Description
These Cheesy Thumbprint Bacon Jam bites are a savory and irresistible appetizer featuring a crumbly cheddar cheese dough filled with flavorful homemade onion bacon jam. Perfect for parties or casual snacking, these bite-sized treats combine sharp cheddar, buttery dough, and a sweet-savory bacon jam filling baked to a golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Dough
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Filling and Garnish
- 1 cup homemade onion bacon jam
- Chopped parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Make the dough: Combine shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, chilled cubed unsalted butter, kosher salt, and garlic powder in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Gather the crumbs together with your hands to form a cohesive dough ball.
- Chill the dough: Transfer the dough to plastic wrap, flatten into a disk, and wrap securely. Refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes to allow the dough to firm up.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even baking and prevent sticking.
- Shape the dough balls: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Portion into 1 1/2-inch diameter balls and arrange them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- First bake: Bake the dough balls in the preheated oven for 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven, then press a teaspoon into the center of each one to create an indentation.
- Fill and bake again: Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of homemade onion bacon jam into each indentation. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 7 to 8 minutes, or until golden and the surface appears set.
- Cool and garnish: Transfer baked appetizers to a rack and allow them to cool to room temperature. Prior to serving, garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or cold.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is very cold for the best texture in the dough.
- The homemade onion bacon jam should be thick enough to hold its shape when spooned into the indentations.
- You can prepare the dough and bacon jam in advance to save time on the day of serving.
- These appetizers can be served warm or at room temperature depending on preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
