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This unconventional savory cheesecake is a showstopper for dinner parties or holiday gatherings. It combines the creamy richness of cream cheese and cottage cheese with the sharp tang of grated cheddar and salty ham. The addition of fresh jalapeos and garlic provides a subtle heat that cuts through the fat, creating a complex flavor profile. Topped with a layer of thinly sliced ham and baked until set, it offers a luxurious, dense texture similar to traditional cheesecake but with a completely savory twist. Serve chilled as an elegant appetizer or a unique main course component.
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Cheddar Chili Cheesecake
Description
This unconventional savory cheesecake is a showstopper for dinner parties or holiday gatherings. It combines the creamy richness of cream cheese and cottage cheese with the sharp tang of grated cheddar and salty ham. The addition of fresh jalapeos and garlic provides a subtle heat that cuts through the fat, creating a complex flavor profile. Topped with a layer of thinly sliced ham and baked until set, it offers a luxurious, dense texture similar to traditional cheesecake but with a completely savory twist. Serve chilled as an elegant appetizer or a unique main course component.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 325F (165C).
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Butter a 9-inch springform pan with 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter.
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In a small bowl, mix the toasted fine breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup of finely grated cheddar cheese.
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Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture into the prepared pan, tilting and turning to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
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Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
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Dice about half of the thinly sliced ham (approximately 3 ounces) and reserve the remaining slices for topping.
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Seed and finely chop the jalapeo peppers.
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In a blender or food processor, combine the diced ham, cream cheese, cottage cheese, remaining grated sharp cheddar, chopped green onions, chopped jalapeos, halved garlic clove, eggs, and milk.
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Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform.
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Remove the pan from the refrigerator. Pour slightly more than half of the cheese filling into the pan, spreading it evenly.
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Arrange the reserved ham slices in an even layer over the first layer of filling.
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Pour the remaining filling over the ham slices, smoothing the top with a spatula.
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Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
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Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
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Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about 1 hour.
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Remove the cheesecake from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
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Once cooled, run a knife around the edge to loosen, then remove the sides of the springform pan.
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Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1451.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 109.8g169%
- Saturated Fat 64.7g324%
- Cholesterol 522.9mg175%
- Sodium 3497.4mg146%
- Total Carbohydrate 27.7g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2.0g8%
- Sugars 10.4g
- Protein 85.5g171%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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