Baby Swiss Appetizer Cheesecake
Surprise your guests with this Baby Swiss Appetizer Cheesecake, a creamy and tangy savory treat combining the smooth, mild flavor of Baby Swiss cheese with a rich, velvety cream cheese base. Perfect for any gathering, this appetizer offers effortless elegance, versatile serving options, and customizable bases for a truly gourmet experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 appetizer servings
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake / Baking (for crust preparation if desired)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be adapted to dairy-free and gluten-free)
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 oz Baby Swiss cheese, finely grated
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)
- 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (chives, dill, or preferred herbs), chopped
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups crushed crackers or pretzels (whole grain or gluten-free option if needed)
- 4 tbsp melted butter
Garnishes and Serving
- Extra fresh herbs (dill, chives, parsley)
- Thinly sliced radishes, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes (optional)
- Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Start by combining crushed crackers or pretzels with melted butter in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the base of a springform pan or small serving dish to create a sturdy, crunchy crust.
- Blend the cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add finely grated Baby Swiss cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue mixing until the texture is creamy and all ingredients are well combined.
- Add fresh herbs: Fold in chopped fresh herbs gently into the cheese mixture, spreading the aroma and fresh flavor throughout the filling.
- Assemble and chill: Pour the cheese mixture over the crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight to let it set properly.
- Serve and garnish: Before serving, garnish with extra herbs or thinly sliced veggies. Slice into small portions and serve chilled with crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese and Baby Swiss cheese at room temperature before mixing for a smooth blend.
- Finely grate the Baby Swiss cheese to ensure it incorporates evenly.
- Chill the cheesecake for longer to enhance firmness and flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before chilling to balance tang and creaminess.
- Use parchment paper under the crust to ease removal and improve presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Find it online: https://amandafood.com/baby-swiss-appetizer-cheesecake/