Description
Savory cheesy thumbprint appetizers dance with zesty hot pepper jelly, creating a perfect party starter that sparks conversation. Creamy cheese and spicy jelly combine in bite-sized morsels you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Base Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
Seasonings:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Topping:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) hot pepper jelly
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for the appetizers.
- Combine cheddar, butter, flour, and seasonings in a mixing bowl, creating a cohesive dough through gentle kneading if needed.
- Form the mixture into uniform 1-inch spheres, arranging them evenly across the prepared baking sheet.
- Create distinct wells in each dough ball using your thumb or the rounded back of a spoon, ensuring consistent indentations.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden hue.
- Extract the baked appetizers and allow them a brief cooling period to stabilize their structure.
- Carefully fill each thumbprint cavity with a precise dollop of hot pepper jelly, ensuring even distribution.
- Present these zesty nibbles either warmed or at ambient temperature, ideal for social gatherings or impromptu entertaining.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother dough consistency.
- Use a digital kitchen scale to measure ingredients precisely, preventing crumbly or dry texture.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
- For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or selecting mild to extra-spicy pepper jelly based on personal preference.
- Make ahead and store cooled thumbprints in airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating briefly before serving to restore crispness.
- Use small measuring spoon or melon baller to create uniform indentations for consistent presentation and even jelly distribution.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 111 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 83 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg