Elegant Cheese Torte

Name: Elegant Cheese Torte
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24-30 servings.
Ingredients: 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup butter, softened; 2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper; 1 jar (5-3/4 ounces) pimiento-stuffed olives, drained and chopped; 8 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 3/4 cup apple cider; 2-1/4 teaspoons paprika; 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted; Grapes and assorted crackers

Rich and creamy, this eye-catching torte makes quite an impression. Every time I take it to a party, it receives rave reviews!

Ingredients

4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper
1 jar (5-3/4 ounces) pimiento-stuffed olives, drained and chopped
8 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup apple cider
2-1/4 teaspoons paprika
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Grapes and assorted crackers

Directions

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Remove 3-1/2 cups to a small bowl; stir in pepper and set aside. Fold olives into the remaining cream cheese mixture. Spread evenly over the bottom of a 9-in. springform pan; set aside.
In another large bowl, beat cheddar cheese, cider and paprika on low speed for 1 minute. Beat on high until almost smooth. Spread half over olive layer. Top with peppered cheese mixture. Top with remaining cheddar mixture. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate for 6 hours or until firm.
Place on serving plate and remove sides of pan. Press pecans into top; garnish with additional olives or grapes if desired. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 283 calories, 26g fat (15g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 448mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.

Originally published as Elegant Cheese Torte in Country Woman Christmas 1999

Reviews

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Average Rating:

zenalover

Dec 29, 2014

This makes a LOT! It is very pretty and tasty.
Just a pinch

Aug 2, 2014

Wasn't crazy about the peppered cheese layer. Most people just took the olive part.
msgoodfingers

Aug 14, 2012

This looks so beautiful and sounds tasty. I am wondering how exactly to serve it for an appetizers when other things are being served. It seems like wedges would take up a lot of room on the plates, unless they were very thin. I am trying to find things that would not require silverware. Any suggestions?