Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and sweet heat in one elegant bite. With a crisp, cheesy base and a glossy center of spicy pepper jelly, these appetizers are as beautiful as they are delicious—ideal for holidays, parties, and special gatherings.
Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly:
Inspired by classic thumbprint cookies, this savoury version transforms a familiar concept into a bold appetizer. Easy to make and irresistibly flavorful, these thumbprints disappear fast and always earn rave reviews from guests.
History:
The idea of thumbprint-style foods comes from traditional thumbprint cookies, where a small indentation is filled with jam. Over time, creative home cooks adapted the technique for savory dishes, using cheese-based doughs and flavorful fillings. The pairing of cheese and pepper jelly gained popularity in American entertaining, leading to modern appetizers like these cheesy thumbprints.
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Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup hot pepper jelly
- Fresh herbs (parsley or chives), finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix cheddar cheese, cream cheese, flour, salt, and pepper until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place on the baking sheet.
- Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball to form an indentation.
- Spoon a small amount of hot pepper jelly into each indentation.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden and set.
- Cool slightly, garnish with herbs if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overfill with jelly to prevent spilling.
- Dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Let appetizers cool slightly before serving.
- Pepper jelly adds both color and flavour.
- Best enjoyed warm or at room temperature
Tips for Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly:
- Chill dough briefly for easier shaping.
- Use gloves when handling hot pepper jelly.
- Try different cheeses for variety.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder for depth.
- Reheat briefly before serving if needed.
FAQs for Hot Pepper Jelly:
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake them ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Q2: Are these very spicy?
They are mildly spicy; heat depends on the pepper jelly used.
Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze shaped dough balls and bake when ready.
Q4: What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is ideal, but gouda or pepper jack work well.
Q5: Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute works well.
Conclusion:
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a delightful combination of savory cheese and sweet heat. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, they’re the perfect finger food for entertaining. Once you serve them, expect them to become a requested favorite at every gathering.