Description

Cheesy Thumbprint Bacon Jam are delicious bite-sized appetizers featuring a crisp, cheddar cheese-based dough filled with savory homemade onion bacon jam. Perfectly baked until golden and garnished with fresh parsley, these cheesy thumbprint bites are ideal for parties, gatherings, or savory snacking, balancing the sharpness of cheddar with the rich, smoky flavors of bacon jam.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

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

1 cup homemade onion bacon jam

Garnish

Chopped parsley, for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the dough: Combine shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, chilled cubed unsalted butter, kosher salt, and garlic powder in a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it resembles a coarse meal. Then, gather the crumbs with your hands and form a cohesive dough ball.
Chill the dough: Transfer the dough ball onto plastic wrap, flatten it into a disk shape, and wrap it securely. Refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes to firm up the dough, which will make it easier to shape.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Shape the dough balls: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and portion it into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Arrange the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Initial bake: Bake the dough balls in the preheated oven for 7 to 8 minutes until they start to firm up but are not fully cooked. Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
Create thumbprints: Using the back of a teaspoon, gently press into the center of each dough ball to create an indentation for the filling.
Add bacon jam and bake again: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of homemade onion bacon jam into each indentation. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 7 to 8 minutes, until the appetizers are golden brown and the dough appears fully set.
Cool and garnish: Transfer the baked thumbprint bites to a wire rack and let them cool to room temperature. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh and colorful finish. Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or cold.

Notes

Ensure the butter is well-chilled before pulsing with the cheese and flour to achieve the perfect crumbly dough texture.
The homemade onion bacon jam adds a flavorful and smoky component; store-bought bacon jam can be used as a substitute if desired.
These appetizers can be made ahead of time and stored chilled; reheat briefly before serving if preferred warm.
Adjust the size of the thumbprints for larger or smaller bites according to your preference, adjusting baking times slightly.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.