Savory Italian Cheese Terrine with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Delight your guests with this stunning Savory Italian Cheese Terrine, a luxurious layered spread featuring a creamy blend of cheeses and a robust sun-dried tomato sauce. Perfect for entertaining, this dish combines the flavors of rich cream cheese, parmesan, and zesty pesto, all encased in silky muenster cheese. Ideal as an appetizer or a light meal option, this elegant terrine is both visually impressive and delicious, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Serve it with toasted bread or crisp crackers for a gourmet touch!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce package, softened)
butter
2 (tablespoons, softened)
parmesan cheese
1/2 (cup, freshly grated)
pesto sauce
2 (tablespoons)
muenster cheese
9 (slices (1 ounce each), divided)
whole tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce can, undrained)
onion
3/4 (cup, chopped)
fresh garlic
1 (tablespoon, minced)
olive oil
2 (tablespoons)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
sugar
1/2 (teaspoon)
dried basil
1/4 (teaspoon)
sun-dried tomatoes
1 (7 ounce jar, packed in oil, drained and chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the sun-dried tomato sauce. Drain the canned whole tomatoes, reserving 1/4 cup of the juice and chop the tomatoes, then set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking while stirring constantly until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Add the chopped tomatoes, reserved juice, bay leaves, sugar, and dried basil to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens. Remove from heat and discard the bay leaves. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let the sauce cool before covering and chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
4
For the cheese terrine, using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter on medium speed until creamy and well combined. Next, add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and pesto, continuing to beat until you obtain a smooth consistency. Set the cheese mixture aside.
5
Prepare a 3-cup bowl or mold by lining it with plastic wrap, ensuring that the edges hang over the sides by 6-7 inches.
6
Cut 5 slices of muenster cheese diagonally in half to create triangles. Arrange these triangles in the lined bowl, overlapping them slightly to create an even layer.
7
Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the cheese layer, then top it with half of the chilled basil-tomato sauce.
8
Take 2 slices of muenster cheese and cut them in half crosswise. Place these rectangles on top of the sauce layer.
9
Repeat the layering process with the remaining cream cheese mixture, basil-tomato sauce, and lastly, the remaining 2 slices of muenster cheese cut into rectangles.
10
Carefully fold the overhanging plastic wrap over the top to seal the terrine. Place a heavy object on top to compact the layers, then chill it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours, or up to 3 days.
11
To serve, gently invert the terrine onto a serving platter, carefully peeling away the plastic wrap.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Italian Cheese Terrine?
It is a luxurious layered spread featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, parmesan, and pesto, encased in muenster cheese and topped with a robust sun-dried tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings, making it ideal for entertaining guests.
What are the main ingredients in the cheese mixture?
The cheese mixture consists of softened cream cheese, butter, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and pesto sauce.
How do I prepare the sun-dried tomato sauce?
Sauté onion and garlic, add canned tomatoes with reserved juice, spices, and sugar, simmer until thick, then stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes after the mixture has cooled.
How long should the tomato sauce chill before assembly?
The sauce needs to be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before you begin layering the terrine.
What kind of mold or bowl should I use?
You should use a 3-cup bowl or mold to properly shape the terrine.
Why is plastic wrap necessary for this recipe?
Plastic wrap is used to line the mold with a 6-7 inch overhang, allowing for easy removal and sealing of the terrine.
How do I prepare the muenster cheese for the base layer?
Cut 5 slices of muenster cheese diagonally in half to create triangles, then overlap them in the lined bowl.
What is the purpose of the bay leaves in the sauce?
Bay leaves are added during the simmering process to infuse the sauce with flavor and should be discarded before adding the sun-dried tomatoes.
Can I use a hand mixer for the filling?
Yes, a hand mixer is recommended to beat the cream cheese and butter until they reach a smooth and creamy consistency.
How should the remaining muenster cheese slices be cut?
The remaining 4 slices of muenster cheese should be cut in half crosswise to create rectangles for the internal layers.
How many layers are in the terrine?
The terrine is built by layering muenster cheese, half the cream cheese mixture, half the sauce, muenster rectangles, the remaining cream cheese, the remaining sauce, and a final layer of muenster.
Why do I need to place a heavy object on the terrine?
A heavy object is placed on top of the sealed terrine to compact the layers, ensuring it holds its shape when inverted.
What is the minimum refrigeration time for the assembled terrine?
The terrine must chill for at least 8 hours to set properly.
How long can the cheese terrine be prepared in advance?
You can prepare the terrine up to 3 days before you plan to serve it.
How do I remove the terrine from the mold?
Gently invert the terrine onto a serving platter and carefully peel away the plastic wrap.
What should I serve with the Savory Italian Cheese Terrine?
It is best served with toasted bread or crisp gourmet crackers.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses only cheeses, vegetables, and seasonings.
How much pesto is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce to be mixed into the cheese filling.
Do I need to drain the sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, the 7-ounce jar of sun-dried tomatoes should be drained and chopped before being added to the sauce.
What aromatics are used in the tomato sauce?
The sauce uses 3/4 cup of chopped onion and 1 tablespoon of minced fresh garlic.
How much reserved tomato juice is used in the sauce?
You should reserve and use 1/4 cup of the juice from the canned whole tomatoes.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for softened butter; you can use salted butter, but be mindful of the overall saltiness combined with the cheeses.
What is the total number of muenster cheese slices used?
The recipe uses a total of 9 slices of muenster cheese (1 ounce each).
How long do I cook the onion and garlic?
Cook the onion and garlic over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
What size can of whole tomatoes is required?
You will need one 14.5-ounce can of whole tomatoes.
Is there any sugar in the sauce?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar is added to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How much dried basil is added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil.
What does the final presentation look like?
When inverted, the terrine shows beautiful layers of white and yellow cheeses and vibrant red tomato sauce.
Can this be used as a light meal?
While primarily an appetizer, its rich ingredients make it suitable as a light meal option when served with a side salad.