PARTNER POST – Get creative with any of Castello’s uniquely crafted cheeses. Click here for a $1 off coupon to create your own gourmet masterpiece.
The nuttiness of aged havarti cheese pairs perfectly with spinach and herbs in this gorgeous, phyllo-crusted cheesecake.
By Christiane Potts
Cheese. It’s a weakness of mine. While others swoon over chocolate, I’m snubbing my nose at the brown stuff and wandering over to the good stuff; the tangy, creamy, sharp, nutty, however-you-want to serve-it cheese.
I can just as easily eat cheese on its own, with a bit of bread or on a cracker. But, I have to admit that a creamy cheese spread is what makes my heart go pitter pat the most.
That’s why, when I was asked if I’d be willing to transform a beautiful block of Castello’s glorious aged havarti cheese into something delicious, I didn’t even have to think twice. I knew my Castello aged havarti was destined to become a gorgeous, savory cheesecake.
The Process
I chose the phyllo crust for my cheesecake because it’s so striking and a cheese like Castello’s aged havarti deserved a unique look. Layering the sheets in the pan after brushing each with melted butter was easy enough.
Actually, mixing up the filling was just as simple. I used my blender, so all I had to do was shred the aged havarti, then add it to cream cheese and sour cream. After a few pulses, I threw in everything but the spinach and let it spin for a few seconds until I was sure all the ingredients were evenly distributed.
Finally, I added the spinach, after making sure it was squeezed of as much liquid as I could get out of it. One final, very quick spin and I spooned the mixture into the shell.
After baking it for an hour, I let it cool to room temperature before serving.
The Verdict
Oh, be still my heart, this was delicious. Aged havarti and spinach do so well together. Add to them some herbs, the tang of lemon juice and pizzazz of pepper flakes, and the result is a memorable, delicious appetizer.
I was very pleased with how well the shell turned out, especially since some of my phyllo pieces folded over the edge of the cheesecake pan as they cooked so I had a dickens of a time removing the side when it was done.
PrintFeed Your Creativity — Savory Spinach and Aged Havarti Cheesecake in a Phyllo Crust
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A savory cheesecake with a phyllo crust, combining the nutty richness of aged havarti cheese with spinach and herbs for a memorable appetizer.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 9-12 sheets phyllo dough
- 2 8-ounce containers cream cheese
- 8 ounces Castello Aged Havarti cheese, shredded
- ? cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons chopped chives
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat the inside of a 9-inch springform pan with butter.
- Brush each sheet of phyllo dough with melted butter and layer them in the springform pan, ensuring they come up the sides.
- In a blender, combine the cream cheese, shredded aged havarti, and sour cream. Pulse until smooth.
- Add the chives, garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the blender. Pulse until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add the squeezed-dry spinach to the blender and give it a final quick pulse to incorporate.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into the prepared phyllo crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the cheesecake is set and the phyllo is golden brown.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature before removing the sides of the springform pan and serving.
Notes
Ensure the spinach is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the cheesecake. The phyllo crust can be delicate; handle with care when removing the springform pan. This cheesecake can be served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 28
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 80
Get creative with any of Castello’s uniquely crafted cheeses. Click here for a $1 off coupon to create your own gourmet masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese instead of aged havarti?
While aged havarti is recommended for its unique nuttiness, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda or a sharp cheddar, but it may alter the flavor profile.
What should I do if I can’t find phyllo dough?
If phyllo dough is unavailable, you could substitute with a pre-made savory tart crust or a graham cracker crust, though this will change the texture and presentation.
How do I ensure the phyllo crust doesn’t become soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to brush each layer of phyllo with melted butter and bake the crust until it is golden and crisp before adding the cheesecake filling.
