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. Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with a sweet-spicy kick, they’re elegant bites that everyone will love.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until a soft dough forms. It may be sticky.
4. Step 4: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
5. Step 5: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Press your thumb or a spoon gently into the center of each ball to create a thumbprint indentation.
7. Step 7: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and immediately fill each thumbprint with a dollop of hot pepper jelly.
9. Step 9: Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes to warm the jelly.
10. Step 10: Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder option, substitute hot pepper jelly with apricot or red pepper jelly.
• Use fresh finely chopped herbs in the dough for added flavor.
• Chill dough longer if it’s too sticky to handle initially.
• These bite-sized appetizers pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine or sparkling cocktail.

Storage

Store leftover appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven to keep the cheese melted and the jelly soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap it tightly and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.

What if I don’t have hot pepper jelly?

You can substitute with any sweet jelly or jam, such as apricot, red pepper, or orange marmalade, depending on your taste preference.

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly – Easy, Elegant Party Bites Recipe

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Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are easy-to-make, elegant party bites that combine a rich, creamy cheese dough with a spicy-sweet jelly topping. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for entertaining, offering a delicious blend of cheddar and cream cheese flavors complemented by a warm, zesty pepper jelly finish.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes plus 3 minutes warming jelly
• Total Time: 41 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 appetizers 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough 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

Topping and Garnish

• 1/4 cup hot pepper jelly (for topping)
• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix Cheeses and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Dry Ingredients and Form Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir well until a soft dough forms. It may be sticky; this is normal.
4. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to scoop and shape.
5. Form Balls and Create Thumbprints: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Press your thumb or a small spoon into the center of each ball to create a thumbprint indentation.
6. Bake the Dough: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
7. Add Hot Pepper Jelly: Remove from the oven and immediately fill each thumbprint with a dollop of hot pepper jelly.
8. Warm the Jelly: Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 2-3 minutes to warm the jelly.
9. Cool and Garnish: Let the appetizers cool slightly. Optionally, sprinkle fresh herbs such as parsley or chives on top for color.
10. Serve: Serve the cheesy thumbprints warm and enjoy these flavorful, elegant party bites.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is essential to prevent it from being too sticky to handle.
• Use a small spoon or your thumb to create the indentations without breaking the dough balls.
• Hot pepper jelly adds a spicy-sweet contrast but can be substituted with any fruit jelly if preferred.
• Fresh herbs are optional but enhance presentation and add a fresh note.
• Store leftover appetizers in an airtight container and reheat before serving for best taste.

Keywords: cheesy appetizers, party bites, thumbprint cookies, hot pepper jelly, easy appetizers, cheese snacks