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Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a perfect blend of sharp cheddar cheese and spicy sweet jelly, creating a delightful bite-sized treat. Easy to make and perfect for parties or snack time, they offer a crispy, cheesy base with a burst of flavorful jelly center.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ¼ tsp salt

Filling

  • ½ cup hot pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, grated sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well to distribute seasonings evenly.
  2. Add Butter: Add the cold, diced unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or food processor to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring the butter is well incorporated.
  3. Knead Dough: Gently knead the mixture until it comes together into a ball. Avoid over-kneading to keep the texture tender. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  5. Shape Dough Balls: Remove dough from the refrigerator and roll it into 1-inch diameter balls. Place them on the lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow space for spreading.
  6. Create Thumbprints: Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press a gentle indentation into the center of each ball, forming a shallow well.
  7. Fill with Jelly: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of hot pepper jelly into each indentation carefully, making sure not to overfill to prevent spilling during baking.
  8. Bake: Bake the appetizers in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
  9. Cool: Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely if you prefer.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley for added color and flavor.

Notes

  • For a milder flavor, omit the cayenne pepper and garlic powder.
  • You can substitute sharp cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for different taste profiles.
  • If you prefer homemade hot pepper jelly, it can add a personalized touch and fresher flavor.
  • Make sure the butter is cold when mixing to achieve a flaky texture in the dough.
  • These appetizers can be made a day ahead; store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy thumbprint appetizers, hot pepper jelly, cheddar cheese appetizers, party snacks, cheesy bites, spicy jelly appetizers

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/cheesy-thumbprint-appetizers-with-hot-pepper-jelly-recipe/