My Favorite Appetizer for a Crowd - the Savory Santa Fe Cheesecake

This scrumptious, savory cheesecake is a crowd favorite EVERY TIME! It's a regular in my party rotation.

The picture is coming soon! In the meantime - don't forget the tortilla chips for this recipe!

This recipe is my favorite choice for hosting parties or bringing an appetizer to someone else's event. It has always been a hit, consistently receiving rave reviews and is ideal for serving a larger crowd.

I initially came across the Savory Santa Fe Cheesecake in The Pampered Chef's Recipes from the Heart Cookbook (1997), and I clearly recall thinking, 'this recipe is crazy enough to work!' Thankfully, I decided to try it. It's been my favorite for quite some time.

The Savory Santa Fe Cheesecake will keep guests coming back for more!

I've added some additional suggestions as well to turn up the heat.

Savory Santa Fe Cheesecake

Ingredients (serves 16 - 20+)

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

• 2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 cups sour cream, divided (see directions below)

• 1 package (1.25 oz) taco seasoning mix

• 3 eggs

• 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies, drained

• 2/3 cup salsa note: if you'd like a spicier cheesecake, use a spicy taco seasoning, or hot green chilies. 1/4 tsp chili pepper seasoning may also be added
  

Mix it Up

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Place cream cheese and cheddar cheese in large bowl of electric mixer (a hand mixer can also be used); beat at medium speed until fluffy.

3. Blend in 1 cup of the sour cream and taco seasoning,

4. Add eggs, 1 AT A TIME, beating well after each addition

5. Mix in chilies.

6. Pour mixture into a 10-inch springform plan fitted with flat bottom.

7. Bake 35 - 40 minutes or until set in center.

8. Remove from oven; cool 10 minutes.

9. Top with remaining cup of sour cream, and bake 5 minutes longer.

10. Loosen cake from the rim of the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.

11. Cover; refrigerate until chilled, 3 - 4 hours

12. Remove rim of pan and transfer to a serving plate.

13. Top with salsa just before serving.

Serve with tortilla chips, or slice in small servings and plate with a side of tortilla chips. May also include pickled jalapenos, chopped tomato, and extra salsa on the side. This is also a perfect complement to margaritas!

What a perfect complement to a Savory Santa Fe Cheesecake!