Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cheesecake Appetizer

Submitted by sexymommalucas

"This recipe was printed in a Costco flyer. This is a real showstopper on any buffet table, and after it has been decorated with basil and sun-dried tomatoes, it looks beautiful!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 40mins
• Ingredients: 11
• Serves: 30

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups dark pumpernickel breadcrumbs
• 3⁄4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 ounces parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 (8 ounce) packages reduced-fat cream cheese
• 3 tablespoons chopped onions
• 1 (32 ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 5 large eggs
• 16 ounces low-fat sour cream
• 3 tablespoons pesto sauce
• fresh basil leaf (to garnish)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a food processor, blend the bread, 1/2 cup softened butter and 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese. Spray cooking oil in the bottom of a nonstick 91/2-inch springform pan. Cut a piece of parchment to fit the bottom of the pan. Press crumb mixture into pan, going up 1/4 inch on sides. Refrigerate.
3. Beat the cream cheese until smooth in a sturdy electric mixer. Add chopped onion, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup melted and cooled butter, 1 tablespoon oil and herbs from the tomato jar, and the basil. Add eggs, 7 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sour cream, blending until smooth.
4. Pour a third of the filling into the refrigerated crust. Add a layer of about 15 coarsely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, followed by another third of the filling. Add a thin layer of pesto (don’t go too close to the edge with this) and remaining third of filling.
5. Bake 50-60 minutes on second-to-lowest rack of oven, placing a foil sheet underneath to catch drippings. When set in center, turn off oven and let the cheesecake sit 20 more minutes. Cool and refrigerate for a day.
6. Remove sides of pan and place cheesecake on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and pieces of sundried tomato. Enjoy with crackers or rustic breads.

Reviews

[jessicad]

I made this cheesecake for a dinner party. Everyone loved it! They all asked me for the recipe. It's terrific with crackers and bread. I will definitely make it again.