Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
These delicious Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers are a delightful blend of savory cheese and sweet, spicy hot pepper jelly. Perfect for parties or gatherings, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests.
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 spoon or small cookie scoop
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup hot pepper jelly for filling
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives chopped, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, grated cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, softened butter, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, take a small amount of dough (about 1 tablespoon) and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
- Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of the hot pepper jelly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. If desired, sprinkle with chopped chives for garnish before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can experiment with different types of cheese or jams, such as pepper jack cheese or raspberry jam.
These appetizers can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking them right before serving.