Savory Ham Cheesecake

Name: Savory Ham Cheesecake
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 24-30 servings.
Ingredients: 3 cups oyster crackers, crushed; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup butter, melted; FILLING:; 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened; 4 large eggs, lightly beaten; 2 cups finely chopped fully cooked ham; 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese; 1/3 cup minced chives; 1/4 cup minced fresh basil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; Assorted crackers

My mom was the best cook—everything she made was special. She served this elegant cheesecake on Sunday following a Saturday ham dinner. Now my family loves it, too!—Shannon Soper, West Bend, Wisconsin

Ingredients

3 cups oyster crackers, crushed
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup butter, melted
FILLING:
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups finely chopped fully cooked ham
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1/3 cup minced chives
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Assorted crackers

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, Parmesan cheese and butter. Set aside 1/4 cup for topping. Press remaining crumb mixture onto the bottom and 2 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined (mixture will be thick). Add the ham, Swiss cheese, chives, basil, salt and pepper; beat just until combined. Pour into crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.
Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 60-70 minutes or until filling is almost set. Turn oven off. Leave cheesecake in oven with door ajar for 30 minutes.
Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan. Serve chilled or at room temperature with crackers.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 128 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 317mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.

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Originally published as Savory Ham Cheesecake in Taste of Home December/January 2006

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Appy_Girl

Oct 24, 2018

Made up just 1/2 of this very rich savory recipe. I did add a bit more chopped ham. I also used crackers that I had on hand. The crust did require more butter in order for it to hold together. The full recipe may also need more. It bakes perfectly and a little bit goes very far. 1/3 less fat works well and it helps reduce some of the fat content. VFE.
tazmotor

Feb 27, 2012

I made this for a party and it got rave reviews. Many recipe requests. Easy to make.
LaReeSorensen

Dec 2, 2011

I made this as part of our thanksgiving meal and everyone loved it!
Summy

Dec 27, 2009

This recipe is excellent. I make it with leftovers from my holiday ham. It's definitely better at room temperature, and it makes so much, but it is easy to freeze, and defrosts nicely.
jesse1

Jul 21, 2009

I have made thie receipe at least 3 times and love it! It makes a huge cake. Good to take to parties or gatherings!
comfortcook

Sep 25, 2008

I made this for a potluck and it really did turn out delicious. Serving at room temperature is key. It's not inexpensive to make, though. I can see where it would make more sense (economically) to use leftover ham. Really delicious and quite impressive.