Smoked Salmon And Gruyere Cheesecake With Mini Bagels(16 To 20 Servings)
A sophisticated smoked salmon and Gruyere cheese cheesecake with fresh dill and a savory crust, perfect for brunch or special occasions served with mini bagels.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated imported Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, finely minced ⓘ
- 1/3 cup fresh dill, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 pound smoked salmon ⓘ
- pinch of cayenne ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 pounds cream cheese ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup whiskey ⓘ
- 1/4 pound shredded Gruyere cheese ⓘ
- 5 eggs ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Grease a 9-inch cheesecake pan with butter.
- Line the bottom with a buttered wax paper circle and dust the bottom and sides of the pan with 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Saute the chopped onion in olive oil over medium heat until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add finely minced garlic, chopped dill, and smoked salmon.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne, then set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
When preparing the cheesecake, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother blend. If Gruyere cheese is unavailable, you can substitute with Emmental or aged cheddar for a similar flavor profile. To enhance the dish, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness. For a gluten-free option, serve with cucumber slices instead of mini bagels.
Serving Suggestions
This smoked salmon and Gruyere cheesecake is best served chilled, garnished with additional fresh dill and capers. Pair it with a light salad or serve alongside mini bagels for a delightful brunch spread. It also pairs beautifully with other seafood recipes, making it a versatile addition to any gathering. Consider a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing complement.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in an oven at 250°F (120°C) until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain the creamy texture of the cheesecake.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoked Salmon And Gruyere Cheesecake With Mini Bagels(16 To 20 Servings) contains roughly 252 calories, with 7g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 625mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made up to a day in advance. Just ensure it's well-covered in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese in place of cream cheese, though the texture will differ slightly. For a dairy-free version, consider using a cream cheese alternative made from cashews or almonds, but remember it may affect the overall flavor profile.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle. It will continue to firm up as it cools. To prevent cracks, avoid overbaking and let it cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).