Description
These bite-sized Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers blend creamy cheese with the zesty sweetness of hot pepper jelly, making them an ideal choice for gatherings or a delightful snack.
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
- Fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined, creating a luscious cheesy mixture.
- Add flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using); mix until a dough forms. The texture should be pliable and slightly tacky.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create an indentation.
- Fill each thumbprint indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling slightly.
- Allow the appetizers to cool slightly on the baking sheet and garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Make-ahead dough can be prepared a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 appetizer
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 7.5g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 2.5g