Hey there, friend! Isn’t it just the best feeling when the holidays roll around? The air gets a little crisper, and you can almost taste the anticipation for gatherings filled with laughter, friends, and, of course, delicious food. One of my favorite recipes to whip up during the festive season is these Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers topped with zesty hot pepper jelly. I remember the first time I made them; the kitchen was warm, filled with the aromas of melting cheese and toasted pastry. My family couldn’t resist sneakily grabbing a few right from the tray. These little bites of goodness quickly became a staple at all our gatherings, and I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your home, too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy schedules!
• Budget-friendly ingredients that don’t skimp on taste.
• Comforting flavors that everyone will love.
• Great for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
• The combination of creamy cheese and kicky hot pepper jelly is a total flavor explosion!

Ingredients

Let’s gather up our ingredients! You’re going to love how simple this is:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (I recommend letting it sit out for about 30 minutes to get creamy)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar gives the best flavor!)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered, if you’re feeling adventurous!)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (or a pinch more if you love a spicy kick!)
• 1/2 cup hot pepper jelly (feel free to choose your favorite brand or even homemade)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to create these tasty little appetizers step by step:

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cheesy goodness bakes evenly.
2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and shredded cheddar until it’s nice and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Add in the flour, garlic powder, salt, and paprika, mixing until everything just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, or your dough can become tough!
3. Shape the thumbprints: Roll the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a little room in between. Now, here comes the fun part: use your thumb (or the back of a spoon) to gently press down and create an indentation in each ball. Don’t press too hard; you want enough space for the jelly but not to break them apart!
4. Fill with jelly: Using a teaspoon, generously fill each thumbprint with hot pepper jelly. It’s okay if a little overflows; it will look super cute once baked!
5. Bake: Pop them in the oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cheese is wonderfully melty.
6. Cool and serve: Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm, and watch them disappear!

Pro Tips & Variations

Let’s get a little creative, shall we? Here are some fun twists and suggestions to elevate your cheesy thumbprints:

• Spice it up: If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dough mix for an extra kick.
• Herbed delight: Fresh herbs like chives or rosemary sprinkled into the dough can add a great flavor twist.
• Cheese alternatives: Swap out the cheddar for gouda or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Sweet and savory: Instead of hot pepper jelly, experiment with fruit preserves like apricot or mango for a sweeter version.

Serving Suggestions

These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven. Pair them with a crisp salad or serve them alongside a charcuterie board—trust me, they’re perfect for sharing! You could also set up a cozy spot with a hot mug of spiced cider or mulled wine, making your kitchen feel like the heart of the party. Imagine guests mingling, laughing, and snacking on these delightful bites. It’s everything a heartwarming gathering should be!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which I seriously doubt because they’re so good), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigeration: Let the cheesy bites cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer for an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-friendly bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 10 minutes, until they’re nice and hot again. This helps keep that cheese melty and gooey!

FAQs

Can I make these appetizers in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and shape them into balls and create the thumbprints. Then, refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go in cold.

What if I don’t have hot pepper jelly?

No worries! You can easily use any fruity jelly or preserve you have on hand, like raspberry, apricot, or even a spicy salsa if you’re feeling bold. The key is to find a balance of flavors that you enjoy!

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that some variations may alter the texture slightly, but they should still be delicious!

How do I know when the appetizers are done baking?

Look for a light golden color around the edges, and if the cheese is bubbling a bit, you’re good to go! They might also smell incredibly tempting—trust your nose!

Conclusion

I hope you give these Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers a try! They’re such a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. Plus, I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Do me a favor, and drop a comment below sharing your experience or any fun twists you tried. Happy cooking, and here’s to many wonderful gatherings filled with joy and delicious food!

Irresistible Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers Recipe for Parties

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• Author: meryem
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x

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Description

Discover easy cheesy appetizers with a twist! These thumbprints paired with hot pepper jelly are a perfect party favorite. Ideal for any gathering!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup of all-purpose flour

1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoon of paprika

1/2 cup of hot pepper jelly

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and shredded cheddar until fluffy. Add in the flour, garlic powder, salt, and paprika, mixing until just combined.

Roll the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and place them on an ungreased baking sheet. Use your thumb to press down and create an indentation in each ball.

Using a teaspoon, fill each thumbprint with hot pepper jelly.

Bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cheese is melty.

Allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers topped with zesty hot pepper jelly are quick and easy to prepare, making them a perfect party favorite during the festive season.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24 servings
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 2g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 3g

Keywords: cheesy appetizers, thumbprint appetizers, party food, hot pepper jelly