Savory Taco Cheesecake Delight
Experience a savory twist on a classic dessert with this exquisite Taco Cheesecake Delight. This impressive appetizer blends the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with zesty taco flavors, making it a unique and unforgettable addition to your appetizer table. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a fun family dinner, this savory cheesecake is not only delicious but also visually captivating. Its vibrant toppings of fresh vegetables and olives provide a colorful contrast to the creamy base, ensuring it will be the star of any spread. Don’t forget the helpful hint about handling hot peppers safely when adding that extra kick!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
cornmeal
3 teaspoons (for sprinkling the bottom of the pan)
cream cheese
3 (8 ounce) packages (softened)
taco seasoning
1 envelope
sour cream
1/2 cup
salsa
1/2 cup
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese
1 cup ((4-oz.))
chopped green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
chopped ripe black olives
1/2 cup
sour cream
1 cup (for topping)
sliced black olives
1/4 cup (for topping)
sliced green onion
1/4 cup (for topping)
sliced cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup (for topping)
jalapeno pepper
1 (sliced for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Sprinkle the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan with cornmeal to create a flavorful crust. Set aside.
3
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
4
Add the taco seasoning, sour cream, and salsa to the cream cheese, mixing until well combined.
5
Incorporate the lightly beaten eggs, shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese, and drained chopped green chilies into the mixture, stirring until combined.
6
Gently fold in the chopped ripe black olives for an added depth of flavor.
7
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cornmeal base in the springform pan.
8
Place the pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips during baking.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the center is almost set but slightly jiggly.
10
Cool the cheesecake on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before carefully running a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen it.
11
Allow the cheesecake to cool for an additional hour at room temperature. Note: The top may crack slightly; this is normal.
12
Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to allow the flavors to meld and achieve the perfect texture.
13
Once chilled, remove the sides of the springform pan.
14
Spread a generous layer of sour cream over the top and sides of the cheesecake for a creamy finish.
15
Artfully arrange the sliced black and green olives, cherry tomatoes, and jalapeno slices on top in a circular pattern, starting with the tomatoes on the outer edge, followed by green onions, jalapenos, and scattering the black olives in between.
16
Serve chilled with an assortment of crackers for an irresistible appetizer.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Taco Cheesecake Delight?
It is a unique savory appetizer that combines the creamy texture of a cheesecake with zesty taco flavors and vibrant vegetable toppings.
What size pan is needed for this recipe?
You should use a greased 9-inch springform pan for this cheesecake.
What is used to create the crust of the taco cheesecake?
The crust is created by sprinkling cornmeal onto the bottom of the greased springform pan.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How many packages of cream cheese are required?
The recipe requires three 8-ounce packages of softened cream cheese.
What ingredients are mixed into the cream cheese base?
Taco seasoning, sour cream, salsa, eggs, Monterey Jack pepper cheese, green chilies, and black olives are mixed into the cream cheese.
Should the green chilies be drained?
Yes, the 4-ounce can of chopped green chilies should be drained before being added to the mixture.
How long does the cheesecake need to bake?
Bake the cheesecake for 30 to 35 minutes until the center is almost set.
Should the cheesecake be completely firm when I take it out of the oven?
No, the center should still be slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven.
Why should I place the springform pan on a baking sheet?
Placing it on a baking sheet helps catch any drips that might occur during the baking process.
How long should the cheesecake cool before I loosen the edges?
Allow the cheesecake to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before running a knife around the edge.
Is it a problem if the top of the cheesecake cracks?
No, it is normal for the top to crack slightly as it cools at room temperature.
How long does the cheesecake need to refrigerate?
The cheesecake should be refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
What is the first step in decorating the cheesecake once it is chilled?
The first step is to spread a generous layer of sour cream over the top and sides of the cheesecake.
Which vegetables are used as toppings?
Toppings include sliced black and green olives, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeno slices.
How should the toppings be arranged?
Arrange them in a circular pattern starting with cherry tomatoes on the outer edge, followed by green onions and jalapenos.
What should I serve with the Savory Taco Cheesecake?
It is best served chilled with an assortment of crackers.
Can I use a different type of cheese than Monterey Jack pepper cheese?
While Monterey Jack pepper cheese adds flavor, you could use a similar melting cheese, though the flavor profile may change.
How much taco seasoning is needed?
The recipe calls for one envelope of taco seasoning.
What kind of salsa should I use?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of salsa in the filling; you can choose mild, medium, or hot based on your preference.
Is there sour cream inside the cheesecake as well as on top?
Yes, 1/2 cup of sour cream is mixed into the filling and 1 cup is used for the topping.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 eggs, which should be lightly beaten.
What kind of olives go inside the cheesecake mixture?
1/2 cup of chopped ripe black olives are folded into the cream cheese mixture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe does not specify a serving count, but as a 9-inch cheesecake, it typically serves a large group as an appetizer.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
This dish is served chilled after being refrigerated overnight.
Can I make this the same day I plan to serve it?
It is highly recommended to make it a day in advance so it can set in the refrigerator overnight.
What is the preparation for the cherry tomatoes?
The cherry tomatoes should be sliced for use as a topping.
How many jalapeno peppers are needed?
One jalapeno pepper, sliced, is used for the topping.
Does this recipe include any meat?
This specific version of the taco cheesecake is vegetarian, focusing on cheese, peppers, and olives.
Is this considered a Tex-Mex dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a Tex-Mex recipe due to the inclusion of taco seasoning, salsa, and green chilies.