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Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers – Easy Hot Pepper Jelly Bites

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Buttery, golden, and bubbling with cheese, these thumbprint appetizers are finished with a glossy dollop of hot pepper jelly for a sweet and spicy bite. Perfect for parties, game nights, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing snack that comes together in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) hot pepper jelly

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the flour, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix on low speed just until a soft dough forms.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
  5. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press a well into the center of each dough ball.
  7. Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture into each well, pressing it in gently.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and the cheese is bubbly. Rotate the tray halfway through baking.
  9. Remove from the oven. While still warm, use a small spoon to add about 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper jelly to the top of each appetizer.
  10. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting. If dough is sticky, chill before shaping. You can substitute gluten-free flour or dairy-free alternatives as needed. Add the jelly while the appetizers are still warm for the best texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy thumbprint appetizers, hot pepper jelly bites, party appetizer, cheese bites, easy appetizer, holiday snack, finger food, southern appetizer, gluten-free option, vegetarian appetizer

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/cheesy-thumbprint-appetizers-recipe-easy-hot-pepper-jelly-bites/