Savory Feta Cheesecake Recipe

Welcome to a culinary adventure that defies expectations: Feta Cheesecake. Imagine the creamy decadence of a traditional cheesecake, but with a savory twist that will leave your taste buds tingling. This inspired creation was born out of a dilemma – cheese board or dessert? Why not both? The magic lies in the harmonious blend of tangy feta, velvety cream cheese, zesty lemon, and fragrant herbs. It’s a flavor experience that dances between the realms of savory and sweet, captivating hearts and taste buds alike.

Picture this: your guests’ eyes widening in surprise and delight as they savor a slice of this unique feta cheesecake. Even the skeptics, like my neighbor Diane and picky father-in-law, couldn’t resist its allure. The balance of flavors in this dish is key, with just the right amount of feta to add its distinct essence without overpowering the ensemble. And the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – from brunches to wine tastings, holiday gatherings to potlucks, this savory cheesecake is a showstopper that never fails to impress. So, why not give it a try and let your taste buds embark on a journey they won’t soon forget?

Quick Benefits

• Savory-Sweet Balance: Perfect combination of tangy feta and creamy cream cheese with a hint of honey, lemon zest, and fresh thyme creates a unique flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates.
• Versatile Dish: Ideal for brunches, appetizers, first courses, or as a snack, this cheesecake can be adapted for various occasions and settings.
• Creative Variations: Easily customizable with different ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, corn, basil, oregano, or roasted red peppers, allowing for endless creative possibilities.
• Make-Ahead Option: Can be prepared up to 5 days in advance, making it a convenient choice for hosting events or potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Feta Cheesecake Recipe Recipe

• Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of tangy feta with creamy cream cheese, brightened with lemon and herbs, creates a flavor that walks the line between savory and sweet, appealing to a wide range of palates.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for brunches, dinner parties, wine tastings, and potlucks, this savory feta cheesecake can be served in various settings and paired with different accompaniments to suit any occasion.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Even those who typically avoid traditional sweet cheesecakes have been won over by this savory version, making it a hit at gatherings and parties.
• Creative Variations: The basic recipe allows for creative variations, such as adding olives and sun-dried tomatoes, fresh corn and basil, or dried oregano and roasted red peppers, offering endless possibilities for customization.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it a convenient option for busy hosts. It also makes for a delicious breakfast the next day when paired with coffee.
• Impressive Presentation: Mini versions in a muffin tin make for adorable single-serving portions and an impressive starter for dinner parties, while adding dried cranberries and pistachios on top can give it a festive touch during the holidays.
• Balanced Ingredients: The recipe has been carefully crafted to find the perfect balance between cream cheese and feta, ensuring that the feta flavor shines without overpowering the other ingredients.

Ingredients for Savory Feta Cheesecake Recipe

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• Salt & pepper to taste
• ½ cup melted butter
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp honey
• 3 eggs
• 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

How to Make Savory Feta Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare crust

Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then firmly press into a springform pan.

Step 2: Make filling

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, feta, sour cream, honey, lemon zest, thyme, salt, and pepper. Beat until smooth.

Step 3: Add eggs

Add the eggs one by one, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition.

Step 4: Bake

Pour the filling onto the crust and bake for 45-50 minutes or until firm.

Step 5: Chill and serve

Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for 4 hours. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with herbs before serving.

Storage Tips

Once the Feta Cheesecake is made, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep the cheesecake fresh, it’s recommended to store it in the springform pan with the ring still on, and tightly cover it with plastic wrap. This helps maintain the texture and flavors of the cheesecake. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the cheesecake will still be delicious.

For the best presentation and to retain the freshness of the dish, it is suggested to add the honey drizzle and herb garnish just before serving. If there are leftover slices, they can be individually wrapped in plastic wrap. These leftover slices make a delightful breakfast when paired with a cup of coffee. Storing the Feta Cheesecake properly ensures that you can enjoy this unique and flavorful dish over multiple sittings without compromising on taste or texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make a lighter version of this feta cheesecake, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and lower fat content. The Greek yogurt will still provide a creamy texture while adding a bit of extra tanginess that complements the feta well. You can use an equal amount of Greek yogurt as the cream cheese in the recipe.

For a vegan version of this savory feta cheesecake, you can replace the cream cheese and sour cream with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and dairy-free sour cream. There are many vegan cream cheese options available in stores that work well in cheesecake recipes. You can also use a non-dairy yogurt instead of sour cream. Make sure to choose a plant-based butter substitute to keep the crust vegan-friendly. This substitution will allow you to enjoy a delicious vegan version of this unique and flavorful cheesecake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this savory feta cheesecake as a show-stopping appetizer at your next gathering by cutting it into small squares and arranging them on a platter with a variety of Mediterranean-inspired accompaniments like marinated olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted red peppers. The colorful spread will not only look visually appealing but will also offer guests the opportunity to customize their bites and experience different flavor combinations.

For a charming brunch presentation, slice the feta cheesecake into smaller portions and garnish each slice with a dollop of honey, a sprinkle of fresh thyme, and a twist of lemon zest. Serve it alongside a vibrant fruit platter and freshly brewed coffee to create a delightful morning spread that balances the richness of the cheesecake with the refreshing sweetness of the fruits. The combination of flavors will surely impress your guests and make for a memorable brunch experience.

FAQs for Savory Feta Cheesecake Recipe

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! While feta cheese adds a unique tangy flavor to this cheesecake, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese, blue cheese, or even a sharp cheddar to create your own twist on this recipe.

Can I make this feta cheesecake in advance?

Yes, this feta cheesecake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain the best texture and flavor, store the cheesecake in the springform pan with the ring still on, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.

Can I freeze this feta cheesecake?

While it’s possible to freeze this feta cheesecake, the texture may slightly change upon thawing, especially the cream cheese component. If you do choose to freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

What can I serve with this feta cheesecake?

This feta cheesecake pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. For brunch, consider serving it with a fresh fruit platter. For dinner parties, it can be an elegant first course alongside a simple arugula salad. Additionally, it complements well with wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir. Feel free to get creative with toppings like dried cranberries and pistachios for a festive touch!

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Feta Cheesecake recipe has truly become a star in my repertoire, bridging the worlds of sweet and savory in a delightful and unexpected way. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, dinner party, or simply looking for a unique dish to impress your guests, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations, making it perfect for any occasion throughout the year.

So don’t hesitate to give this Feta Cheesecake a try and let your creativity shine through with different add-ins and garnishes. Embrace the savory-sweet balance that makes this dish so special and watch as it becomes a favorite among your friends and family. This recipe is a true testament to how thinking outside the box can lead to delicious culinary discoveries. Enjoy the process of making and sharing this Feta Cheesecake, and let it bring joy and excitement to your table!

Savory Feta Cheesecake Recipe

Savory feta cheesecake: a unique blend of tangy feta, creamy cream cheese, and fresh herbs that walks the line between sweet and savory.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time50 Minutes

Total Time70 Minutes

CuisineMediterranean-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings10 Servings (1 cheesecake (10 slices))

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• Salt & pepper to taste
• ½ cup melted butter
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp honey
• 3 eggs
• 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

Instructions

1. Prepare crust: Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then firmly press into a springform pan.
2. Make filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, feta, sour cream, honey, lemon zest, thyme, salt, and pepper. Beat until smooth.
3. Add eggs: Add the eggs one by one, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition.
4. Bake: Pour the filling onto the crust and bake for 45-50 minutes or until firm.
5. Chill and serve: Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for 4 hours. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with herbs before serving.