Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizer
An inviting blend of sharp cheddar cheese and savory onion turkey jam in a buttery, flaky pastry perfect for gatherings and entertaining.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (chilled, cubed)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Filling
- 1 cup homemade onion turkey jam For filling, can substitute with fruit jam or savory options
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather and measure all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Use a food processor to combine cheddar cheese, flour, cubed butter, salt, and garlic powder until it resembles coarse meal (about 30 seconds).
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and form into a cohesive ball, ensuring there are no dry patches.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Remove chilled dough, divide it into small portions, and shape each portion into 1½-inch balls, spacing them on the baking sheet.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes until they start to set but are not yet golden.
- Remove from the oven and create indentations in the center of each ball using your thumb or a teaspoon.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of onion turkey jam into each indentation, being careful not to overfill.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 7-8 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to two days before baking.