This savory "cheese cake" is not your typical dessert, it’s a vintage appetizer dish popular in mid-century gatherings and cocktail parties. Made with a creamy sour cream base and flavored with tangy olives, crisp celery, green pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, this dish is served chilled and sliced like a cheesecake. It’s a conversation starter and a bold blend of textures and flavors. Ideal for spreading on crackers or serving as a unique centerpiece dip at retro-themed events or family potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp margarine (melted )
- 8 oz cheese crackers (crushed)
- ½ cup green olives with pimientos (finely chopped)
- ½ cup celery (finely chopped)
- 1 green pepper (medium, finely chopped)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 cups sour cream
- Ripe olives and pimiento strips (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Crust
- Melt margarine.
- Mix with crushed cheese crackers.
- Press into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan or shallow dish to form a crust. Chill while preparing filling.
Step 2: Make Filling
- In a large bowl, combine green olives, celery, green pepper, onion, lemon juice, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika.
- Fold in sour cream until evenly combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
- Spread the mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until firm.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Top with additional ripe olives and pimiento strips before serving.
- Slice like cheesecake and serve with additional crackers.
Tips
- Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the sour cream for a tangier flavor.
- Add a touch of cream cheese for a firmer set.
- Swap cheese crackers with butter crackers for a subtler base.
- Use red bell pepper instead of green for a sweeter flavor and color contrast.
- Serve in individual ramekins for elegant single-serve appetizers.
Nutrition
Calories: 202kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 306mgPotassium: 125mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 442IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 1mg
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