Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizer

Posted on November 16, 2025

This Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizer is a delightful blend of sharp cheddar cheese and sweet, savory homemade onion turkey turkey turkey bacon jam. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests. The combination of rich flavors and a tender cookie base creates a unique appetizer that stands out on any platter. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and watch as they disappear!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Flavorful Filling: The homemade onion turkey turkey turkey bacon jam adds a sweet and savory punch that pairs beautifully with the cheesy cookie.
Versatile for Occasions: Ideal for parties, game nights, or holiday gatherings, these appetizers fit right in at any event.
Customizable Options: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or cheeses to suit your taste!
Great for Meal Prep: These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored, making them a convenient choice for busy hosts.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this cheesy thumbprint appetizer recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Food processor
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowl
Plastic wrap

Why These Tools Matter

Food processor: This tool helps you combine ingredients quickly and efficiently, ensuring a smooth dough.
Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is essential for even cooking and easy handling of your cookies.
Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

This cheesy thumbprint appetizer is a cheddar cheese cookie filled with homemade onion turkey turkey turkey bacon jam.

For the Cookie Dough

2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, (shredded)
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, (chilled, cubed)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Filling

1 cup homemade onion turkey turkey turkey bacon jam, (for filling)

How to Make Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizer

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Blend the sharp cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, kosher salt, and garlic powder in your food processor until the dough resembles coarse meal. Once ready, use your hands to form it into a ball.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Remove the dough from the food processor and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Form the Cookies

Take the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Roll it into 1 ½-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake First Round

Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes. Remove them from the oven once they start to set but are not yet golden.

Step 6: Create Thumbprints

Press a teaspoon (or your thumb) into each cookie gently. Top each indentation with about 1 teaspoon of homemade onion turkey turkey turkey bacon jam.

Step 7: Final Bake

Return the cheddar cookies to the oven for another 7-8 minutes or until they are golden brown and no longer wet in appearance.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. These delicious cheesy thumbprint appetizers can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature—enjoy them however you like! Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving for an extra touch of flavor.

How to Serve Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizer

These cheesy thumbprint appetizers are versatile and can elevate any gathering. Here are some creative ways to serve them.

Pair with Dips

Creamy Herb Dip: A mix of sour cream and fresh herbs adds a refreshing contrast to the cheesy cookies.
Spicy Mustard: A zesty mustard can enhance the flavors of the cheddar and provide an exciting kick.

Add Fresh Sides

Crisp Veggie Platter: Serve with assorted raw vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a crunchy complement.
Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheesy cookies.

Create a Cheese Board

Charcuterie Elements: Include sliced turkey or chicken as protein options alongside your thumbprints for a fuller experience.
Cheese Selection: Pair with additional cheeses such as gouda or brie for a delightful tasting experience.

How to Perfect Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizer

To ensure your cheesy thumbprint appetizers turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Chilled Ingredients: Keeping butter and cheese cold helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
Don’t Overmix Dough: Mix just until combined to prevent tough cookies; a coarse-meal texture is ideal.
Chill Before Baking: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps maintain shape while baking.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies; remove them once they are golden for the best flavor and texture.
Experiment with Fillings: Try different jams or spreads to find your favorite combination that pairs well with cheddar.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizer

Serving these cheesy thumbprints alongside complementary sides enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some great side dish options.

Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks brushed with garlic make a satisfying addition.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce combined with creamy dressing offers a classic touch to your appetizer spread.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms pair beautifully, adding depth to your cheese-focused menu.
Roasted Vegetable Medley: Seasonal roasted veggies bring color and flavor balance alongside your appetizers.
Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit adds sweetness; consider combining grapes, strawberries, and melon for variety.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a hearty side option that complements the cheese nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your cheesy thumbprint appetizer, it’s easy to make some simple mistakes that could affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

Boldly adding too much flour: Over-measuring flour can lead to a dry dough. Always use a kitchen scale for accuracy or spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off.
Boldly skipping refrigeration: Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Allow at least 30 minutes of refrigeration for better texture.
Boldly overbaking: Baking too long can dry out the cookies. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes; they should be golden but not hard.
Boldly using low-quality cheese: The flavor of your cheesy thumbprint appetizer relies heavily on good cheese. Opt for sharp cheddar for the best taste.
Boldly ignoring jam consistency: A jam that’s too runny may pool instead of staying in the thumbprint. Ensure your homemade onion turkey jam has thickened properly before using it.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

Keep your cheesy thumbprint appetizer in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizer

You can freeze these appetizers by placing them in a freezer-safe container.
They last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizer

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
Stovetop: Place them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizer?

A cheesy thumbprint appetizer is a delightful snack made from cheddar cheese cookies filled with savory onion turkey jam, perfect for parties or gatherings.

How do I make homemade onion turkey jam?

To make onion turkey jam, sauté finely chopped onions with cooked turkey until caramelized, then add sugar and vinegar to create a sweet-savory spread.

Can I customize my Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizer?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses or jams to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields approximately 12 delicious cheesy thumbprint appetizers, making it perfect for small gatherings or as part of a larger spread.

Conclusion

These cheesy thumbprint appetizers are not only flavorful but also versatile, making them an excellent choice for any occasion. Feel free to customize with different cheeses or spreads to match your personal taste. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family!