Get ready for a culinary adventure that will challenge everything you thought you knew about cheesecake! This isn't your grandma's dessert - it's a bold, spicy, and utterly irresistible fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors that transforms the classic cheesecake into a savory sensation. Imagine a creamy, cheese-packed masterpiece with the fiery kick of jalapenos and the rich, smoky essence of chorizo, all nestled on a perfectly crisp breadcrumb crust. This recipe is about to become your new obsession, guaranteed to impress at parties, game nights, or whenever you're craving something extraordinary.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup chorizo, cooked
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup jalapenos, diced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray.
- In a skillet, cook the chorizo over medium heat until fully browned and crispy, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
- Fold in the cooked chorizo and diced jalapenos into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- In a separate small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil to create a moistened crumb base.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, creating a firm base.
- Pour the cheese and chorizo mixture over the breadcrumb crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and slightly golden on top.
- Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before releasing from springform pan.
- Garnish with additional diced jalapenos or chopped fresh herbs if desired. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Chorizo Selection: Choose a high-quality, well-seasoned chorizo for maximum flavor impact. Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture.
- Cheese Temperature Matters: Ensure cream cheese is truly softened at room temperature for the smoothest, lump-free mixture.
- Jalapeno Heat Control: Remove seeds for a milder version, or keep them for extra spice. Always wear gloves when handling hot peppers.
- Breadcrumb Base Trick: Toast breadcrumbs slightly before mixing with olive oil for an enhanced, nutty flavor and crispier crust.
- Avoid Overcooking: Watch your cheesecake closely in the final minutes. It should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually to prevent cracking and help it set properly.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a cool, creamy dip or fresh salsa to balance the rich, spicy flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 75mg