Prosciutto and Melon Savory Cheesecake

The savory cheesecake with prosciutto and melon is a creative and tasty reinterpretation of the classic Italian appetizer. Here’s how to prepare this elegant and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

  • 200 g of savory biscuits (like crackers)
  • 100 g of melted butter
  • 300 g of cream cheese
  • 200 g of ricotta
  • 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 sheets of gelatin (or agar agar as a vegetable alternative)
  • 200 g of melon, cut into cubes
  • 100 g of prosciutto, sliced
  • Salt, pepper, extra virgin olive oil to taste
  • A few leaves of basil or mint for decoration

Preparation

  1. Start by crushing the savory biscuits in a food processor until you get a breadcrumb-like consistency.
  2. Mix the crushed biscuits with the melted butter until you have a uniform mixture.
  3. Spread the biscuit mixture into a springform pan previously lined with parchment paper, pressing down well to create the base. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
  4. Soak the gelatin in cold water for 10 minutes. If using agar agar, follow the specific instructions of the product for proper use.
  5. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with the ricotta and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Heat a small amount of water in a saucepan and dissolve the squeezed gelatin (or the prepared agar agar). Let it cool down slightly and then mix it into the cheese mixture energetically.
  7. Pour the cheese mixture over the biscuit base in the refrigerator and let it rest for at least 3 hours, or until it has solidified.
  8. When ready to serve, remove the savory cheesecake from the mold and lay it on a serving plate.
  9. Decorate the top with melon cubes and prosciutto slices harmoniously.
  10. Drizzle with some extra virgin olive oil and add a few leaves of basil or mint for a touch of freshness and color.

Curiosity

Melon with prosciutto is a classic pairing in Italian cuisine, especially in the summer. This savory cheesecake revisits those flavors in an unusual and sophisticated form, surprising your guests with its combination of sweetness, savoriness, and creaminess. It’s perfect as an appetizer or as a unique dish for a summer brunch.

Prosciutto and Melon Savory Cheesecake