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Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers are adorable, bite-sized snacks featuring a crispy, buttery crust with a gooey, savory cheese filling. Perfect for parties or casual nights in, these easy-to-make appetizers combine sharp cheddar and creamy cream cheese with garlic and fresh parsley for a crowd-pleasing flavor that’s customizable and irresistibly delicious.

  • Total Time: 55-58 minutes
  • Yield: 24 appetizers 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • ½ cup cold butter, cubed
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2–3 tablespoons cold water

Cheese Filling Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz softened cream cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping

  • 1 egg, beaten (or plant milk and maple syrup mixture for vegan alternative)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Combine the all-purpose flour with cold, cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add a pinch of salt and 2 to 3 tablespoons of cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
  2. Make the Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix shredded sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, finely chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined, ensuring a creamy, flavorful filling.
  3. Shape the Appetizers: Roll the chilled dough into small, walnut-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and gently press your thumb into the center of each ball to create a well for the cheese filling.
  4. Fill and Brush: Fill each thumbprint indentation with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Then, brush the tops of the dough lightly with egg wash (or the vegan alternative) for that perfect golden crust when baked.
  5. Bake and Cool: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbly. Allow the appetizers to cool slightly before serving to achieve the ideal gooey texture.

Notes

  • Chill the dough to maintain a flaky texture and prevent spreading in the oven.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor impact.
  • Do not overfill the thumbprints to avoid cheese overflow and messy baking sheets.
  • Handle dough quickly with cool hands to keep it from becoming sticky.
  • For a vegan option, substitute butter with vegan margarine and brush with a plant milk and maple syrup mixture instead of egg wash.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 appetizers
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Cheesy appetizers, thumbprint snacks, party appetizers, bite-sized snacks, gluten-free appetizers, cheese snacks, easy appetizers