Kamil Perry
Blue cheese cheesecake is a rich and elegant savoury appetiser that is perfect for wine-tasting parties, holiday gatherings, and special occasions. It can be served with a variety of toppings and sides, such as crackers, grapes, chutneys, fruit pastes, or a cherry pear compote. The cheesecake itself can be made a few days in advance and topped just before serving. It is best served chilled, after being refrigerated for 24 hours, as this helps develop the flavours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baking temperature | 325 °F-350 °F |
| Baking time | 50-65 minutes |
| Refrigeration time | 24 hours |
| Serving temperature | Room temperature or chilled |
| Toppings | Walnuts, grapes, cranberry sauce, cherry pear compote, sliced pear, vinegar glaze, chutneys, fruit pastes, herbs, etc. |
| Sides | Crackers, toasted baguette bread, toasted French bread, fresh vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
- Serving suggestions: crackers, toasted baguette, grapes, chutney, etc
- Refrigeration: it's recommended to chill for 24 hours before serving
- Customisation: you can change up the cheeses, herbs and toppings
- Baking tips: bake for 50-65 mins, until the middle has a slight jiggle
- Accompaniments: serve with a sauce, or as part of a charcuterie board
Serving suggestions: crackers, toasted baguette, grapes, chutney, etc
Blue cheese cheesecake is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cheesecake and impress your guests:
Crackers
A classic and convenient option, crackers provide a crisp and neutral base that lets the flavour of the cheesecake shine. Opt for a fine cracker to contrast the rich and creamy texture of the cheesecake. For a more indulgent twist, consider using baked crackers with a savoury blend of toasted pecans and melted butter.
Toasted Baguette
Toasted baguette slices offer a heartier base for your cheesecake spread. Brush baguette slices with olive oil and bake until crisp. For an extra touch of flavour, you can sprinkle the baguette slices with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Grapes
Grapes provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cheesecake. Their natural sweetness pairs well with the tanginess of blue cheese. You can serve them as a side or sprinkle them on top of the cheesecake for a pop of colour and texture.
Chutney
Chutney, a type of fruit paste, adds a burst of flavour to your cheesecake. Opt for a chutney made with fruits like grapes or figs, which complement the savoury notes of the cheesecake. Serve it on the side or as a topping for those who want an extra punch of sweetness.
Other Suggestions
In addition to the above, you can also offer a variety of other accompaniments, such as apple slices, fig jam, or even fresh vegetables like carrot or celery sticks. For a more indulgent option, provide a bowl of walnut crumbs or candied pecans to sprinkle on top.
Remember, the beauty of serving a savory blue cheese cheesecake is in its versatility, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairings.
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Refrigeration: it's recommended to chill for 24 hours before serving
To ensure your blue cheese cheesecake tastes as good as it possibly can, it is recommended that you chill it for 24 hours before serving. This gives the flavours time to develop and meld together. In fact, some sources suggest that savoury cheesecakes get better with age, so it's well worth making this in advance and giving the flavours time to mature.
After baking your cheesecake, allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes, then place it in the refrigerator to chill for 4 hours to overnight. If you're making individual cheesecakes, these can be made a day ahead and will also benefit from being allowed to age for a day.
Once your cheesecake has been chilled, you can serve it as it is, or with a sauce. A cranberry sauce is a good option, and this should also be chilled for 24 hours before serving. If you're making a cranberry sauce, heat the sauce ingredients in a stock pot until they reach a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. The cranberries will pop and soften, and the liquid will reduce to a syrup.
If you want to freeze your cheesecake, cut it into wedges and wrap the wedges in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped wedges in a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag and freeze. When you want to serve the cheesecake, thaw it completely in the refrigerator.
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Customisation: you can change up the cheeses, herbs and toppings
The beauty of a savoury blue cheese cheesecake is that it is highly customisable. You can experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and toppings to create your own unique flavour profile.
Cheeses
If you want to change up the cheeses in your cheesecake, there are several alternatives to blue cheese that can provide a similar flavour profile. Feta cheese, for example, shares a similar crumbly texture and salty profile without the characteristic mould of blue cheese. It is milder, but still offers a tangy flavour that can stand in for blue cheese in many recipes. Another option is to use furu, or fermented bean curd, which has a pungent and salty flavour reminiscent of blue cheese. Its creamy texture when mashed can mimic the spreadability of soft blue cheeses. If you're looking for a non-dairy option, olives are a great choice. They offer a salty, briny flavour that can replicate the intensity of blue cheese, and can be chopped finely to mimic the texture of crumbled blue cheese.
Herbs
While the exact herbs to use are not specified in a blue cheese cheesecake recipe, some suggestions include plenty of ground black pepper and fresh herbs. You can experiment with different herbs to find your favourite combination. Some options to consider include basil, thyme, rosemary, and chives.
Toppings
When it comes to toppings, a savoury blue cheese cheesecake is often served with crackers. However, you can also get creative and try different toppings such as a tomato salad with peppery rocket, or a spoonful of fig chutney.
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Baking tips: bake for 50-65 mins, until the middle has a slight jiggle
When it comes to baking your savoury blue cheese cheesecake, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to note that the baking time may vary depending on the size of your cheesecake. For a standard 9-inch cheesecake, baking at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, you should aim for a baking time of approximately 50 to 65 minutes. During this time, the cheesecake will transform from a batter to a solid cake with a slightly jiggly centre.
To test if your cheesecake is ready, gently shake the pan. If the centre of the cheesecake jiggles slightly, it's ready to be taken out of the oven. This slight jiggle indicates that the cheesecake is cooked through but still has a creamy, soft texture. If the cheesecake is firm and doesn't jiggle at all, it may be overbaked and could have a dry texture.
It's important to note that the baking time may vary depending on your oven's calibration and the accuracy of your temperature settings. As such, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your cheesecake as it bakes and use the jiggle test to determine doneness. Additionally, an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, measured with a meat thermometer, indicates that the cheesecake is ready.
Once your cheesecake is baked, it's crucial to let it cool properly. Place the cheesecake on a wire rack and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This cooling period helps the cheesecake set and prevents it from continuing to cook from residual heat. After 30 minutes, you can then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill.
For the best flavour and texture, it is recommended to refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 24 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavours to meld and develop, resulting in a more robust and well-rounded taste. Additionally, during this time, the cheesecake will continue to set, giving it a firmer, yet creamy texture that is characteristic of cheesecakes.
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Accompaniments: serve with a sauce, or as part of a charcuterie board
A blue cheese cheesecake is a rich and elegant savoury appetizer, perfect for wine-tasting parties, holiday gatherings, and special occasions. It can be served with a sauce or as part of a charcuterie board.
If you wish to serve it with a sauce, a cranberry sauce pairs well with this cheesecake. To make the sauce, place all the ingredients in a stockpot and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. The cranberries will pop and soften, and the liquid will reduce to a syrup-like consistency. This sauce tastes best when chilled, so it is recommended to refrigerate it for 24 hours before serving.
A cherry-pear compote and a cherry balsamic glaze are also excellent accompaniments to the cheesecake. The tartness of the cherries and the sweetness of the pears create a delightful contrast of flavours that enhances the cheesecake's savouriness.
If you prefer to serve the cheesecake as part of a charcuterie board, provide an assortment of crackers, such as toasted baguette bread or fine crackers, to spread the cheesecake on. You can also include fresh fruits like grapes, apples, or pears, and even some fresh vegetables like carrots or celery. Chutneys and fruit pastes are also tasty additions to the board, offering a variety of flavours and textures for your guests to enjoy.
For a more interactive and indulgent experience, you can provide a combination of sauces and charcuterie items, allowing your guests to create their own unique pairings and discover their favourite combinations.
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Frequently asked questions
Bake a blue cheese cheesecake for around 50-65 minutes. The middle will have a slight jiggle when ready.
It is recommended to chill a blue cheese cheesecake for 24 hours before serving to develop the flavors.
A blue cheese cheesecake can be served with crackers, toasted baguette bread, chutneys, fruit pastes, grapes, or a cranberry sauce.
Yes, a blue cheese cheesecake can be made several days in advance and topped just before serving.
