Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of sharp Cheddar cheese and hot pepper jelly creates a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors. The buttery, flaky dough provides a perfect base, making these appetizers both delicious and visually appealing. Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for parties, offering a unique twist on traditional appetizers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons chilled butter, chopped
- ½ cup hot pepper jelly
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a food processor, blend the shredded Cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, and chopped chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal and begins to form a ball.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Form the Appetizers: Shape the chilled dough into 1½-inch balls and place them 1 inch apart on a baking sheet.
- First Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
- Create Indentations: Remove from the oven and press your thumb into the center of each ball to create an indentation.
- Add Jelly: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly into each indentation.
- Final Bake: Return to the oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, approximately 5 more minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the appetizers to cool before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 20 appetizers.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: Substitute sharp Cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using milder or spicier pepper jellies according to your preference.
- Add-ins: Incorporate herbs such as chives or parsley into the dough for added freshness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover appetizers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute sharp Cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
How can I adjust the spice level?
Adjust the heat by using milder or spicier pepper jellies according to your preference.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze these appetizers?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked appetizers. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use homemade pepper jelly?
Absolutely, homemade pepper jelly can add a personal touch and unique flavor to these appetizers.
How do I prevent the jelly from overflowing during baking?
Ensure the indentation is deep enough to hold the jelly without overflowing. If necessary, create a slightly larger indentation before adding the jelly.
Can I make these appetizers without a food processor?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients by hand using a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour and cheese until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
How do I know when the appetizers are done?
The edges should be golden brown, and the jelly should be bubbly.
Can I use salted butter?
If using salted butter, you may want to reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to prevent the appetizers from becoming too salty.
Can I add herbs to the dough?
Yes, incorporating herbs such as chives or parsley into the dough can add added freshness and flavor.
Conclusion
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly offer a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, making them a perfect choice for your next gathering. Their easy preparation and versatility allow you to customize them to your taste, ensuring they will be a hit with your guests.
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are the ultimate savory-sweet snack! These bite-sized treats feature a sharp, creamy Cheddar cheese filling, flaky buttery dough, and a zesty hot pepper jelly center. Perfect for parties, these appetizers are quick to make and customizable with different cheeses or jelly options. Serve these at your next event for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 20 appetizers
- Category: Appetizer, Finger Food, Party Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons chilled butter, chopped
- ½ cup hot pepper jelly
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a food processor, blend the shredded Cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, and chopped chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal and begins to form a ball.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Form the Appetizers: Shape the chilled dough into 1½-inch balls and place them 1 inch apart on a baking sheet.
- First Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
- Create Indentations: Remove from the oven and press your thumb into the center of each ball to create an indentation.
- Add Jelly: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly into each indentation.
- Final Bake: Return to the oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, approximately 5 more minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the appetizers to cool before serving.
Notes
- You can experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a varied flavor.
- Use milder or spicier pepper jellies depending on your heat tolerance.
- For a herby twist, add fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the dough.
