15 Savory Cheesecake Recipes That Make Perfect Apps

Updated: Jan. 08, 2020

Level up from the classic cheese ball with savory cheesecake recipes. These appetizer-friendly twists on cheesecake are perfect to serve up for your friends and guests.

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Baby Swiss Appetizer Cheesecake

This beautiful cheesecake appetizer can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before serving, so it's the perfect make-ahead recipe for holidays, game days or special occasions. —Marilyn Edelman, Sabetha, Kansas
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Savory BLT Cheesecake

Did you know that cheesecake could be savory instead of sweet? Tomato and green onions mixed with cream cheese is like an irresistible form of gazpacho. Served on lettuce, the BLT version is great on its own, but it’s also a tasty appetizer when served with crackers. This is a flexible recipe, so use other cheese in place of the Gruyere, and add olives, crab meat, cooked mushrooms—whatever strikes your fancy. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
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Kalamata Cheesecake Appetizer

It's believed the Greeks served cheesecake at the first Olympics, so why not rewrite history with a Greek cheesecake appetizer? Ingredients in this version "tame" the kalamata olives, so even if you shy away from kalamatas, you'll be glad you tried this one. For a milder flavor, use the more common black or green olives. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
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Muffuletta Cheesecake

When I needed a party appetizer and couldn’t find a recipe I liked, I created my own. This savory spread boasts the flavors of a classic Italian muffuletta sandwich. —Helen Flamm, Dayton, Ohio
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Blue Cheese Cheesecake

Whenever I set out this savory cheese spread, guests can’t seem to stop eating it! —Niki Trapp, Cudahy, Wisconsin
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Mushroom and Bacon Cheesecake

My clan loves anything with cream cheese, so I knew this savory cheesecake appetizer would go down as an all-time favorite. Add leftover mushrooms, bacon, red peppers and parsley for a pretty garnish on top. This is a great recipe to make ahead and freeze for when you’re in need of a dish to pass. —Macey Allen, Green Forest, Arkansas
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Santa Fe Cheesecake

All of my favorite Southwestern ingredients are combined in this savory cheesecake. It looks and tastes fantastic! —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin