Appetizers

Cheesy Thumbprint Bacon Jam

Name: Cheesy Thumbprint Bacon Jam Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice); 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 package of pastry dough (or pie crust); Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

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Bright, savory, and a little sweet, these Cheesy Thumbprint Bacon Jam bites are perfect for parties or a cozy snack. Crispy pastry cups cradle a sticky bacon jam and creamy cheese filling that melts into a salty, smoky, caramelized bite. They smell like bacon and butter, offer a contrast of crunchy edges and soft centers, and look golden and inviting on a platter.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 thumbprints
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Values are approximate per serving (1 thumbprint):

Calories per serving: 210 kcal
Protein: 6.5 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fat: 15.5 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 300 mg

Why Make This Cheesy Thumbprint Bacon Jam

These thumbprints combine sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in one small bite. The bacon jam brings smoky depth and caramelized sweetness from brown sugar and balsamic, while the cheese filling adds creamy richness. They come together quickly and make a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day, holiday gatherings, or a simple evening snack. Crisp pastry keeps the texture interesting and makes them easy to pick up and eat.

How to Make Cheesy Thumbprint Bacon Jam

This recipe is straightforward: cook the bacon and onions until caramelized, stir in brown sugar and balsamic to make the jam, mix cheeses until smooth, fill pastry rounds, and bake until golden. Work confidently and keep an eye on the oven — the pastry browns fast. For a richer jam, cook the bacon a little longer to deepen the caramel notes. If you want to try a similar flavor profile on a main dish, check out this cheesy bacon smothered chicken for inspiration: cheesy bacon smothered chicken.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 package of pastry dough (or pie crust)
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the pastry dough on a lightly floured surface. If using a pie crust, roll it out to even thickness and have a small round cutter or glass ready to cut circles.

Step 2: Sautéing the Bacon and Onions

In a skillet over medium heat, add the chopped cooked bacon and finely chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden, and the bacon warms and starts to caramelize — about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Making the Bacon Jam

Stir in the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar to the bacon and onions. Continue to cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool a bit so it’s thick and jam-like.

Step 4: Mixing the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine the shredded cheese and softened cream cheese. Mix until the blend is smooth and spreadable. A fork or small mixer works well. Season lightly with the black pepper.

Step 5: Cutting the Pastry Rounds

Roll out the pastry dough and cut it into small circles, about 2 to 2.5 inches wide. Gather scraps and re-roll if needed. Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

Step 6: Forming the Thumbprint Indents

Press your thumb (or the back of a small spoon) into the center of each pastry circle to make a shallow indent. Leave a small rim so the filling is contained.

Step 7: Filling the Pastry Cups

Fill each indent with about a teaspoon of the bacon jam mixture, then add a small dollop of the cheese mixture on top. Don’t overfill — the filling should sit inside the cup.

Step 8: Baking Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15–20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly. Check at 12 minutes if your oven runs hot.

Step 9: Garnishing and Serving

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley, if desired. Serve warm so the cheese is melty and the jam is sticky.

How to Serve Cheesy Thumbprint Bacon Jam

Serve these warm on a platter as bite-sized appetizers. They pair well with crisp greens or sliced apples to cut the richness. Offer them at brunch, cocktail parties, potlucks, or a casual game-night spread. For a hearty pairing, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple soup. The warm, gooey texture and smoky aroma make them especially welcoming on cool evenings.

How to Store Cheesy Thumbprint Bacon Jam

Room temperature: Serve within 2 hours of baking for best texture.
Refrigerator: Store cooled thumbprints in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to restore crispness.
Freezing: Freeze baked thumbprints on a tray until solid; transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 12–15 minutes.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cheesy Thumbprint Bacon Jam

Use day-old cooked bacon for easier chopping and better caramelization.
Don’t overfill the pastry cups — too much jam or cheese can make them soggy.
If the pastry edges brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil and finish baking.
For even browning, chill the cut rounds briefly before pressing thumb indents.
Taste the bacon jam before filling; adjust sweetness with more brown sugar or tang with a splash of balsamic.
Use a blend of cheeses (cheddar + mozzarella) for meltiness and flavor.
For crisp pastry, reheat in the oven rather than microwave.

Delicious Variations

Maple-Bacon Thumbprints: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a warm maple note.
Spicy Jam: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the bacon jam for heat.
Goat Cheese Twist: Swap cream cheese for goat cheese for tangier filling.
Puff Pastry Cups: Use puff pastry for flakier, lighter shells.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute cooked mushrooms or smoked tempeh for bacon and add a touch of liquid smoke.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make the bacon jam ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the bacon jam up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. Rewarm slightly before filling the pastry so it spreads easily.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon bits?
A: You can, but fresh cooked bacon gives better texture and flavor. Pre-cooked bits may be drier and not caramelize with the onions as well.

Q: What pastry is best to use?
A: Store-bought pie crust or puff pastry both work. Pie crust gives a sturdier cup, while puff pastry gives a flakier, lighter shell.

Q: How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
A: Don’t overfill, pre-bake the rounds for 3–4 minutes before filling if your dough is very soft, and reheat in the oven to restore crispness after refrigeration.

Q: Are these freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Texture remains decent for up to a month.

Q: Can I make them dairy-free?
A: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based shredded cheese. Flavor and melt will vary, but the concept still works.

Q: How many thumbprints will one package of pastry dough make?
A: It depends on size, but a standard package typically yields about 10–14 rounds cut 2–2.5 inches wide. This recipe assumes about 12 thumbprints.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Thumbprint Bacon Jam bites are a warm, savory-sweet crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and full of flavor. The sticky bacon jam, creamy cheese, and golden pastry create a delicious contrast of textures and tastes that guests love. For another take on cheesy thumbprint appetizers and more inspiration, see this Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizer – Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizer – i am baker. Try them warm and fresh — they’re best enjoyed right out of the oven.