Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers are a delicious fusion of flavors that brings together the richness of sharp cheddar cheese and the sweet, spicy kick of hot pepper jelly. The crispy, buttery base complements the gooey cheese and the tangy, spicy jelly, creating a perfect balance of flavors in each bite. These are easy to prepare and make a great addition to any party or gathering. Plus, they’re customizable with extra mustard or jelly to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup hot pepper jelly (or more to taste)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard (if using). Mix everything together until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press a small indentation into the center of each dough ball.
- Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly into each thumbprint.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the dough are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields about 24 appetizers.
- Total time: Approximately 25 minutes (including prep and bake time).
Variations
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the dough for an extra kick.
- Use a different type of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for a unique twist.
- Replace the hot pepper jelly with sweet fruit preserves like apricot or raspberry for a sweeter flavor profile.
- For a vegan version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover cheesy thumbprint appetizers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 20-30 seconds, but the texture may not be as crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape it into balls ahead of time. Simply store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and bake from frozen, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I use a different type of jelly?
Absolutely! While hot pepper jelly is traditional, you can experiment with other types of jelly, such as fig, apricot, or even strawberry, for different flavor combinations.
3. How do I make these appetizers spicier?
If you want more heat, you can add extra hot pepper jelly or mix in some finely chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the dough.
4. Can I make the dough without mustard?
Yes, the Dijon mustard is optional. If you prefer, you can leave it out and still enjoy these cheesy appetizers.
5. How long do these appetizers stay fresh?
Cheesy thumbprint appetizers are best enjoyed within 2 days if stored at room temperature. If refrigerated, they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
6. Can I freeze these appetizers?
Yes, you can freeze the thumbprint dough. Shape them into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.
7. How can I make these more flavorful?
You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dough, or sprinkle some garlic powder on top of the jelly for extra flavor.
8. Can I use low-fat cheese in this recipe?
While you can use low-fat cheese, it may alter the texture of the appetizer. Full-fat cheddar cheese provides the best results for a creamy, flavorful bite.
9. Are these appetizers gluten-free?
To make these appetizers gluten-free, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the hot pepper jelly you use is also gluten-free.
10. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed, and bake in batches if necessary.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a deliciously simple and flavorful snack that’s perfect for any gathering. With a crispy, buttery base and a kick of spice from the hot pepper jelly, they’re bound to be a hit with your friends and family. Customize them to suit your tastes, and enjoy the perfect balance of savory and sweet in every bite!
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Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a delicious fusion of sharp cheddar cheese, buttery dough, and zesty hot pepper jelly. Perfect as a savory appetizer or snack, these bite-sized treats offer a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy richness and a spicy kick. Quick and easy to make, they’ll surely impress your guests at any party or gathering. Serve them as a fun twist on classic appetizers with customizable flavors to suit every taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 cup hot pepper jelly (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, softened butter, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard (if using). Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Gently press a small indentation into the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
- Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly into each indentation.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, mix in cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the dough.
- Substitute the hot pepper jelly with apricot or raspberry preserves for a sweeter flavor.
- For a vegan version, swap out butter for a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
