Description
Cheesy thumbprint appetizers bring zesty excitement to party platters with their creamy cheese base and spicy pepper jelly glaze. Guests will devour these irresistible bites that perfectly balance rich creaminess and tangy heat in one elegant, crowd-pleasing nibble.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Spices:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Binding and Filling Ingredients:
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) hot pepper jelly
Instructions
- Prepare the baking workspace by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Heat the oven to 375F (190C), ensuring an even temperature for optimal baking.
- Create a flavor foundation by whisking flour, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a medium mixing bowl. This blend will provide depth and complexity to the appetizer base.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together butter, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until smooth and thoroughly integrated. Incorporate the egg yolk and water, mixing until the liquid elements are fully absorbed.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the cheese blend, gently combining until a cohesive dough forms. The consistency should be firm yet pliable.
- Portion the dough into tablespoon-sized spheres, rolling each carefully between your palms. Arrange the balls on prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately 2 inches of separation between each.
- Using your thumb or a rounded utensil, create a gentle indentation in the center of each dough ball. Press carefully to maintain the structural integrity of the appetizer.
- Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden edges that indicate perfect doneness.
- While still warm, delicately reinforce the center indentations using the back of a spoon. This ensures a perfect receptacle for the jelly.
- Carefully spoon hot pepper jelly into each thumbprint’s center, distributing the vibrant condiment evenly. Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to slightly warm the jelly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the appetizers to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This cooling period helps set the jelly and stabilize the delicate cheese base.
- Gently transfer the thumbprints to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature. Serve immediately or within a few hours for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Matters: Opt for high-quality, sharp cheddar and freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor depth and richness in your thumbprint appetizers.
- Handling Delicate Dough: Keep your hands slightly cool and lightly flour them to prevent the buttery dough from sticking and ensure smooth, clean shaping of the thumbprints.
- Jelly Temperature Trick: Choose a hot pepper jelly with varied heat levels to customize spice intensity, allowing guests with different heat tolerances to enjoy the appetizers.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make these thumbprints suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 129
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 133 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg