Mini Goat Cheesecakes Recipe
Description
These delightful mini goat cheesecakes serve as a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a sophisticated appetizer or a unique topping for a simple green salad. Originating from the beloved “Sara Moulton Cooks At Home” collection, these mini cheesecakes are packed with flavor and are sure to impress your guests. Please note that the preparation and cooking times do not account for the time required to toast the walnuts, which adds an additional depth of flavor to the final product.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Recipe Category
- Category: Cheese
Keywords
- Keywords: < 60 Mins, Oven
Ingredients
Here is the list of ingredients you will need to create these delectable mini goat cheesecakes:
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped toasted walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper, divided
- 1/2 cup of finely crushed bread crumbs
- 5 ounces of goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon of fresh chives, finely chopped
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximate values):
- Calories: 93.2 kcal
- Fat: 7.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6 g
- Cholesterol: 25.2 mg
- Sodium: 151.6 mg
- Carbohydrates: 3.1 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Sugar: 0.7 g
- Protein: 3.3 g
Yield
- Recipe Yield: 18 mini cheesecakes
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. -
Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Butter a nonstick mini-muffin tin with eighteen 1/8-cup wells, each measuring approximately 1 3/4 inches in diameter and 3/4 inch deep. -
Mix the Crust Ingredients:
In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, chopped walnuts, melted butter, and half of the salt and pepper. Stir the mixture with a fork until it is thoroughly combined. -
Form the Crust:
Place 2 teaspoonfuls of the crumb mixture into each muffin cup and press it down firmly to form a crust at the bottom of each well. -
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the goat cheese and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy. -
Add Remaining Ingredients:
Beat in the egg, fresh chives, and the remaining salt and pepper until fully incorporated. -
Fill the Muffin Tin:
Divide the cheese mixture evenly among the wells of the muffin tin, smoothing the tops with a knife. -
Bake the Cheesecakes:
Bake in the preheated oven until the cheesecakes are puffed and slightly golden, about 15 minutes. -
Cool and Unmold:
Allow the cheesecakes to cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the rim of each cake to loosen it, and then carefully unmold each cheesecake. -
Serve or Store:
These mini cheesecakes can be served warm or at room temperature. If you are preparing them in advance, they can be baked a day ahead and kept covered and chilled in the refrigerator. Reheat them in a 350-degree oven until hot before serving.
Serving Suggestions
While these mini goat cheesecakes are touted as appetizers, they also make a delightful addition to a variety of dishes:
- Salad Topper: Place a warm mini cheesecake atop a bed of fresh greens, such as arugula or mixed baby greens, and drizzle with a light vinaigrette.
- Appetizer Platter: Serve these cheesecakes on a platter with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, and fresh fruit like grapes or apple slices.
- Brunch Spread: Include them in a brunch buffet alongside smoked salmon, bagels, and a variety of spreads for an upscale, elegant touch.
Additional Tips and Variations
Toasting the Walnuts:
- Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the crust. To toast walnuts, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Be sure to let them cool before chopping finely.
Herb Variations:
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs to complement the goat cheese. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil can be excellent alternatives to chives, each bringing its own unique flavor profile to the cheesecakes.
Cheese Combinations:
- While this recipe calls for goat cheese and cream cheese, you can experiment with other soft cheeses. Ricotta or mascarpone can provide a different texture and taste, making these mini cheesecakes customizable to your preferences.
Nut-Free Option:
- If you have guests with nut allergies, you can substitute the walnuts with finely crushed pretzels or omit the nuts entirely, using only the bread crumbs for the crust.
Final Thoughts
These mini goat cheesecakes are a sophisticated and versatile dish that can elevate any meal. Their creamy texture, combined with the crunchy walnut crust and the savory flavors of goat cheese and chives, makes them a memorable addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether served as an appetizer, a salad topper, or part of a brunch spread, they are sure to delight and impress your guests.
Enjoy the process of making these delightful treats and savor the compliments that follow!
