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Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers Hot Pepper Jelly

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers Hot Pepper Jelly

These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a quick and easy appetizer that balances savory cheese with sweet-spicy jelly. They're perfect for entertaining or a simple treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 12 appetizers
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Base
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping
  • Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers Hot Pepper Jelly
  • Chopped fresh chives optional, for garnish
Serving
  • Crackers, crostini, or vegetable sticks

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Medium Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and garlic powder. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed and becomes smooth.
  3. Shape the cheese mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Use your thumb (or the back of a small spoon) to make a small indentation in the center of each cheese ball.
  5. Fill each indentation with a generous spoonful of Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers Hot Pepper Jelly.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
  8. Garnish with chopped chives, if desired.
  9. Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or vegetable sticks for dipping.

Notes

For the best flavor, make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before mixing. Don't overbake the thumbprints; you want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, but not browned. If you like a little extra kick, use a spicier hot pepper jelly or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture. You can easily customize the cheese base by adding ingredients like chopped green onions, bacon bits, or different types of shredded cheese. These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers Hot Pepper Jelly can also be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the cheese balls, fill them with jelly, and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add the chives after baking to keep them fresh. Adjust baking time if baking from cold.