in the center of each ball to create an indentation, making a “thumbprint” shape.
Step 3: Bake the Thumbprints
Bake the thumbprint dough in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
Step 4: Add the Hot Pepper Jelly
Once the thumbprint appetizers are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. After cooling, carefully spoon about ½ teaspoon of hot pepper jelly into each thumbprint. Be generous, but don’t overfill, as you want the jelly to sit neatly in the indentation without spilling over.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
These cheesy thumbprint appetizers are best served warm, allowing the creamy cheese and spicy jelly to complement each other perfectly. Arrange them on a serving platter, and get ready for the compliments to pour in!
