Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that will disappear in minutes, look no further! These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are just what you need. Think golden, cheesy perfection with a little kick from the hot pepper jelly—a perfect blend of savory and sweet. The crispy, buttery pastry combined with the gooey, melted cheese is like a flavor explosion in every bite. And the hot pepper jelly? It adds just the right amount of heat and sweetness to balance out all that cheesy goodness.

Trust me, these little bite-sized treats will have everyone at the party talking and coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a fun snack to nibble on, these cheesy delights are bound to steal the show. They’re easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and require only a handful of ingredients. So, let’s get those appetizers in the oven and get ready to impress!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

The Perfect Flavor Combo

Cheese and pepper jelly? A match made in appetizer heaven. The heat from the jelly balances out the richness of the cheese, creating a flavor that’s nothing short of addicting.

Easy to Make

No complicated steps here—just a few simple ingredients, and you’re good to go. They come together in a flash and look fancy enough to impress your guests!

Bite-Sized and Fun

These appetizers are not only delicious but also super fun to eat. The thumbprint shape makes them easy to pop into your mouth in one bite—no mess, no fuss.

Crowd-Pleaser

Everyone will love these cheesy, spicy bites! Whether you’re at a holiday party, game day gathering, or just having friends over, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Make-Ahead Friendly

These cheesy thumbprints can be prepared ahead of time, so you can just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Less stress and more time to enjoy the party!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delightful Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly:

• Cream Cheese: The base for the cheesy filling. It gives these appetizers a smooth and creamy texture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This adds a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness and heat of the pepper jelly.
• Puff Pastry Sheets: Light and buttery, these make the perfect flaky base for the cheesy filling.
• Hot Pepper Jelly: The star of the show! It adds a sweet and spicy kick to balance out the richness of the cheese.
• Egg Yolk: To give the puff pastry a golden, glossy finish.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: To season the filling and give it an extra layer of flavor.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles (about 2 inches in diameter). Place each pastry circle onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cheesy Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and well-combined. If the mixture feels a bit thick, you can add a little bit of milk to help smooth it out.

Step 3: Form the Thumbprints

Use your thumb (or the back of a spoon) to press a small indent in the center of each pastry circle, forming a little “thumbprint” well. Don’t press too hard, just enough to create space for the cheesy filling.

Step 4: Fill the Pastry

Spoon a small amount of the cheesy filling into each thumbprint. Be generous, but don’t overfill—leave a little room around the edges for the puff pastry to puff up while baking.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Yolk

Whisk the egg yolk and lightly brush it over the edges of each puff pastry circle. This will give your appetizers a beautiful golden finish when they bake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them as they bake to ensure they don’t overcook.

Step 7: Add the Hot Pepper Jelly

Once the appetizers are out of the oven and slightly cooled, add a small dollop of hot pepper jelly to each one. The jelly should gently melt into the warm cheese and pastry, creating that sweet-and-spicy combo that makes these appetizers so irresistible.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are best served warm, so be sure to dig in right away or serve them to your guests while they’re still fresh out of the oven!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 150
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin D: 0mcg
Calcium: 80mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 75mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

These little cheesy bites are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:

• For Holiday Parties: These appetizers are great for Christmas, Easter, or any special celebration. Arrange them on a festive platter and watch them disappear.
• For Game Day: Serve these during your next football or basketball game watch party. They’re the perfect finger food that pairs well with a cold drink.
• As a Snack: You can easily enjoy these on your own as a midday snack or even a light dinner. Pair with a fresh salad or soup for a full meal.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare these appetizers ahead of time. Assemble them up to the point of baking, then cover them and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven.
• Vary the Jelly: If you’re not into hot pepper jelly, you can try different types of fruit jams, like apricot or raspberry, for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot pepper jelly to your liking. If you prefer a spicier bite, add more jelly; if you like it milder, use just a dab.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
A1: Yes! Store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe. It saves time and still gives you that flaky, buttery texture.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can assemble the cheesy thumbprints, refrigerate them, and bake them later. They’re also great for freezing before baking—just thaw and bake when ready!

Q3: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A3: Definitely! Feel free to use any cheese you like. A sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even cream cheese can all work in the filling.

Q4: Can I use a different type of jelly?
A4: Absolutely! If you’re not into spicy, you can try a sweeter jelly like apricot, strawberry, or even a citrus marmalade for a different twist.

Q5: Can I make these without egg?
A5: Yes! You can skip the egg wash for a vegan option, but the edges won’t be as golden. You can brush the dough with a bit of olive oil instead.

Q6: Can I use mini puff pastry rounds?
A6: Yes, mini puff pastry rounds work great for bite-sized appetizers! Just be sure to adjust the baking time as smaller rounds will cook faster.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftover cheesy thumbprints in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.

Q8: Can I freeze these?
A8: Yes! After assembling but before baking, freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and bake from frozen when you’re ready.

Q9: Can I skip the pepper jelly?
A9: While the hot pepper jelly adds a nice flavor contrast, you can skip it and add your favorite topping, like a drizzle of ranch or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Q10: Can I make these vegetarian?
A10: Yes, these appetizers are already vegetarian. Just make sure to check the ingredients of the puff pastry and jelly if you need to ensure they meet your dietary preferences.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are the perfect mix of cheesy, flaky, and spicy goodness. They’re quick to make, easy to serve, and sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a big party or just looking for a savory snack, these little bite-sized treats will add a touch of fun and flavor to your next meal. Enjoy!

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