Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers are a delightful bite-sized snack perfect for parties and gatherings. These savory treats feature soft cheese dough with a sweet and spicy hot pepper jelly center that will keep your guests coming back for more.
Ingredients
- Cheese dough (quantity as needed)
- Hot pepper jelly (enough to fill the dough centers)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven according to the cheese dough recipe instructions. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls about one inch in diameter.
- Step 2: Create a small indentation in the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon. Fill each indentation with a small amount of hot pepper jelly, then place the balls on a baking sheet.
- Step 3: Bake the dough balls in the oven until golden brown and cooked through, usually about 12-15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use cream cheese or your favorite cheddar-based dough for richer flavor.
- Try different jellies like fig or apricot for a sweet contrast instead of hot pepper jelly.
- Chill the dough balls before baking to help maintain their shape.
Storage
Store any leftover appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven or microwave before serving to enjoy the soft cheese and melted jelly center.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought cheese or biscuit dough works well and can save time, just make sure it suits your flavor preference.
How spicy is the hot pepper jelly?
The heat level depends on the brand, but hot pepper jelly generally has a mild to moderate spice that complements the cheesy dough without overwhelming it. Adjust based on your taste.
PrintCheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe
These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers are delightful bite-sized treats featuring cheese-filled dough balls with a luscious center of hot pepper jelly. Perfect for parties or casual snacking, they offer a perfect balance of savory cheese and sweet-spicy jelly baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: About 24 appetizers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cheese Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Filling
- Hot pepper jelly, about 1/2 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk and then add to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms but do not overwork.
- Form dough balls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced apart on the sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Fill and bake: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly into each indentation. Bake the appetizers in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the jelly is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the appetizers cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the hot pepper jelly with any other sweet or savory jam to change the flavor profile.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before shaping can help prevent spreading during baking.
- Make sure to space the dough balls well on the baking sheet as they will expand during baking.
- These appetizers can be made a few hours in advance and reheated briefly before serving.
- For a vegetarian diet, ensure the cheese used is free of animal rennet.
Keywords: cheesy appetizers, thumbprint appetizers, hot pepper jelly, cheese balls, party snacks, baked appetizers
