Salsa Verde Pumpkin Seed Cheese Bake
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this Salsa Verde Pumpkin Seed Cheese Bake, inspired by Chef Rick Bayless. Creamy and tangy cheeses are perfectly blended with crunchy toasted pumpkin seeds, delivering a delightful texture and taste. The dish is smothered in zesty salsa for an added kick, making it a perfect appetizer or party dish. This versatile recipe pairs wonderfully with crispy tortilla chips, crunchy crackers, or warm, toasted bread. Elevate your snacking experience with this enticing baked cheese delight!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
toasted pumpkin seeds
1/3 cup (toasted)
reduced-fat cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
goat cheese
4 ounces (softened (recommended: La Buchette with Fine Herbs))
salsa
1 (16 ounce) jar ((Frontera Jalapeno Cilantro recommended))
fresh cilantro
to taste (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the toasted pumpkin seeds, softened cream cheese, and goat cheese until well blended. Shape the mixture into a round disk and transfer it to a lightly greased oven-proof baking dish.
3
generously top the cheese disk with the salsa, ensuring it's evenly covered.
4
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and heated through.
5
Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
6
Serve warm with your choice of tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread slices for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Salsa Verde Pumpkin Seed Cheese Bake?
It is a rich and savory appetizer featuring creamy cheeses, toasted pumpkin seeds, and zesty salsa, inspired by Chef Rick Bayless.
Who is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the flavors of Chef Rick Bayless.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is classified as a vegetarian recipe.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What types of cheese are used in this bake?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of reduced-fat cream cheese and 4 ounces of goat cheese.
Which specific goat cheese is recommended?
The recipe recommends using La Buchette with Fine Herbs goat cheese.
How much salsa do I need?
You will need one 16-ounce jar of salsa.
Is there a specific salsa recommended for this recipe?
Frontera Jalapeno Cilantro salsa is the recommended choice.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: pumpkin seeds, cream cheese, goat cheese, salsa, and cilantro.
How many pumpkin seeds should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of toasted pumpkin seeds.
Do the pumpkin seeds need to be prepared in a certain way?
Yes, the pumpkin seeds should be toasted before being mixed into the cheese.
How do I prepare the cheese base?
Thoroughly combine the toasted pumpkin seeds, softened cream cheese, and goat cheese in a mixing bowl until well blended.
What shape should the cheese mixture be formed into?
The mixture should be shaped into a round disk.
Should the baking dish be prepared beforehand?
Yes, the cheese disk should be transferred to a lightly greased oven-proof baking dish.
How is the salsa applied to the dish?
The salsa should be topped generously over the cheese disk, ensuring it is evenly covered.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The bake time is between 10 to 15 minutes.
How do I know when the cheese bake is done?
The dish is ready when the cheese is bubbly and heated all the way through.
How long should I let it cool after baking?
Let the dish cool for about one minute after removing it from the oven.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
What are the best items to serve for dipping?
It pairs wonderfully with crispy tortilla chips, crunchy crackers, or warm, toasted bread slices.
Should this dish be served warm or cold?
The recipe is intended to be served warm.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish is creamy and tangy with a delightful crunch from the toasted pumpkin seeds.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of reduced-fat?
Yes, while reduced-fat is listed, regular cream cheese can be substituted.
Is this a good dish for a party?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a perfect appetizer or party dish.
What type of baking dish should I use?
Any oven-proof baking dish will work for this recipe.
How much cilantro is needed?
The amount of fresh cilantro used for the garnish is to taste.
What provides the 'kick' in this recipe?
The zesty salsa provides an added kick to the creamy cheese base.
Is the cream cheese supposed to be cold when mixing?
No, the cream cheese should be softened for easier mixing.
Is the goat cheese supposed to be softened?
Yes, the goat cheese should be softened before blending it with the other ingredients.