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–+ servings
Appetizer Cheesecake
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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 202 kcal

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
Keyword Cream Cheese, olives, retro, savory
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