Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers Recipe

This Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers recipe is a cheesy and savory recipe, which is made with sharp cheddar cheese and diced pimentos. It’s an ideal party appetizer, ready in about an hour.

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Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. chipotle chile powder
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. mustard powder
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold salted butter, cubed
• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 c.)
• 2 Tbsp. drained diced pimentos
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 1/3 cup pepper jelly

How To Make Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers

1. Prep oven and pans: Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350˚F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a food processor, pulse the flour, baking powder, chile powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
3. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add cheese and form dough: Add the shredded cheese and pimentos and process for about 10 seconds until distributed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then pulse in the water until a cohesive dough forms.
5. Shape the crackers: Use a tablespoon to scoop the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
6. First bake: Bake for about 15 minutes, until the crackers are almost set and look puffed.
7. Create the thumbprints: Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Use the back of a small measuring spoon (like a ½ or 1 teaspoon) to gently press an indent into the center of each warm cracker.
8. Second bake: Return the crackers to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, until they are golden brown and firm.
9. Cool and fill: Transfer the crackers to a wire rack to cool completely. Just before serving, spoon about ½ teaspoon of pepper jelly into the indent of each cracker.

Recipe Tips

• How to get a flaky texture? Using cold butter is essential. When the small pieces of cold butter melt in the hot oven, they create steam, which forms little pockets in the dough, resulting in a tender, flaky cracker.
• Can I make this dough without a food processor? Yes. Whisk the dry ingredients in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then, stir in the cheese and pimentos, and finally, add the water and mix until a dough forms.
• Why wait to fill the crackers? Filling the crackers with jelly too far in advance will cause them to absorb the moisture and become soft. To maintain their delicious crispness, you should always fill them just before you plan to serve them.
• Can I use a different kind of jelly? Absolutely. While the sweet heat of pepper jelly is a classic pairing with pimento cheese, these would also be fantastic with apricot preserves, fig jam, or a spicy chutney.

What To Serve With Pimento Cheese Crackers

These savory and sweet crackers are a perfect standalone appetizer for any party or gathering. They make a wonderful addition to a larger cheese board or charcuterie platter, served alongside olives, cured meats, and fresh fruit.

How To Store Pimento Cheese Crackers

• Store: The unfilled crackers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Do not refrigerate them, as this can make them lose their crisp texture.
• Fill Before Serving: It is very important that you do not fill the crackers with jelly until you are ready to serve them to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers Nutrition Facts

• Serving: 1 cracker
• Calories: 85 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Sugar: 2g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

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