Herbed Cheesecake Appetizer

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. Bake: 45 min. + chilling

Makes

16 servings

Updated: Jan. 01, 2018
If this large cheesecake is too large for your gathering, cut it into wedges. Enjoy one now and freeze the other wedges for a fast appetizer in the future. —Ann Chan, Atlanta, Georgia
Herbed Cheesecake Appetizer Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • CRUST:
  • 1 large egg yolk, beaten
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • FILLING:
  • 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2/3 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon each minced fresh basil, tarragon and oregano or 1 teaspoon each dried basil, tarragon and oregano
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
  • Assorted crackers

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the crust ingredients. Press onto the bottom and 2 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.
  2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and flour until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, pepperoni, lemon juice, herbs, garlic, salt and pepper sauce. Pour into crust.
  3. Bake at 325° for 45-55 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool l hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 302 calories, 26g fat (15g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.