Cheesy Thumbprint Bacon Jam

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizer brings together sharp cheddar, buttery dough, and savory-sweet jam for a crowd-pleasing bite. These little morsels dress up any party spread, and I find myself returning to them season after season for their flavor punch and charm.

When I first served these, my guests could not resist grabbing seconds. They never last long at family get-togethers, and now my niece requests them for every holiday.

Ingredients

• Sharp cheddar cheese: For bold cheesy flavor and color look for blocks you can shred fresh
• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure a good quality flour will create a tender base
• Unsalted butter: For a rich taste and proper texture keep it cold and cube it fresh from the fridge
• Kosher salt: To balance flavors the flake size really makes a difference
• Garlic powder: Gives a hint of savory warmth choose a fresh spice so it does not taste dusty
• Onion bacon jam: Brings smoky sweetness to each bite try to make it homemade if possible it gives worlds more flavor than any store bought version

Instructions

Make the Dough:

Combine cheddar cheese, flour, butter, salt, and garlic powder in your food processor. Pulse until it resembles coarse meal, then use your hands to gently bring it together into a ball. This step creates the signature shortbread texture that melts in your mouth.

Chill:

Wrap the dough in plastic and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This chilling step relaxes the gluten and ensures the cookies hold their shape when baked.

Preheat and Prepare:

Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Shape and Place:

Scoop dough and form into balls about one and a half inches thick. Space them an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet so they bake evenly and do not merge.

First Bake:

Bake for about seven or eight minutes. Pull out the tray and press a teaspoon or your thumb gently into the center of each round to form a well.

Fill and Finish Baking:

Spoon a teaspoon of onion bacon jam into each indentation. Slide the tray back into the oven and bake for another seven to eight minutes. The cookies should be golden on the edges and firmed up.

Cool and Garnish:

Allow the cheesy thumbprints to cool on a rack or the tray until room temperature. Before serving, sprinkle finely chopped parsley for a bright finish. Enjoy them warm for ultimate meltiness or at room temp for easy snacking.

Sharp cheddar has always been my go to for this recipe and the way it crisps at the edges gives a bit of crunch I love. Once my brother tried sneaking some extra bacon jam into the center and now that is our family favorite trick.

Storage and Leftover Tips

These appetizers store well in an airtight container for up to three days on the counter. For longer storage keep them in the fridge and rewarm briefly in a low oven before serving for that fresh baked feel. You can also freeze unfilled dough balls and bake straight from the freezer as needed.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Swap the cheddar for aged gouda or fontina if you want a twist on the classic. If you are vegetarian you can use a sweet onion jam without bacon and still get a savory pop. Feel free to play with herbs or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the dough for a deeper layer.

Perfect Ways to Serve This

Pile these on a pretty platter alongside other small bites for cocktail hour. They make a fun swap for bread at brunch too. I like setting out a little extra jam on the side for those who want a second spoonful.

These cheesy thumbprints bring people together and make any occasion feel a bit more festive. Try them at your next gathering—they are sure to become a new favorite.

Recipe Q&A

→ How can I ensure the dough holds together?

Chill the assembled dough before baking; this helps prevent spreading and results in perfect thumbprints.

→ Can I substitute another cheese for sharp cheddar?

Yes, try other firm cheeses like Swiss or Gruyère for a different flavor profile in the dough.

→ Is homemade onion bacon jam required?

Homemade is great but store-bought onion or bacon jams work well as a filling in a pinch.

→ What can I use instead of butter?

Use a firm plant-based butter alternative if you need a non-dairy option for the dough.

→ How should these appetizers be served?

Serve warm for melty, aromatic bites, or at room temperature for convenience at gatherings.

→ Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake and refrigerate them a day in advance, then rewarm before serving if desired.