Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Elevate your gathering with these delightful Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers, featuring a creamy cheese filling topped with zesty hot pepper jelly. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, these bite-sized treats combine savory and sweet flavors in every delicious bite. Impress your guests with this easy yet elegant appetizer that's sure to be a crowd favorite!

Madeline Archer

Created by

Madeline Archer

Last updated on 2025-12-10T20:37:42.770Z

These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers are a fantastic combination of creamy and zesty, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these tasty appetizers:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (like chives or parsley)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 jar hot pepper jelly

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Mix the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and salt until smooth.

Prepare the Dough

Gradually add the flour to the cheese mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.

Form the Thumbprints

Take small portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on a baking sheet and use your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each ball.

Fill with Jelly

Spoon a small amount of hot pepper jelly into each indentation.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the edges are golden.

Let the appetizers cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling, then refrigerate until you're ready to bake.

→ What can I serve these with?

These appetizers pair wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or a charcuterie board.

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

Elevate your gathering with these delightful Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers, featuring a creamy cheese filling topped with zesty hot pepper jelly. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, these bite-sized treats combine savory and sweet flavors in every delicious bite. Impress your guests with this easy yet elegant appetizer that's sure to be a crowd favorite!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Madeline Archer

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 appetizers

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  2. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  3. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  4. 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (like chives or parsley)
  5. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  6. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  7. 1 jar hot pepper jelly

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and salt until smooth.

Step 03

Gradually add the flour to the cheese mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.

Step 04

Take small portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on a baking sheet and use your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each ball.

Step 05

Spoon a small amount of hot pepper jelly into each indentation.

Step 06

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the edges are golden.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 5g