Pesto Cheesecake Appetizer

This is a delicious and impressive appetizer.

It needs to be made several hours before you want to eat it (I always make it the night before), but the preparation is really quite simple.

Pesto Cheesecake Appetizer
from Peacocks on My Porch
1 cup crushed sesame crackers (I like Keebler Toasteds)
6 T melted butter
1 cup ricotta cheese
4 oz crumbled feta cheese (look for a sun-dried tomato or Mediterranean herb flavor)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1/4 cup prepared pesto
1/3 cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 350. Mix cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom and 1 1/2 inches up the sides of a 9 1/2 inch spring-form pan. Combine all cheeses and beat until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in pesto and sour cream. Pour into pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top starts to brown and the center is almost set. Let cool on wire rack for 30 minutes. Loosen sides of pan with a knife and cool completely (about one hour). Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least four hours to set. Serve as a spread with crackers.

You can serve this right out of the refrigerator. I prefer to let it warm up to near room temperature.

10 comments:

jenniferhoiyin said...

just stumbled upon your blog from the hive (welcome!), i'm sad i hadn't discovered it sooner. it's wonderful.

Cabra said...

this looks wonderful! i hate that i just found it today. i have searched all week for a new appetizer to bring to bunco tonight. just settled on one last night and bought the groceries but i will be trying this one next!!

Valerie said...

Wow! That really looks good. I've got to copy it right now.

FabFrugalFood said...

Love the savory cheesecake! Great to have you as part of The HIve!

Donna

Unknown said...

wow. looks delicious. definitely going on the list for the next dinner party.

Callie Anne said...

what an amazing idea! can't wait to make this one!

Laura said...

Great idea. I will have to try it for our next gathering.

pup said...

That looks great.. I came across your blog on the foodie blogroll! Great Blog!

Spryte said...

Wow!!! This sounds awesome and perfect almost any get together! I'll definitely be making it!
Thanks for the recipe!

Carolt said...


Made this last Friday for Saturday night dinner. Everyone loved it!
One person suggested baking tomato slices on top, or place tomato slices before serving, with a dab of pesto on top!
Will definitely will make this again.