Description
Savory pistachio and mushroom cheesecake blends unexpected flavors in a creamy Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece. Nutty pistachios, earthy mushrooms, and tangy feta create a luxurious culinary experience you’ll want to savor slowly.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pistachios, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated
Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter, melted
Instructions
- Craft the foundation by blending finely ground pistachios, crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, and breadcrumbs with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a springform pan, creating a rustic crust that will support the delicate cheesecake.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while preparing the crust layer. Bake the nutty base for 10 minutes until it achieves a golden, crisp texture that will provide a robust base for the filling.
- In a skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms with minced garlic, allowing the moisture to evaporate completely. This process concentrates the earthy mushroom flavors and prevents excess liquid in the final cheesecake.
- Whip cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs until the mixture becomes silky and smooth. Fold in the caramelized mushrooms, grated Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper to enhance the savory profile.
- Transfer the creamy mushroom mixture onto the pre-baked pistachio crust, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure a uniform texture and appearance.
- Bake the cheesecake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a slight golden hue and a set consistency that signals the perfect doneness.
- Allow the cheesecake to rest and cool for 10 minutes, which helps it stabilize and makes slicing easier. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve the cheesecake warm or at room temperature, celebrating the complex layers of flavor from the nutty crust to the creamy, mushroom-infused filling.
Notes
- Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring the crust remains crispy and flavorful.
- Control moisture by patting mushrooms dry before sautéing, preventing excess liquid from making the cheesecake soggy and maintaining a perfect texture.
- Experiment with different mushroom varieties like shiitake or cremini to enhance the umami depth and create unique flavor profiles in each bite.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother, lump-free cream cheese mixture, guaranteeing a silky and consistent cheesecake filling.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg