Crowd Pleasing Mexican Cheesecake – NOT a Dessert

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Mexican Cheesecake
Mexican Cheesecake

Mary-Ellen writes:

This recipe originated from my sister, Kathleen.  Because of the size of our family, holidays always were, and still are, a group effort filled with “assignments.”  One year Kathy was assigned appetizers and she said she would bring something she had recently at a party called Mexican Cheesecake.   I thought it sounded like a spicy dessert, not an appetizer.  Thanksgiving day arrived that year and in walked my sister with her cheesecake.  It was so pretty, everyone was afraid to ruin it by taking a slice.  My brother, Francis, finally took the first bite and got the OMG look on his face – he loved it.  We all dug in and it quickly became a family favorite.  I often serve this at my house or bring it to parties – everyone, every time gets the OMG expression and can’t get enough.  I personally guarantee this appetizer will be a crowd-pleaser at your next simple celebration – give it a try! 

Mexican Cheesecake Appetizer

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 12

Equipment

  • Springform pan

Ingredients

"Cake"

  • 1 cup finely crushed Nacho Flavored Dorito Chips place in sealed bag and crush with mallet or heavy spoon
  • 1 8 ounce bag finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 2 8 ounce packages of cream cheese completely softened
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup chopped black olives
  • 1 hot chili pepper finely chopped
  • 2 tsp chili powder

Topping

  • 1 green onion chopped
  • 1 small tomato chopped
  • 2 Tbsp black olives sliced
  • 1/2 yellow pepper chopped
  • 1/2 red pepper chopped
  • 1/2 cup jalapeño peppers jarred kind

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350°.  
  •  Spray springform pan with cooking spray.  
  • Mix all "cake" ingredients and put into pan.
  • Place pan on foil-lined baking sheet and bake for  35 - 40 minutes - until center is set.
  • Cool for about 15 - 20 min, remove from pan, and place on serving platter.
  • Top the cheesecake with the toppings listed above in a circular pattern (see note below).
  • Serve with "Scoop" chips or hearty crackers.

Notes

If you are bringing this to someone’s house, put the chopped toppings in separate, small baggies and top when you arrive.

1 Comment

  1. This is the very best and most unusual appetizer ever. Mary-Ellen shared this recipe with me a few years ago and now everyone in my family begs me to make it.

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