Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly 

These savory thumbprint treats blend creamy cheese, buttery dough, and a spicy‑sweet dollop of hot pepper jelly to create bite‑sized appetizers that are as impressive to serve as they are addictive to eat. Gently crisped around the edges with a gooey center, they bring a playful twist to party fare using just a handful of ingredients and about half an hour of hands‑on time. Elegant, effortless, and perfect for any festive spread, these little morsels are sure to disappear fast. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  
  

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  
  

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  
  

• 1 cup all‑purpose flour
  
  

• ¼ tsp salt
  
  

• ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
  
  

• ⅓ cup hot pepper jelly (store‑bought or homemade)
  
  

• Fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
  
  

Directions

1. In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
   
   

2. Add shredded cheddar and mix until fully incorporated.
   
   

3. Stir in flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using) until the dough just comes together.
   
   

4. Wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
   
   

5. Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
   
   

6. Scoop dough into 1‑inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Gently press an indentation into the center of each ball.
   
   

7. Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of hot pepper jelly.
   
   

8. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and lightly crispy.
   
   

9. Let cool slightly, garnish with herbs if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.
   
   

Nutrients (estimated per appetizer; makes ~24)

Calories: 105 kcal
Total Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg
Sodium: 115 mg
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Sugar: 2 g
Protein: 2 g