Herbed Basil Cheese Mousse
Indulge in this delightful Herbed Basil Cheese Mousse, a creamy and flavorful layer of basil and herb-infused cream cheese, complemented by the rich taste of parmesan and toasted pine nuts. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a savory snack, this dish will impress your guests and elevate any occasion. Serve it with crostinis or fresh vegetables for a refreshing treat. The preparation takes less than four hours, giving you plenty of time to savor the anticipation of this aromatic delight.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh basil
3 cups (washed and loosely packed)
Fresh parsley
1 cup (washed and loosely packed)
Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for pesto)
Pine nuts
3 tablespoons (coarsely chopped, plus 2 tablespoons for garnish)
Cream cheese
11 ounces (softened)
Butter
1/2 cup (softened)
Lemon juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Salt
1 dash (to taste)
Tabasco sauce
2 dashes (for heat)
Instructions
1
Start by lining a round bowl or mold with wax paper, ensuring that the paper rises above the edges for easy removal later.
2
In a food processor, combine 3 cups of fresh basil, 1 cup of fresh parsley, 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 3 tablespoons of coarsely chopped pine nuts. Process until a very thick pesto forms, scraping down the sides as necessary.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine 11 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, a dash of salt, and 2 dashes of Tabasco sauce. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
4
Prepare to layer by dividing both the basil pesto mixture and the cheese mixture into thirds.
5
Begin layering in the prepared bowl: add one third of the cheese mixture, followed by one third of the basil pesto, and repeat the process until all ingredients are used, finishing with the cheese layer on top.
6
Sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of coarsely chopped pine nuts for added texture and garnish.
7
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or until set, preferably overnight for the best flavor.
8
When ready to serve, carefully unmold the torte by lifting it out using the wax paper, remove the paper, and place on a serving plate.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Basil Cheese Mousse?
It is a creamy and flavorful savory appetizer made of layered basil-herb pesto and a rich cream cheese mixture.
How much fresh basil is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of fresh basil, washed and loosely packed.
Does this cheese mousse contain parsley?
Yes, it includes 1 cup of fresh parsley in the pesto mixture.
What type of cheese is used in the pesto layer?
The pesto layer uses 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
How much olive oil is needed for the pesto?
You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil to help form the pesto.
How are the pine nuts used in this recipe?
Three tablespoons are chopped and added to the pesto, while an additional 2 tablespoons are used as a garnish on top.
How much cream cheese is used in the cheese layer?
The recipe requires 11 ounces of softened cream cheese.
Should the butter be softened before mixing?
Yes, 1/2 cup of butter should be softened to ensure it mixes smoothly with the cream cheese.
Is there lemon juice in the Herbed Basil Cheese Mousse?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is added to the cheese mixture.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests adding 1 dash of salt to taste.
Does this recipe have any spice?
Yes, it includes 2 dashes of Tabasco sauce for a subtle hint of heat.
How should I prepare the bowl for the mousse?
Line a round bowl or mold with wax paper, making sure it rises above the edges for easy removal.
What appliance is needed for the pesto?
A food processor is recommended to blend the basil, parsley, parmesan, oil, and nuts into a thick paste.
What consistency should the pesto be?
The mixture should be processed until it forms a very thick pesto.
How many layers are in this savory torte?
The recipe involves dividing the cheese and pesto mixtures into thirds to create multiple alternating layers.
Which mixture do I start with when layering?
You should begin layering with one third of the cheese mixture.
What is the final layer on top of the mousse?
The final layer should be the cheese mixture.
How long does the mousse need to refrigerate?
It should be refrigerated for several hours or until set, though overnight is preferred for best flavor.
How do I remove the mousse from the bowl?
Carefully unmold the torte by lifting it out using the overhanging wax paper, then remove the paper before serving.
What are the best items to serve with this mousse?
It is best served with crostinis or fresh vegetables.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, it is a no-bake savory torte that sets in the refrigerator.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 10 main ingredients required for this recipe.
What is the primary category for this dish?
It is categorized as an appetizer and a party food.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies fresh basil to achieve the correct volume and flavor for the pesto.
Does the recipe contain sugar?
No, this is a savory recipe and does not list sugar as an ingredient.
Should the parsley be chopped before processing?
The instructions mention processing it in a food processor, so pre-chopping is not necessary as long as it is washed.
Is the mousse high in sodium?
Specific sodium data is not provided, but it contains parmesan cheese, a dash of salt, and Tabasco.
What shape is the final dish?
It takes the shape of the round bowl or mold used during the layering process.
How do you ensure the cheese mixture is smooth?
By using softened cream cheese and butter and mixing them thoroughly in a large bowl.
How long is the total preparation time?
Preparation takes less than four hours, excluding the recommended overnight chilling time.