Description

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are the perfect blend of savory, spicy, and sweet. These bite-sized treats feature a rich cheddar dough with a hint of heat, balanced by the sweetness of hot pepper jelly. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or holiday events, they’re guaranteed to impress your guests.

Ingredients

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2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
1/2 cup hot pepper jelly

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
- In a food processor, combine the shredded cheddar, flour, butter, garlic powder, and cayenne.
- Pulse until the mixture forms a dough.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Shape the Thumbprints:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart.
Bake and Fill:
- Bake the dough balls for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and press an indentation into the center of each ball with your thumb or a spoon.
- Fill each indentation with 1 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly.
Finish Baking:
- Return the sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-6 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the appetizers cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For added spice, use a hotter variety of pepper jelly.
These appetizers can be prepared a day in advance; store in an airtight container at room temperature.
If you don’t have a food processor, mix ingredients by hand using a pastry cutter or fork.