Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
Craving bold flavors that combine savory and sweet? These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are the ultimate crowd-pleasers! With a buttery cheese dough encasing a spicy-sweet jelly center, each bite bursts with flavor. Perfect for parties or holiday gatherings, these easy-to-make appetizers feature crispy edges and creamy centers that will leave your guests reaching for more. Whip them up in just 15 minutes of prep, and enjoy their make-ahead convenience. Customize them to fit your taste, whether you want to experiment with different cheeses or try various fruit jellies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Mix in shredded cheddar until fully combined.
- Add flour, salt, and garlic powder; mix until dough forms.
- Wrap and chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Press a thumbprint into each ball and fill with hot pepper jelly.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thumbprint (30g)
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 118mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg