Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly – Easy, Elegant Party Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are easy to make and perfect for any party. They combine creamy cheese with a spicy, sweet topping for a bite-sized treat that’s both elegant and irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup hot pepper jelly (for topping)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Add the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir well until a soft dough forms. It may be a bit sticky, but it will be easier to handle after chilling.
- Step 4: Refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes to firm it up.
- Step 5: After chilling, scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart.
- Step 6: Using your thumb or a small spoon, gently press into the center of each ball to create a thumbprint indentation.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and immediately fill each thumbprint with a small dollop of hot pepper jelly for a spicy-sweet kick.
- Step 9: Return the appetizers to the oven for 2-3 minutes to warm the jelly.
- Step 10: Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm to enjoy their full flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, substitute the hot pepper jelly with a fruit preserves like apricot or raspberry.
- Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the dough for extra depth and heat.
- Use fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley as a garnish to brighten presentation and taste.
- If you prefer, mini muffin tins can be used to shape the dough instead of rolling into balls.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave before serving to warm the cheese and jelly without melting everything too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the dough a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Add the jelly topping and bake just before serving for the freshest results.
What can I use if I don’t have hot pepper jelly?
If you don’t have hot pepper jelly, regular sweet jelly, fruit preserves, or even a mild salsa can be tasty alternatives that complement the cheesy base nicely.
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Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly – Easy, Elegant Party Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 appetizers 1x
Description
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are easy-to-make, elegant party bites perfect for gatherings. Soft, cheesy dough is baked until golden and topped with a sweet and spicy dollop of hot pepper jelly, creating a delightful flavor contrast. Garnished with fresh herbs, these appetizers are sure to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Cheese Dough
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1/4 cup hot pepper jelly (for topping)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure easy cleanup and prevent the appetizers from sticking.
- Mix Cheeses and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring even distribution.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir well until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Chill Dough: Place the dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. Chilling firm ups the dough, making it easier to handle and shape.
- Shape Dough Balls: After chilling, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create Thumbprints: Using your thumb or a small spoon, gently press into the center of each dough ball to create a small indentation for the jelly topping.
- Bake: Bake the dough balls in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the appetizers are set.
- Add Jelly Topping: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately fill each thumbprint indentation with a dollop of hot pepper jelly.
- Warm Jelly: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the jelly slightly, enhancing its flavor and texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the appetizers cool briefly, then optionally sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For easier shaping, thoroughly chill the dough to reduce stickiness.
- Use a small spoon if your thumb is too big to create the thumbprint.
- Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavor profiles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- These appetizers can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy appetizers, thumbprint appetizers, hot pepper jelly, party bites, easy appetizers, cream cheese snacks
