Savory Herb Cheesecake

I can guide you in preparing a delicious savory herb cheesecake, a variant of the classic American dessert, suitable to be served as an appetizer or as a single dish for a light lunch. Here is the recipe for an Italian savory herb cheesecake.

Ingredients

• 200 g of savory biscuits (like crackers)
• 80 g of melted butter
• 500 g of cream cheese (like Philadelphia)
• 100 g of fresh cream
• 3 eggs
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• A mix of finely chopped fresh aromatic herbs (for example, basil, parsley, thyme, chives)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Start by crushing the savory biscuits in a mixer until you get a coarse flour, then mix them with the melted butter to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
2. Line the bottom of a springform pan (recommended diameter 22-24 cm) with parchment paper, then distribute and press the biscuit mixture onto the bottom to create a compact base. Let it rest in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
3. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with fresh cream until you get a smooth and homogeneous cream.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, continuing to stir to incorporate them well.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and the finely chopped aromatic herbs. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
6. Pour this cream over the now-firmed biscuit base and level it with a spatula.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 160 °C for about 1 hour or until the surface is golden brown and the cheesecake is firm to the touch.
8. Once cooked, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door ajar.
9. Before serving, let it cool down completely and then store it in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours.

The savory herb cheesecake is a versatile preparation that allows you to play with aromatic herbs according to your preferences or what you have available. Furthermore, to customize the recipe with an Italian twist, do not hesitate to use Italian cheeses such as ricotta or mascarpone for a softer texture and a milder flavor.