Description
Culinary magic shines through these cheesy thumbprint appetizers with hot pepper jelly, blending creamy richness with spicy-sweet notes. Guests will crave these irresistible bites that promise a perfect balance of flavor and texture in one delightful mouthful.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Filling:
- 1/2 cup hot pepper jelly
- 2 tbsp red bell pepper, finely diced
Garnish and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth, even surface for your appetizers.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper, creating a savory base for the pastry dough.
- Cut cold butter into small cubes and incorporate into the dry ingredients, using your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly breadcrumbs.
- Whisk the egg and gently fold it into the cheese-flour mixture, kneading until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small, uniform balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, create a gentle indentation in the center of each dough ball, forming a well for the filling.
- Soften cream cheese and mix with finely diced red bell peppers, creating a vibrant, textured accompaniment.
- Carefully spoon hot pepper jelly into the center of each thumbprint, filling the wells without overflowing.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the pastry appears crisp and slightly puffy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet to set the jelly and stabilize the pastry.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the appetizers, adding a bright, herbaceous finish.
- Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy these zesty, cheesy bites while still warm.
Notes
- Ensure butter is cold for flakier, more tender pastry that crumbles perfectly in your mouth.
- Room temperature ingredients help bind the dough smoothly without overworking the mixture.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor intensity and a more pronounced cheesy profile.
- Gluten-free bakers can substitute regular flour with almond or gluten-free blend for similar texture.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain crisp thumbprint edges.
- Experiment with different pepper jellies like jalapeño or mango for unique flavor variations.
- Vegetarian-friendly appetizer that can be prepared ahead and reheated before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, recrisping in oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg