Ingredients:
– 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
– 1 egg
– ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
– 8-10 slices of finocchiona salami, chopped
– ¼ cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
3. Add the egg, grated parmesan cheese, dried basil, and garlic powder and beat until well combined.
4. Fold in the chopped finocchiona salami.
5. Grease a mini cheesecake pan or a muffin tin and sprinkle breadcrumbs on the bottom of each cup.
6. Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly among the cups.
7. Brush the top of the cheesecakes with melted butter.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheesecakes are golden brown and set.
9. Allow the cheesecakes to cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the pan.
Serve the mini savory cheesecakes with finocchiona warm or at room temperature. They can be served as appetizers or as a lunch with a side salad. The creamy texture of the cheesecake and the salty, spicy flavor of the finocchiona make for an irresistible combination.
Finocchiona salami comes from Tuscany, Italy, and is made with lean pork meat, fennel seeds, and garlic. It has a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from other types of salami. It’s often used in Italian cuisine as a topping for pizza, as a filling for sandwiches, or as a snack with cheese and crackers.
The addition of finocchiona to these mini cheesecakes adds an unexpected twist that is sure to impress your guests. These appetizers are also great for parties because they can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven just before serving.
If you’re looking for a way to switch up your appetizer game, give these mini savory cheesecakes with finocchiona a try. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds wanting more. They’re simple to make and can be customized to your liking by adding different herbs or spices. So, get creative and enjoy!