1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Cheesy Thumbprint with Jelly

Cheesy Thumbprint Hot Pepper

Featured in Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers.

These cheesy thumbprint appetizers are a unique blend of savory and sweet. A buttery, crumbly dough infused with sharp cheddar and Parmesan forms the base, while hot pepper jelly adds a punch of sweetness and spice. Perfect for entertaining, they're easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Bake to golden perfection, fill with your favorite jelly, and serve warm or at room temperature. Simple, flavorful, and a definite crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
A woman in a white chef's outfit with a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:30:22 GMT
A plate of food with a sauce on top. Pin it
A plate of food with a sauce on top. | cuisinegenial.com

This cheesy thumbprint appetizer recipe transforms any gathering with its perfect balance of savory, buttery dough and sweet-spicy hot pepper jelly. My recipe offers a sophisticated twist on traditional thumbprints that consistently disappears within minutes at cocktail parties and holiday gatherings.

I created these for a last-minute dinner party when I needed something elegant but quick. Now they've become my signature appetizer that friends specifically request whenever we get together.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: creates the perfect tender yet sturdy base for these savory bites
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: brings bold flavor; look for aged varieties for more complexity
  • Parmesan cheese: adds a salty umami note that elevates the entire appetizer
  • Smoked paprika: optional but adds wonderful depth and subtle smokiness
  • Hot pepper jelly: creates the perfect sweet heat contrast; choose a vibrant red or green variety for visual appeal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper. Proper preheating ensures even cooking and helps develop that perfect golden edge on your thumbprints.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Thoroughly whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a medium bowl. This even distribution of seasonings ensures consistent flavor throughout every bite of your appetizers.
Make the Dough:
Beat butter and both cheeses until truly creamy and well combined. The texture should be light and fluffy before proceeding. Add egg yolk and water, mixing until fully incorporated with no streaks remaining. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until a cohesive dough forms. Overmixing can make your thumbprints tough.
Shape the Thumbprints:
Roll tablespoon portions of dough into perfect balls between your palms. The warmth of your hands helps smooth the dough. Place balls two inches apart on prepared sheets, then press a small but defined indentation into each using your thumb or a measuring spoon for consistency.
Bake the Thumbprints:
Bake until the edges turn a light golden color, about 10-12 minutes. Immediately reinforce indentations while still hot as they tend to puff slightly during baking. This creates the perfect well for your jelly.
Add the Jelly:
Fill each indentation with approximately half a teaspoon of vibrant hot pepper jelly. The warm thumbprints will help the jelly settle beautifully. Return to the oven briefly to warm the jelly just enough to create a glossy finish.
Cool and Serve:
Allow thumbprints to set on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This brief rest period helps them firm up enough to move without breaking. Serve slightly warm for the best flavor experience.

The smoked paprika might seem like a small addition, but it transforms these appetizers completely. I discovered this by accident when I ran out of regular paprika, and my family unanimously agreed the smoky version created much more depth and complexity.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

These savory thumbprints pair beautifully with both red and white wines. For reds, try a fruity Pinot Noir that complements the cheddar without overwhelming it. With whites, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc offers refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery texture. For a special occasion, these appetizers shine alongside champagne or prosecco, where the bubbles cleanse the palate between bites.

Creative Variations

Change the flavor profile completely by swapping the jelly and cheese combinations. Try blue cheese in the dough with fig preserves for a sophisticated twist. Pepper jack with mango habanero jelly creates a tropical heat experience. Swiss cheese with apricot preserves offers a more subtle, elegant variation perfect for afternoon tea gatherings. The basic dough recipe remains the same, making this incredibly versatile.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare the complete thumbprints up to the indentation stage and refrigerate overnight covered with plastic wrap. When ready to serve, simply bake them straight from the refrigerator, adding just 2-3 minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze the shaped unbaked thumbprints for up to a month, then bake directly from frozen, adding about 5 minutes to the total baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is the best type of cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar and Parmesan are ideal for their bold flavors. You can experiment with other aged or sharp cheeses for variation.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the thumbprints a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

→ Can I use a different type of jelly?

Absolutely! Fig, cranberry, or apricot jelly can replace hot pepper jelly for a milder taste.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the oven, if needed.

→ Can I make these appetizers gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure the blend is suitable for savory baking.

Cheesy Thumbprint with Jelly

Cheesy bites with hot pepper jelly for the perfect flavor-packed appetizer.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 appetizers)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 190 g all-purpose flour
02 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
04 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
05 115 g unsalted butter, softened
06 100 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
07 25 g grated Parmesan cheese
08 1 large egg yolk
09 2 tablespoons cold water
10 80 ml hot pepper jelly

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 190°C. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).

Step 03

In a large bowl, beat the butter, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined. Add the egg yolk and water, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 04

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 5 cm apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a small indentation into the center of each ball.

Step 05

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Remove from the oven and use the back of a spoon to reinforce the indentations while they’re still warm.

Step 06

Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly into the center of each thumbprint. Return to the oven for 2–3 more minutes to warm the jelly slightly.

Step 07

Let the thumbprints cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  1. Make the dough and shape the thumbprints a day in advance to save time. Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
  2. For a milder flavor, swap hot pepper jelly with fig, apricot, or cranberry jelly.
  3. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • Wire rack

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • Protein: 3 g