Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, delivering a delightful punch of flavor in every bite. Made with rich cheddar cheese and a creamy base, these bite-sized treasures are filled with spicy-sweet hot pepper jelly, making them an irresistible addition to any gathering. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, these appetizers are quick to prepare and sure to impress. With their crispy edges and creamy centers, they’re not just snacks; they’re crowd-pleasers that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 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 cheddar cheese until fully combined.
- Add flour, salt, and optional garlic powder; mix until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C); line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Press a thumbprint into each ball and fill with about 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 appetizer (28g)
- Calories: 99
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 118mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg