Kalamata Savory Cheesecake Appetizer (Printable Version)

Savory Greek cheesecake with Kalamata olives, creamy cheese blend, and fresh herbs—ideal for entertaining.

# What You Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
02 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
04 - 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Cheesecake Filling

05 - 12 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
07 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
11 - 1/4 cup whole milk
12 - 1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
14 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

16 - 2 tablespoons Kalamata olives, sliced
17 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
18 - Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, oregano, and pepper. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of prepared pan.
03 - Bake crust for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
04 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, ricotta, and Parmesan until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
05 - Stir in thyme, lemon zest, milk, chopped olives, chives, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
06 - Pour filling over cooled crust and smooth the top surface.
07 - Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until center is set but slightly wobbly.
08 - Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
09 - Top with sliced olives, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil. Slice into small wedges or squares and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It disappears faster than any cheese plate I've ever put out, and people always ask what's in it.
  • The tangy creaminess with those salty olive bursts feels fancy but comes together with everyday ingredients.
02 -
  • If your cream cheese isn't fully soft, you'll get lumps that won't blend out, so leave it on the counter for at least an hour before starting.
  • Overbaking makes the filling dry and crumbly instead of creamy, so pull it when there's still a slight wobble in the center.
03 -
  • Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut for picture perfect slices every time.
  • If the crust starts browning too fast, tent the pan loosely with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
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