Description
Cheesy thumbprint appetizers with hot pepper jelly combine creamy cheese and spicy pepper jelly for an irresistible party snack. Guests will devour these elegant bites that balance rich flavors with zesty heat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (100 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup (25 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup (115 grams) butter, unsalted, softened
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tbsps cold water
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) hot pepper jelly
- 1 ½ cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Configure the oven to 375F (190C) and strategically line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for optimal non-stick performance.
- Seasoning Blend: Whisk flour, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform spice distribution that will infuse the dough with robust flavor.
- Cheese Dough Creation: Vigorously cream butter, cheddar, and Parmesan until silky smooth. Incorporate egg yolk and water, blending until the mixture achieves a harmonious consistency.
- Dough Formation: Delicately fold the spiced flour into the cheese base, working the mixture until a unified dough emerges with no remnant dry ingredients visible.
- Shaping and Indenting: Mold the dough into tablespoon-sized spheres, positioning them with strategic spacing on prepared sheets. Gently crater each ball’s center using your thumb or a spoon’s reverse side.
- Baking Sequence: Slide sheets into the preheated oven, baking 10-12 minutes until edges transform to a golden amber. Immediately upon removal, reinforce the indentations while still warm.
- Jelly Embellishment: Delicately fill each thumbprint cavity with hot pepper jelly, returning to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to gently warm the preserves.
- Cooling and Serving: Rest appetizers on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transition to a wire rack. Allow complete cooling before presenting at room temperature for optimal taste and textural experience.
Notes
- Ensure Butter Softness: Use room temperature butter for smooth, even mixing and better dough consistency.
- Prevent Overworking Dough: Mix ingredients gently to avoid tough, dense thumbprints; stop mixing once the dough comes together.
- Uniform Size Matters: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for consistent ball sizing, ensuring even baking and professional appearance.
- Customize Jelly Options: Swap hot pepper jelly with pepper jam, fruit preserves, or sweet chili sauce for diverse flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 25
- Calories: 149
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg