No-Bake Savory Cheesecake Tart with Peach & Thyme Salsa
No-Bake Savory Cheesecake Tart with Peach & Thyme Salsa is an exquisite delight that combines creamy textures with a burst of refreshing flavors. This dish is perfect for those who crave something different yet easy to prepare—ideal for gatherings or as a sophisticated addition to your dinner menu. The tartness of the fresh peaches perfectly complements the smooth cheeses, while the subtle warmth of thyme and chili adds an aromatic touch that’s sure to impress. This step-by-step recipe is not only hassle-free but also an eye-catching centerpiece for your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this No-Bake Savory Cheesecake Tart. Firstly, it requires minimal cooking, making it perfect for hot summer days when you want to avoid turning on the oven. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a truly impressive dish that is sure to please a crowd or your family. It’s versatile too—perfect as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even a refreshing side dish. Plus, the combination of creamy and crunchy textures, along with the juicy sweetness of peaches, forms an irresistible balance that will keep your taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
- 150 g TUC or Ritz-style salty crackers: These crispy, savory crackers form the base of your tart, offering a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with creamy fillings.
- 75 g unsalted butter, melted: This rich butter adds creaminess and helps bind the crust together.
- 1 tsp thyme leaves (optional): This provides an additional layer of aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
- 200 g cream cheese, softened: The creamy base adds a smooth texture and rich flavor to the filling.
- 100 g soft goat cheese: This tangy cheese contributes to the savory depth and complexity of the tart.
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt: These add a bite of tanginess and help achieve a fluffy filling.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives: Bright and fresh, chives contribute a hint of onion flavor, providing great balance.
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley or dill: These herbs add freshness and vibrancy to the tart.
- Zest of 1/2 lemon: A touch of citrus brightness, enhancing the flavor profile.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and elevating the flavors.
- 2 ripe peaches, finely diced: Juicy and sweet, these peaches bring a refreshing element to the dish.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves: Adds earthiness and depth to the peach salsa.
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (or a pinch of chili flakes): For a little heat and added excitement in the dish.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the salsa and balances the sweetness of the peaches.
- 1 tsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps to meld the flavors together.
- Microgreens or arugula (to garnish): These add a fresh, peppery bite and a beautiful visual appeal.
- Extra thyme sprigs (to garnish): A decorative touch that enhances the dish’s aroma.
- Cracked pepper (to garnish): A final sprinkle to enhance the flavor profile of the tart.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Make the Crust
Begin by preparing your crust. Blitz the salty crackers in a food processor until they turn into fine crumbs. Once crumbled, mix the crumbs with the melted butter and, if you choose, the thyme leaves for added flavor. Press this mixture into the base of a 20 cm tart tin lined with parchment paper, ensuring it’s firmly packed. Cover the base and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
While the crust chills, it’s time to prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, goat cheese, sour cream, chopped herbs, lemon zest, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Using a hand mixer, beat the ingredients until smooth and fluffy. This texture will create a luscious filling for your tart.
Step 3: Assemble
Once your crust has chilled and firmed up, it’s time to fill it. Spoon the prepared filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top for an even finish. Return the tart to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, allowing it to set properly.
Step 4: Make the Salsa
While waiting for the tart to set, prepare your peach salsa. In a separate bowl, combine the finely diced peaches, fresh thyme leaves, chopped chili, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine and allow the mixture to sit for about 10–15 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Top and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, remove the tart from the refrigerator and spoon the peach salsa generously over the top. For a finishing touch, garnish with microgreens or thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of cracked pepper. The tart is best served cold or slightly chilled, making it a perfect option for entertaining.
Tips & Tricks
- Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil or mint if you want to switch up the flavor profile. Each will lend its unique touch.
- Make It Ahead: This tart can be made a day in advance! Just store it covered in the refrigerator to save time.
- Use a Mix of Peaches: To add more complexity to the salsa, try using a variety of peaches—yellow, white, or even nectarines for an alternative twist.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
The No-Bake Savory Cheesecake Tart with Peach & Thyme Salsa pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing sparkling water with a hint of lemon. Serve it as part of a picnic spread, a light lunch with a green salad, or as an elegant appetizer at your next dinner party. The flavors are versatile enough to complement a variety of cuisines.
Nutritional Information
This delightful No-Bake Savory Cheesecake Tart contains roughly 250 calories per serving. It’s important to note that the tart is rich in protein from the cheeses and packed with vitamins from the fresh herbs and peaches. Always remember that balance in meals is vital; pairing this tart with a side of vegetables or a salad can round it out nicely.
Storing Tips & Variations
To store leftovers, cover the tart with plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish does not freeze well due to its creamy filling. If you want to play with variations, you can swap peaches for other seasonal fruits like mangoes or berries to create an entirely different flavor profile. Just adjust the herbs accordingly!
Conclusion
I encourage you to try out this No-Bake Savory Cheesecake Tart with Peach & Thyme Salsa at your next gathering or as a delicious weekend treat. It’s a dish that not only tastes divine but also looks stunning on the table. If you decide to make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out; don’t forget to share your experiences!
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese will work just fine. It will alter the texture slightly but should still taste delicious.
2. How long can I keep the tart in the fridge?
The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just ensure it is well-covered to maintain its freshness.
3. What can I substitute for goat cheese?
You can substitute goat cheese with feta or even ricotta cheese, depending on your taste preference.
4. Is this tart suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all the ingredients used are suitable for vegetarians, making it a great choice for meatless meals.
5. Can I add other ingredients to the salsa?
Feel free to add diced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor in your salsa!
No-Bake Savory Cheesecake Tart with Peach & Thyme Salsa
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 150 g TUC or Ritz-style salty crackers These crispy crackers form the base.
- 75 g unsalted butter, melted This adds creaminess to the crust.
- 1 tsp thyme leaves (optional) For additional flavor.
Filling Ingredients
- 200 g cream cheese, softened Main creamy base for the tart.
- 100 g soft goat cheese Adds tanginess and depth.
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt For tanginess and fluffiness.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives Provides a hint of onion flavor.
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley or dill Adds freshness.
- 1/2 unit zest of lemon Enhances flavor profile.
- to taste unit Salt & black pepper Essential for seasoning.
Salsa Ingredients
- 2 unit ripe peaches, finely diced Brings freshness to the dish.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves Adds earthiness to the salsa.
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped For heat.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice Balances the sweetness of peaches.
- 1 tsp olive oil Melds flavors together.
- to taste unit Salt Balances flavors.
Garnishes
- to garnish unit Microgreens or arugula For freshness and visual appeal.
- to garnish unit Extra thyme sprigs Enhances aroma.
- to garnish unit Cracked pepper Final touch.
Instructions
Make the Crust
- Blitz the salty crackers in a food processor until they turn into fine crumbs.
- Mix the crumbs with melted butter and thyme leaves.
- Press the mixture into the base of a 20 cm tart tin lined with parchment paper, and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Mix the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, goat cheese, sour cream, chopped herbs, lemon zest, and season with salt and black pepper.
- Beat the ingredients with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble
- Spoon the prepared filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top.
- Return the tart to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours.
Make the Salsa
- In a separate bowl, combine finely diced peaches, fresh thyme leaves, chopped chili, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir gently to combine and let sit for about 10–15 minutes.
Top and Serve
- Remove the tart from the refrigerator and spoon the peach salsa generously over the top.
- Garnish with microgreens or thyme sprigs and cracked pepper.
- Serve cold or slightly chilled.