Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a fantastic mix of bold flavors and textures. The sharp Cheddar cheese gives these appetizers a rich, savory taste, while the cayenne pepper adds just the right amount of heat. The sweet and tangy hot pepper jelly provides a perfect contrast, making each bite a delicious blend of spicy and sweet. These appetizers are quick to make, and they’re perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or even as a simple treat with drinks. You can make them ahead of time and serve them warm or at room temperature—either way, they will be a hit!

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup hot pepper jelly

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and shredded Cheddar cheese until smooth. Gradually add the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Appetizers: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each ball.
Make Thumbprints: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each ball.
Bake: Bake the appetizers for 10–12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
Add the Jelly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the appetizers cool for 2–3 minutes. Spoon a small amount of hot pepper jelly into the thumbprint of each appetizer.
Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 appetizers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

Cheese Variations: You can switch the sharp Cheddar cheese with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
Herbs: Add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme to the dough for an added burst of flavor.
Jelly Options: If hot pepper jelly isn’t your thing, you can substitute with other jellies such as raspberry, strawberry, or even a fig jam for a sweeter alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cheesy thumbprint appetizers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or Gouda. Sharp Cheddar is traditional, but feel free to experiment with flavors.

2. Is the cayenne pepper necessary for this recipe?

The cayenne pepper adds extra spice, but it’s optional. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit it.

3. Can I prepare these appetizers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the thumbprints ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

4. What if I don’t have parchment paper or a silicone mat?

You can grease your baking sheet lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent the appetizers from sticking.

5. Can I freeze these cheesy thumbprint appetizers?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place them on the baking sheet and bake as usual without thawing.

6. Can I use store-bought hot pepper jelly?

Absolutely! Using store-bought hot pepper jelly is a great shortcut if you want to save time without sacrificing flavor.

7. How do I prevent the jelly from running out of the thumbprints?

Make sure to let the appetizers cool slightly before adding the jelly. If they’re too hot, the jelly might melt and run off.

8. Can I make these appetizers spicy without using cayenne pepper?

Yes, you can use a spicier cheese, such as pepper jack, or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the dough for an extra kick.

9. Can I make these appetizers gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

10. How can I serve these cheesy thumbprint appetizers?

These appetizers are great served warm or at room temperature. You can serve them as a snack, appetizer, or party treat.

Conclusion

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are the perfect bite-sized snack to impress your guests. With a crispy, cheesy base, a hint of spice from the cayenne pepper, and a sweet and tangy kick from the hot pepper jelly, these appetizers are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. They’re quick to prepare, easy to customize, and always delicious—perfect for any occasion.

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

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These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are the ultimate savory and spicy bite-sized treats. Combining the rich taste of sharp Cheddar cheese, a hint of heat from cayenne pepper, and a sweet and tangy kick from hot pepper jelly, these appetizers are perfect for parties or as a snack. Quick to prepare, they are sure to impress your guests with their irresistible flavor combination and crispy, cheesy exterior. Make them ahead of time and serve them warm or at room temperature for a delicious and easy appetizer.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 15min
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 appetizers
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup hot pepper jelly

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and shredded Cheddar cheese until smooth. Gradually add the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until a soft dough forms.
Shape the appetizers: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each ball.
Make thumbprints: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each ball.
Bake: Bake the appetizers for 10–12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
Add the jelly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the appetizers cool for 2–3 minutes. Spoon a small amount of hot pepper jelly into the thumbprint of each appetizer.
Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or cream cheese for a unique flavor.
Add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds.