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This Mediterranean Savory Cheesecake delivers a perfect balance of fresh, delicate flavors. The combination of creamy goat cheese, fresh mint, and crisp cucumber creates a light and refreshing appetizer reminiscent of sunny Mediterranean cuisine. This recipe emerged during a summer of culinary experimentation and has since become a staple for entertaining.
Even guests initially skeptical of savory cheesecake are won over by its light texture and subtle flavors.
Essential Ingredients
Cheese Selection:
- Cream Cheese (200g): Room temperature for smooth mixing
- Fresh Goat Cheese (150g): Choose mild variety for balanced flavor
- Strained Cottage Cheese (100g): Adds lightness, drain well before use
Fresh Herbs:
- Fresh Mint: Select bright green, aromatic leaves
- Fresh Garlic: Young garlic preferred for milder taste
Base Ingredients:
- Gluten-free Crackers (200g): Creates perfect crisp base
- Aged Parmesan (50g): 24-month aged for best flavor
Ingredient quality is essential. Using overly strong goat cheese can overwhelm the delicate flavor balance.
Preparation Steps
- 1. Base Preparation
- - Process crackers into fine crumbs
- Mix in grated parmesan
- Blend with 100g melted butter until sandy texture forms
- Press firmly into 24cm springform pan
- Chill for 30 minutes minimum - 2. Filling Preparation
- - Beat cream cheese and goat cheese until smooth
- Fold in drained cottage cheese
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well
- Incorporate 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Add fresh lemon juice
- Mix in finely chopped mint
- Season with salt and white pepper - 3. Baking and Cooling
- - Heat oven to 160°C conventional
- Pour filling over chilled base
- Bake 1 hour until center slightly wobbly
- Turn off oven, crack door open
- Cool in oven 1 hour
- Cool to room temperature
- Refrigerate 4 hours minimum - 4. Cucumber Topping
- - Dice seeded cucumber finely
- Mix with fresh lemon juice
- Add chopped mint and minced garlic
- Season with salt and white pepper
- Keep chilled until serving
Years of professional kitchen experience has shown that patience is crucial for perfecting this recipe.
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Recipe Variations
This versatile base recipe welcomes seasonal adaptations. Try sun-dried tomatoes in summer or sautéed mushrooms with thyme in autumn.
Storage Instructions
Keeps well refrigerated for 3 days. Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors. Prepare topping fresh on serving day.
Serving Technique
For clean slices, dip knife in hot water and wipe between cuts - a professional technique for perfect presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish with quality olive oil and fresh mint leaves. Pair with dry white wine like Sancerre or Chablis.
This recipe bridges traditional and modern Mediterranean flavors, perfected through careful testing and refinement.
Success comes from quality ingredients and proper timing. As with many great recipes, patience yields the best results.
Recipe Tips
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- Absolutely, it keeps for 2-3 days in the fridge. Add the cucumber topping just before serving.
- → Tips for achieving a creamy texture?
- Bring the cheeses to room temperature before mixing. Add eggs one at a time, folding them in gently.
- → Can I freeze it?
- Not advised, as freezing changes the texture of both the cheeses and the cucumber.
- → How can I make it lighter?
- Swap cream cheese for yogurt cheese and cut back slightly on the goat cheese.
- → What are some variations?
- Try replacing cucumber with smoked salmon, sun-dried tomatoes, or a different mix of fresh herbs.