Savory Smoked Salmon Cheesecake

savory smoked salmon cheesecake with Pretzel Crisps crust

Yes, this is a savory cheesecake, but hear us out. What’s not to love about cream cheese, salmon, fresh dill and a hint of lemon all tied together with the flavors of an everything bagel? A version of this cheesecake recipe first appeared in The Wedding Cake Book, where I presented it as a wedding-cake-shaped offering for a nuptial cocktail party, but it works well any time you would like creamy, spreadable hors d’oeuvres. The everything-bagel-flavored crust is new and made with pretzels. Pretzel Crisps sent us a few bags to try and we thought, with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onions and garlic, these pretzel-like crackers would make a perfect base. Serve this smoked salmon cheesecake with extra Everything Pretzel Crisps and slices of cucumber or any crackers or small toasts that you like.

savory smoked salmon cheesecake with Pretzel Crisps crust

Images: Peter Muka

Savory Smoked Salmon Cheesecake
Author: 
Makes: Makes a 6-inch by 3-inch cake; serves 15
 
Ingredients
Crust:
  • ¼ cup finely ground Pretzel Crisps, in Everything flavor, or dried breadcrumbs
  • ⅔ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake:
  • 2, 8-ounce packages (1 pound) cream cheese, at room temperature, , cut into pieces
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons chives, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 6 ounces smoked salmon, chopped fine
Decoration and Serving:
  • 1 ounce smoked salmon in a large piece
  • Long pieces of chives
  • 1 English or hothouse cucumber, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
  • Extra Pretzel Crisps or crackers
Instructions
  1. For the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 6-inch by 3-inch springform pan with nonstick spray. Wrap the outside with aluminum foil to protect from the water bath.
  2. Blend together the ground pretzels, parmesan and butter in a small bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of your cake pan making an even layer. Set aside.
  3. For the Cheesecake: Beat the cream cheese in your mixer using the flat paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the chives, parsley, zest, salt and pepper. Stir in sour cream by hand then fold in the chopped salmon.
  4. Pour batter into pan and smooth top with small offset spatula. Place cake pan in a larger pan filled with 1-inch hot water. Bake for approximately 30 to 40 minutes. It should be set around the edges, but still creamy in the middle with a slight wobble. Remove cake from water bath and cool completely on a rack, then refrigerate at least overnight. May be prepared 2 days ahead. Keep well covered with plastic wrap while storing in refrigerator.
  5. For Decoration and Serving: Unmold cheesecake and place on display platter. To make a rose out of the salmon, simply take a strip of it and roll it in a simple spiral. Loosen some of the rings towards the outside of the spiral, and voila, a simplified rose. Place it on top with some chives bundled together and tied in a loose knot. The cake may be refrigerated overnight at this point, if desired, or served immediately.
  6. When ready to serve, offer with pretzels/crackers and sliced cucumbers alongside.
 

 

5 Responses to Savory Smoked Salmon Cheesecake

  1. Natashalh December 13, 2013 at 9:29 pm #

    Ahaha – I just showed this to my man and he said “When are you making it?!” I don’t think I’ve ever seen a savory cheesecake before, and I know I haven’t seen one with salmon.

    • Dede Wilson December 14, 2013 at 9:02 am #

      Great for upcoming holiday parties. Let us know how the recipe works for you! Enjoy.

  2. Liz December 29, 2013 at 11:08 pm #

    I just fixed this for NYE. It was so easy to make, and I think it will set up well in the fridge before I serve it. Thanks for the recipe!

    • Dede Wilson December 30, 2013 at 8:49 am #

      Enjoy! It’s a great choice for this week’s festivities, either on NYEve or for an open house on New year’s Day.

  3. Liz January 1, 2014 at 12:56 pm #

    Dede, it was a huge hit last night! I couldn’t find everything pretzel chips, but regular worked just fine, too.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Skip to toolbar