Trio of Savory Cheesecakes
Category: Appetizers
Serves: 1
A delightful trio of savory cheesecakes, perfect for those who appreciate a unique twist on traditional appetizers. This recipe presents three different flavors, each with its distinct character, offering a variety of tastes to enjoy with your guests. With a crunchy cracker base and rich, creamy fillings that feature ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, this savory cheesecake trio is bound to impress.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Crackers | 150g |
| Butter | 70g |
| Cream cheese (spreadable) | 150g |
| Heavy cream | 70g |
| Sun-dried tomatoes in oil | 4 pieces |
| Gelatin sheets | 3g |
| Salt | to taste |
| Capers (salted) | 90g |
| Fresh dill | 10g |
Nutritional Information:
The following nutritional values are approximate and per serving (1/1 recipe):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
Instructions:
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Prepare the crust: Start by preparing the base for your savory cheesecakes. Place the crackers in a food processor and pulse them until they are finely crushed. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. While the butter is melting, transfer the crushed crackers into a bowl. Gradually add the melted butter to the crumbs and mix until evenly combined.
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Set the base: Line a muffin tray with 12 paper cupcake liners. Spoon the cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of each liner, pressing it down firmly to form a compact crust. Once all the bases are ready, place the muffin tray in the fridge for about 30 minutes to chill and set. If you are short on time, you can speed this up by placing the tray in the freezer for 10 minutes.
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Prepare the gelatin: While the crust is setting, it’s time to prepare the gelatin for the three different savory fillings. Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 10 minutes. For each flavor, you will need a separate batch of gelatin. Once soaked, gently squeeze the excess water from the gelatin and dissolve each portion (3g) in 2 tablespoons of warm cream. It is best to do this for all three fillings at once.
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Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the fresh cream until stiff peaks form. This will be used to lighten the filling and add a fluffy texture to the cheesecakes.
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Prepare the fillings:
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Olive filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese with the chopped capers. Add a portion of the whipped cream and gently fold it into the cheese mixture. For added flavor, chop the sun-dried tomatoes finely and mix them into the cream cheese. Finally, incorporate the dissolved gelatin, making sure it is evenly mixed into the filling.
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Herb filling: In another bowl, mix the cream cheese with the chopped fresh dill. Fold in a portion of the whipped cream and then add the gelatin mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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Assemble the cheesecakes: After the crusts have set in the fridge, spoon the various cream cheese fillings into the muffin liners. Each liner will get a layer of one flavor, so you’ll have three different cheesecakes in the tray, each with a different savory filling. Gently smooth the tops to create an even surface.
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Chill and serve: Place the filled muffin tray back into the refrigerator and allow the cheesecakes to chill for at least an hour or until they are firm. This will help the gelatin set and give the cheesecakes their smooth, creamy texture.
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Serve: Once the cheesecakes are firm, carefully remove them from the muffin tray and place them on a serving platter. These savory cheesecakes are best served chilled, accompanied by a light salad or crusty bread.
Tips for Success:
- Base variations: If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the regular crackers with gluten-free crackers or use a mixture of ground nuts and gluten-free oats.
- Gelatin options: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use agar-agar as a substitute for gelatin.
- Flavor variations: Feel free to get creative with the flavors! Try adding other ingredients like roasted red peppers, garlic, or olives to customize your savory cheesecake to your taste.
Enjoy these creamy, savory cheesecakes as an appetizer at your next gathering—they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
