Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers

Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers

3 servings
Cheesy, spicy, and just a little sweet, pimento cheese thumbprint crackers are irresistible filled with hot pepper jelly. This recipe makes a tasty appetizer!

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
    1 ½ c.
  • baking powder
    ½ tsp.
  • chipotle chile powder
    ½ tsp.
  • garlic powder
    ½ tsp.
  • mustard powder
    ½ tsp.
  • kosher salt
    ½ tsp.
  • black pepper
    ¼ tsp.
  • cold salted butter

    cubed

    ½ c.
  • sharp cheddar cheese

    shredded, about 2 c.

    8 oz.
  • drained diced pimentos
    2 tbsp.
  • water
    2 tbsp.
  • pepper jelly
    ⅓ c.

Directions

  1. 1

    Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350˚F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Pulse the flour, baking powder, chile powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper in a food processor until combined. Pulse in the butter until coarse crumbs form. Add the cheese and pimentos and process until well distributed, about 10 seconds. Scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Pulse in the water until a dough forms.

  3. 3

    Using a tablespoon-size measuring spoon, scoop the dough into balls and place on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.

  4. 4

    Bake until almost set and puffed, about 15 minutes. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and press the back of a teaspoon-size measuring spoon into each cracker to form a thumbprint-size indent. Return to the oven and continue baking until golden brown and set, 8 to 10 more minutes. Transfer the crackers to a rack and let cool completely, about 15 minutes.

  5. 5

    Just before serving, spoon or pipe about ½ teaspoon jelly into the indent of each cracker.

Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers

Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers

70 min3 servings76 cal

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About this Recipe

Looking for the ultimate appetizer that blends savory, spicy, and a touch of sweet perfection? These Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers are a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering from a casual tailgate to an elegant dinner party. You'll love how these irresistible bites bring a taste of American comfort to your table, whether it's Easter brunch or a cozy Autumn evening.This recipe truly shines by transforming classic pimento cheese into a delightful, crisp cracker base. The ingenious addition of chipotle chile powder, garlic powder, and mustard powder elevates the sharp cheddar and pimento with layers of savory depth. Each cracker is then finished with a dollop of hot pepper jelly, creating an unforgettable balance of flavors and textures in every bite.When you bite into these pimento cheese thumbprint crackers, expect a delightful symphony of textures and tastes. The cracker itself offers a satisfying crispness, rich with the savory, tangy notes of sharp cheddar and the subtle kick of pimentos and spices. This perfectly contrasts with the sweet and spicy jelly nestled in the center, providing a vibrant, fruity heat that lingers pleasantly on your palate. It’s an approachable appetizer that feels special, showcasing familiar flavors in an exciting new way, ideal for autumn and winter entertaining.While delicious as is, these crackers are wonderfully adaptable. If you're sensitive to heat, you can reduce the amount of chipotle chile powder or opt for a milder pepper jelly, or even a different fruit jelly for a sweet-only contrast. You could also experiment with different types of hard cheeses, though sharp cheddar provides that iconic pimento cheese tang. This versatile snack is perfect for surprising guests at a cocktail party or enhancing your Thanksgiving spread.Serve these Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers as a standout appetizer for your next cocktail party, holiday gathering, or even a festive tailgate. They’re a fantastic snack on their own or alongside other savory bites, sure to be the first to disappear from the platter.

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