Savory cheesecake with basil and cherry tomatoes: tasty idea for buffets and appetizers
These single-serving savory cheesecakes with cherry tomatoes and basil are a tasty and versatile idea, perfect as a cold appetizer, summer finger food or buffet proposal. The crunchy base of crackers and butter supports a velvety cream prepared with Philadelphia, grated Parmesan cheese and fresh blended basil. On top, cherry tomatoes sautéed with garlic and extra virgin olive oil add an aromatic and flavorful touch. The contrast between the crumbly base, soft cream, and warm cherry tomatoes offers a perfect balance of crunchy and creamy textures with fresh, typically Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
For the base:
For the filling:
For the topping:
Materials
- Cookie cutter 3 inches/8 cm
- Blender
Preparation
Finely chop the crackers using a blender.
Transfer the crushed crackers to a bowl, add the melted butter a little at a time, and mix until the mixture has a sandy consistency.
Place the cookie cutters on a serving plate and divide the mixture into four equal portions. Press and level the base with the help of a spoon, then place in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, place the basil leaves (making sure they are well dried), olive oil and Parmesan cheese in the blender. Blend until smooth.
Add the cream cheese and a pinch of salt, then blend again until smooth and even.
Spread the resulting cream over the now-chilled bases, carefully level and place back in the freezer for about 25 minutes.
Heat a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil in a frying pan and brown a whole clove of garlic. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, season with a pinch of salt and a grind of pepper, lower the heat, cover with a lid and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
Transfer the cherry tomatoes to a bowl and let them cool, waiting to complete the cheesecake preparation.
When the resting time is over, remove the cheesecakes from the freezer, gently remove them from the cookie cutters, and top with the warm cherry tomatoes, taking care to remove the garlic.
Decorate with a few fresh basil leaves and serve. Single-portion savory cheesecakes with cherry tomatoes and basil are ready to be enjoyed.
Observations
Is it possible to prepare savory cheesecake in advance?
Yes, this savory cheesecake can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. We recommend adding the cherry tomatoes only at the time of serving, to keep them warm or at room temperature.
What to do if I don't have the cookie cutters for single-serving savory cheesecakes?
If you do not have a cookie cutter, you can use small glass cups or jars as a practical and elegant alternative. These containers help shape single-portion cheesecakes and allow you to serve the cheesecake directly inside them, creating a refined effect that is ideal for buffets or appetizers. No need to unmold: you eat directly from the jar!
Why sauté the cherry tomatoes in a pan with garlic and oil before putting them on the cheesecake?
Sauteing cherry tomatoes with garlic and extra virgin olive oil intensifies their flavor and releases an irresistible Mediterranean aroma. In addition, the slight hot-cold contrast with the cold cream of the savory cheesecake gives it a richer, more enveloping touch.
How long should the savory cheesecake rest in the freezer and why?
Single-portion savory cheesecake requires two resting times in the freezer: the first 10-15 minutes to compact the base, the second about 25 minutes after adding the cream. This allows each layer to firm up perfectly and keep its shape.
What to use instead of crackers for the savory cheesecake base?
To replace crackers in the savory cheesecake base, you can use crumbled breadsticks. This alternative, combined with melted butter, ensures a crunchy and firm base.
What can cream cheese be substituted with in savory cheesecake?
Cream cheese can be substituted with spreadable cheeses such as goat cream cheese or well-drained ricotta, which are ideal for a milder, creamier-tasting variant.
Can single-portion savory cheesecake be frozen?
Yes, single-portion savory cheesecakes can be frozen, but it is preferable to do so without the cherry tomato topping. When ready to eat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and add the fresh topping.
Is it possible to use raw cherry tomatoes instead of sautéing them?
Yes, for an even fresher and faster version you can also use raw cherry tomatoes. Just season them with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper before adding them on top of the cream. However, the version with sauteed cherry tomatoes gives a richer and more aromatic flavor.
How to get a smooth and well-blended cream with basil?
For a smooth and velvety cream, it is essential to blend the well-dried basil leaves together with extra virgin olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese before adding the cream cheese and a pinch of salt. This step ensures a smooth texture and uniform flavor.
Cookware
Attributes
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