Cheesy Cheddar Thumbprints with a Hot Pepper Jelly Zing

Recipe Introduction: Get Ready to Wow!

Ever get stuck trying to find that perfect appetizer for party easy to make but also seriously impressive? These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are the answer.

Honestly, they are ridiculously addictive! They’ve got that amazing sweet and-spicy thing going on.

Savory Bites of Happiness

Originating from a twist on classic thumbprint cookies, these savory bites are a modern appetizer. They are easy to make (honestly!), taking about an hour total, including chilling time.

This recipe yields around 24-30 cute appetizers . Perfect for sharing.

Why You'll Love These Cheesy Thumbprints

One of the best things about these spicy cheese bites is that they are a great source of dairy. These are a guaranteed hit with even appetizers for picky eaters .

This recipe is special because it combines the familiar comfort of cheddar with the exciting zing of hot pepper jelly.

They are the perfect addition for Christmas party appetizers .

Let's Talk Ingredients...

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Party Started!

Ready to make some Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly Delight ? These shareable appetizers are seriously addictive. They are also perfect appetizers for picky eaters .

The perfect appetizer for party easy . Plus they have that wow factor that'll make you look like a culinary genius.

Here’s what you’ll need.

Main Ingredients: The Cheese is Key

These aren’t your average cookies, obviously. It is important to get the dough right. Quality ingredients matter.

• Unsalted Butter : 1 cup ( 227g / 8 oz ), softened. Honestly, don’t skimp on the butter. Good butter equals good flavour. It makes or breaks the texture of this cheddar shortbread appetizers !
• Cream Cheese : 4 ounces ( 115g ), softened. Makes the cookies extra creamy.
• All-Purpose Flour : 1 ½ cups ( 180g / 6.3 oz ). Plain old flour does the trick.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese : 1 cup ( 113g / 4 oz ), finely shredded. Go for a good quality sharp cheddar! It gives the cookies that fantastic cheesy tang.
• Salt : ¼ teaspoon. Enhances all the other flavours.
• Cayenne Pepper : ⅛ teaspoon (optional). Just a pinch of cayenne will give a tiny kick!
• Hot Pepper Jelly : ½ cup ( 170g / 6oz ). This is where the magic happens! This is the hot pepper jelly recipe appetizers .

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

These spicy cheese bites need the right balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. It is also a hot pepper jelly cheese cookies .

• Essential Spice Combinations : Salt is key. Cayenne gives that gentle hum of heat.
• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics : A little garlic powder (maybe ¼ tsp) can add depth to the dough.
• Quick Substitution Options :
  • No cayenne? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do.
  • Hot pepper jelly is a must!. If you cannot find Hot Pepper Jelly. Try using some mango chutney.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets to make these cute appetizers !

• Mixing bowls: For mixing the ingredients.
• Electric mixer: (stand or hand held) because it makes life easier.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Gotta get those measurements right.
• Baking sheets: To bake the thumbprints.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: No one likes a sticky cookie sheet.
• Small spoon or melon baller: For making those perfect thumbprints.

Let's Cook: Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly Delight

Okay, folks, let's get real. Forget boring cheese and crackers! We're leveling up with these Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot pepper jelly.

Think spicy cheese bites meet cute appetizers. Christmas party appetizers just got a whole lot more exciting. These are the appetizers for picky eaters that everyone will love.

Prep Like a Pro: Getting Ready for Cheesy Goodness

First things first, mise en place , my friends. Get your 1 cup softened butter and 4 ounces softened cream cheese out to warm up.

Shred 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese . Nobody wants lumpy dough, right? This is essential. Whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon cayenne (if you're feeling brave) in another bowl.

It's the little things, honestly, that make a difference. This will save you time. Remember, kitchen safety is always priority!

Bake Some Magic: step-by-step Cheesy Bites

1. Cream together the butter and cream cheese until fluffy.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
3. Wrap and chill the dough for 30 minutes . This is key!
4. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line baking sheets.
5. Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Make a thumbprint in each.
6. Bake for 12- 15 minutes , until golden.
7. Immediately fill with ½ teaspoon hot pepper jelly .
8. Cool and serve. Boom! You've got shareable appetizers.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Appetizer Game

Don't overmix the dough! Trust me, I've learned that the hard way. You'll end up with tough cookies, and nobody wants that.

Chill the dough ! It prevents spreading. For extra spice, add some red pepper flakes to the dough. You can also make the dough a day ahead.

Just keep it wrapped in the fridge. These hot pepper jelly cheese cookies are a savory thumbprint cookies will be a hit.

This is the appetizer for party easy .

Alright, let's talk about how to make the most of these Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly Delight. Honestly, these aren't just about the recipe, they're about making a good time even better!

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Appetizer Game

So, you've baked your little Cheddar shortbread appetizers? Fab! Let's chat about the finer details, shall we?

Serving Suggestions: Cute Appetizers On Display

These Spicy cheese bites look amazing on a tiered serving platter. Imagine them nestled amongst some grapes and chunks of cheddar.

You know? Pure class. Or, for a more rustic vibe, scatter them across a wooden board with some fancy crackers.

These are also great Christmas party appetizers

For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works a treat. Or, if you're feeling fancy, try a sparkling rosé. Cheers!

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!

Right, so you've made a batch of these and, like, you haven't eaten them all immediately?! Wow!

These savory thumbprint cookies are best kept in an airtight container. Pop 'em in the fridge, and they'll last for about 3 days.

I have tried storing them any longer than that, and I don't recommend it.

Freezing? Not really recommended. The texture of the jelly can change.

Reheating? Not needed. These Hot pepper jelly cheese cookies are best served at room temperature.

Variations: Tweak It 'Til You Make It

Fancy a change? Swap the cheddar for a mature Gruyère. Or, for a fiery kick, add some finely chopped jalapeños to the dough. Oh my gosh, so good!

If you're catering for dietary needs, you can make these gluten-free using a gluten-free flour blend. Also, you can use vegan butter and cheese alternatives to make this recipe vegan.

If Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe Appetizers are a challenge to source for you, you can also use fig jam or a chutney

Nutrition Basics: The Down Low

Each one of these little beauties is about 80-100 calories. So, they're not exactly health food, but hey, everything in moderation, right? Plus, you're getting a bit of protein from the cheese, so, win-win! I like to think of them as Appetizer for party easy.

Also ideal for Appetizers for picky eaters because who doesn't like cheese and a bit of sweetness?

These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are just perfect for sharing with friends and family. Trust me, they'll be gone in seconds! These Shareable Appetizers are a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

They're quick to make, easy to customize, and utterly delicious. Go on, give them a whirl! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot ahead of time? Are they good for parties?

Absolutely! The dough for these cheesy thumbprint appetizers can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. You can even fill them with the hot pepper jelly a day ahead of time.

These are perfect for parties they're bite sized, visually appealing, and the sweet and-spicy combo is always a winner. Just be warned, they tend to disappear quickly like sausage rolls at a scout camp!

My dough is too sticky! What am I doing wrong with my Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot recipe?

A sticky dough is usually a sign of too much moisture or not enough chilling time. Make sure you're accurately measuring your flour and that your butter and cream cheese are properly softened, but not melted. Most importantly, don't skip the chilling step! At least 30 minutes in the fridge should do the trick.

If it's still sticky after chilling, add a tablespoon or two of flour and knead briefly. Remember that you can also pop it back in the fridge for a bit longer to help firm it up!

What can I use instead of hot pepper jelly in these Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers?

If you're not a fan of the heat or simply can't find hot pepper jelly, don't fret! Fig jam or a nice chutney, like mango or onion, are excellent substitutes. You could even use a small dollop of cream cheese with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky, savory option.

The goal is to have a flavorful counterpoint to the cheesy cookie, so get creative, like trying a cranberry sauce around the holidays!

How do I store leftover Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly?

Store any leftover appetizers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bringing them back to room temperature from the refrigerator is recommended for the best flavor.

You can also freeze them for longer storage, although the texture of the jelly might change slightly after thawing. If you're freezing them, do so before they are filled for best results.

Can I use different cheeses in this Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot recipe?

Absolutely! Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment. Gruyere adds a nutty flavor, Parmesan brings a salty tang, and pepper jack adds extra heat. Just be sure to use a hard cheese that will shred well.

You can even combine a few different cheeses for a more complex flavor profile think cheddar and Gruyere or Parmesan and Asiago.

Are these Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

While undeniably delicious, these appetizers are more of a treat than a health food. They contain butter, cheese, and sugar (from the jelly), so they're relatively high in fat and calories. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

You can reduce the fat content slightly by using reduced fat cream cheese and cheddar, but remember that the flavor might be affected. Serving sizes are small, so you will get a lot of flavor from a single cookie.