Savory Cheddar Thumbprint Bites with Pepper Jelly
Surprise your guests with these delightful savory thumbprint cookie bites that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. These unique appetizers combine the rich, creamy flavors of white cheddar and Parmesan with the crunch of pecans or almonds. A glossy dollop of hot pepper jelly adds a sweet and spicy contrast, making these bites the perfect accompaniment to cocktails or a charcuterie board. Ideal for parties, they are sure to become a standout favorite at your next gathering!
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
shredded white cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
egg yolk
1 (separated from white)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
all-purpose flour
1 cup (sifted)
finely chopped pecans or unblanched almonds
1 cup (chopped)
hot pepper jelly
1 cup (for filling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a food processor, combine the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese with the softened butter. Pulse until the mixture achieves a smooth consistency.
3
Add the egg yolk and black pepper to the cheese mixture, then pulse until well blended.
4
Gradually add the sifted flour, pulsing just until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
5
Place the chopped pecans or almonds on a shallow plate for coating the cookies.
6
With damp hands, roll scant tablespoonfuls of dough into 1-inch balls, and then lightly wet each ball with water.
7
Roll the wet dough balls in the chopped nuts, pressing them gently to ensure they adhere.
8
Arrange the coated dough balls on an ungreased baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.
9
Using your thumb or a fingertip, create an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
10
Chill the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up the dough.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the cookies are firm on the outside and lightly golden in color.
12
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
13
Once cooled, fill each indentation with a generous dollop of hot pepper jelly.
14
These thumbprint bites can be prepared up to this point and frozen in layers separated by waxed paper in a rigid airtight container for up to two weeks. To serve, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes to recrisp.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Cheddar Thumbprint Bites?
Savory Cheddar Thumbprint Bites are unique appetizers that combine the flavors of white cheddar and Parmesan cheese with a crunchy nut coating and a spicy pepper jelly center.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of shredded white cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the recommended filling for the center of these bites?
A generous dollop of hot pepper jelly is used to fill the indentations, providing a sweet and spicy contrast.
Which nuts can be used to coat the cookies?
You can use either finely chopped pecans or unblanched almonds to coat the dough balls.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes approximately 24 savory thumbprint bites.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Do I need special equipment to make the dough?
A food processor is recommended to pulse the cheeses, butter, and flour into a smooth, soft dough.
Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?
Yes, they can be prepared and frozen for up to two weeks in a rigid airtight container.
How do I reheat the bites if they have been frozen?
To serve from frozen, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes to recrisp.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 minutes helps firm up the dough before it goes into the oven.
How long do these cookies need to bake?
Bake the bites for about 15 minutes or until they are firm on the outside and lightly golden.
What is the best way to ensure the nuts stick to the dough?
Lightly wet each dough ball with water before rolling it in the chopped nuts to help them adhere.
Should the baking sheet be greased?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased baking sheet.
How do I create the 'thumbprint' in the cookie?
Use your thumb or a fingertip to create a small indentation in the center of each dough ball before chilling.
What is the size of each dough ball?
Each ball should be rolled from a scant tablespoon of dough into a 1-inch diameter ball.
Does this recipe use the whole egg?
No, this recipe specifically uses only one egg yolk.
What kind of flour is best for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
How should the butter be prepared?
The 1/2 cup of butter should be softened before being combined with the cheese.
Is there any seasoning in the dough?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper is added for flavor.
When should the jelly be added to the bites?
The jelly should be added once the cookies have finished baking and have cooled on a wire rack.
Can these be served on a charcuterie board?
Yes, they are described as the perfect accompaniment to cocktails or a charcuterie board.
What is the texture of these appetizers?
They are firm on the outside, lightly golden, and have a rich, creamy cheese flavor with a nutty crunch.
Can I use different types of pepper jelly?
Yes, while hot pepper jelly is suggested, any variety of pepper jelly will provide the desired sweet and spicy contrast.
How should I store the bites if I freeze them?
Freeze them in layers separated by waxed paper in a rigid airtight container.
Should I use unblanched almonds?
The recipe suggests unblanched almonds or pecans for the coating.
What color should the cookies be when finished?
The cookies should be a light golden color when they are done baking.
Do I mix the dough by hand?
The recipe recommends using a food processor to pulse the ingredients just until a soft dough forms.
Are these appetizers spicy?
They have a sweet and spicy contrast due to the hot pepper jelly and black pepper.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
The recipe recommends freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Why should I use damp hands to roll the dough?
Using damp hands helps you handle the dough more easily and makes it easier to wet the balls for the nut coating.