Name: Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488161H56M29S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese); 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup hot pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade); Fresh herbs, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are bite-sized delights featuring a crispy, cheesy crust with a tangy, spicy kick from hot pepper jelly. These savory bites are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a crowd-pleasing snack!

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the combination of sharp, melty cheese and the sweet, spicy hot pepper jelly creates an irresistible flavor profile. The cheesy base is crispy on the edges but soft inside, while the pepper jelly adds just the right amount of heat and sweetness. They’re quick to make, easy to serve, and disappear fast at any gathering!

Ingredients

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

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup hot pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh herbs, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I combine the flour, softened butter, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. I mix everything together until a soft dough forms.
I roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in size, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Using my thumb or a spoon, I gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball to create the “thumbprint” shape.
I bake the appetizers for about 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cheese is melted.
Once they’re out of the oven, I let them cool slightly and then fill each thumbprint with a small spoonful of hot pepper jelly.
If desired, I garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 18-20 cheesy thumbprint appetizers. Prep time is around 15 minutes, and bake time is 10–12 minutes, so they’re ready in about 25 minutes total.

Variations

I like to:

Use a mix of cheddar and cream cheese for a creamier filling.
Swap the hot pepper jelly for sweet chili sauce or cranberry sauce for a different twist.
Add finely chopped jalapeños or green onions to the dough for extra flavor.
Experiment with different types of cheese—Gruyère, Gouda, or Parmesan all work wonderfully.

Storage/reheating

I store leftover thumbprint appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

FAQs

Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and form the thumbprints in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just fill with jelly after baking.

Can I freeze these appetizers?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked thumbprint dough balls. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake them directly from frozen. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

What other types of jelly can I use?

You can substitute the hot pepper jelly with other jelly varieties like apricot, raspberry, or fig jam for a different flavor combination.

Are these appetizers spicy?

The hot pepper jelly adds a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount of jelly depending on your heat preference. For less spice, you can use a sweet pepper jelly or a milder jelly.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of these cheesy thumbprint appetizers.

Conclusion

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are the perfect blend of savory, cheesy goodness with a sweet and spicy kick. Whether I’m serving them at a party, a holiday gathering, or enjoying them as a snack, these appetizers are sure to be a hit. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor—making them the perfect bite-sized treat!