This savory cheesecake combines earthy mushrooms with a nutty, cheesy crust for an elegant appetizer or main dish. Perfect for special occasions or dinner parties, it’s a unique twist on the traditional cheesecake that will impress your guests.
Author:Sarah
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:baked
Cuisine:Vegetarian, Fusion (savory cheesecake)
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted
For the Filling:
2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat Oven & Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine finely chopped pistachios, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Mix well.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, until golden. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Mushroom Filling:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped mushrooms and garlic, cooking for 5–7 minutes until soft and the moisture has evaporated. Set aside to cool slightly.
Mix the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, and grated Parmesan until smooth.
Fold in the cooled mushrooms and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the mushroom filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and lightly golden on top.
Cool, Garnish & Serve:
Allow the cheesecake to cool for 10 minutes.
Garnish with fresh thyme and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
This cheesecake can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course.
You can also make it ahead of time and serve it chilled or at room temperature.
For a richer flavor, you can add a bit more Parmesan cheese to the filling.