Tex-Mex Spicy Cheesecake Delight
Indulge in a unique twist on a classic dessert with this Tex-Mex Spicy Cheesecake Delight. This award-winning recipe, inspired by local flavors, features a creamy texture blended with zesty ingredients. The combination of colby-monterey jack cheese, green chilies, and a kick of Tabasco sauce bursts with flavor, while a crunchy tortilla chip crust adds a delightful contrast. Perfect as a conversation starter at gatherings, this cheesecake is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds. Allow ample chilling time for the best flavor experience—this dessert is truly irresistible!
8-16
Servings
273
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tortilla Chips
1 cup (finely crushed)
Margarine
1/4 cup (melted)
Cream Cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages (softened)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Colby-Monterey Jack Cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Green Chili
1/2 cup (chopped (optional))
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Tabasco Sauce
2 tablespoons (or use Tabasco Jalapeno Sauce (to taste))
Sour Cream
1 cup (none)
Red Bell Pepper
1 cup (chopped)
Green Onion
1/2 cup (diced)
Ripe Olives
1/4 cup (sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely crushed tortilla chips and melted margarine. Mix until evenly moistened.
3
Press the chip mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
4
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
5
In a food processor or mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the beaten egg and continue mixing until well incorporated.
6
Stir in the shredded colby-monterey jack cheese, chopped green chilies (if using), garlic powder, and Tabasco sauce until evenly combined.
7
Pour the creamy mixture over the pre-baked crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly.
8
Bake the cheesecake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until the center is set.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and carefully spread sour cream over the top of the cheesecake.
10
Using a sharp knife, run it around the inside rim of the pan to loosen the cheesecake. Allow it to cool slightly before removing the springform ring.
11
Garnish the cheesecake with chopped red bell pepper, diced green onion, and sliced olives for a colorful presentation.
12
Refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours, ideally overnight, to chill before serving.
13
Serve chilled alongside chips or crackers for a delightful appetizer or dessert!
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
16.6g
Carbs
8.9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tex-Mex Spicy Cheesecake Delight?
It is a unique, savory-style cheesecake featuring a tortilla chip crust, a creamy cheese filling with green chilies and Tabasco, and fresh vegetable garnishes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields between 8 and 16 servings depending on how large you cut the slices.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated and maintained at 350°F (175°C) for both the crust and the filling.
What ingredients are used to make the crust?
The crust is made from 1 cup of finely crushed tortilla chips and 1/4 cup of melted margarine.
How long should I bake the tortilla chip crust?
The crust should be baked for 15 minutes until it is lightly golden before adding the filling.
What size pan is needed for this cheesecake?
A 9-inch springform pan is recommended for this recipe.
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe calls for two 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, which should be softened before mixing.
Does the recipe require eggs?
Yes, one egg is needed, and it should be beaten before being added to the cream cheese mixture.
What kind of shredded cheese is used in the filling?
The filling uses 8 ounces of shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese.
Are the green chilies mandatory?
No, the 1/2 cup of chopped green chilies is optional, though it adds to the Tex-Mex flavor profile.
How much garlic powder is used for seasoning?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What type of spicy sauce should I use?
You can use 2 tablespoons of regular Tabasco sauce or Tabasco Jalapeno Sauce depending on your preference.
How long does the cheesecake bake once the filling is added?
Bake the cheesecake for 30 minutes or until the center is set.
When should the sour cream be added?
Spread 1 cup of sour cream over the top of the cheesecake immediately after removing it from the oven.
Why do I need to run a knife around the rim of the pan?
Running a knife around the rim helps loosen the cheesecake from the sides of the pan to prevent it from cracking as it cools.
What vegetables are used for the garnish?
The cheesecake is garnished with chopped red bell pepper, diced green onion, and sliced ripe olives.
How long should the cheesecake be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for several hours, but ideally overnight, to ensure it is properly chilled.
Can I serve this cheesecake warm?
No, this dish is intended to be served chilled for the best flavor and texture.
What are the best side items to serve with this?
It is best served alongside chips or crackers as a savory appetizer or unique dessert.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 273 calories per serving.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 21 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 16.6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 8.9 grams of protein.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients used in the preparation and garnish of this cheesecake.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
While the recipe specifies margarine, butter can generally be used as a substitute for the crust.
How should the tortilla chips be prepared?
The tortilla chips should be finely crushed to create a consistent and firm crust.
How much red bell pepper is needed for the garnish?
You will need 1 cup of chopped red bell pepper.
What type of olives are recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sliced ripe olives.
Is this a spicy dish?
It has a zesty kick due to the Tabasco and green chilies, but the spice level can be adjusted by using different Tabasco varieties.
Is this an award-winning recipe?
Yes, the recipe description notes that this is an award-winning recipe inspired by local flavors.