To begin, let’s talk about the star ingredient in this recipe: speck. Hailing from the Italian region of Alto Adige, speck is a type of cured ham. Unlike prosciutto or regular ham, speck is dry-cured with a blend of sea salt, pepper, and various spices such as juniper berries, garlic, and laurel. After the curing process, speck is then cold-smoked over beechwood, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor that makes it perfect for pairing with cheese.
Now, let’s move on to the cheesecake. Unlike traditional cheesecake recipes that require an oven, this no-bake version is much simpler and quicker to make. The crust is made with buttery crackers, such as Ritz crackers or Saltines, and crushed into fine crumbs. The crust is then mixed with melted butter and pressed into the bottom of a springform pan. It’s important to press the crust as firmly as possible to ensure it holds together when the cheesecake is removed from the pan.
The filling is made with cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. The cream cheese should be at room temperature to make it easier to mix with the other ingredients. The sour cream adds a tangy flavor to the cheese, while the Parmesan adds a rich, salty flavor. The filling is then spooned into the pan and chilled in the refrigerator for at least three hours, or until it’s firm to the touch.
Once the cheesecake is ready, it’s time to add the toppings. Figs and speck are the perfect complement to the cheesy flavor of the cake. Fresh figs are sliced thinly, and the speck is cut into small pieces. The figs are arranged on top of the cheesecake, and the speck is scattered over them. The salty, smoky flavor of the speck is the perfect contrast to the sweet, juicy figs.
Finally, the cheesecake is ready to be served! You can cut it into slices and arrange them on a serving platter, or leave it in the springform pan for a more rustic look. This dish is perfect for a summer picnic, a brunch with friends, or a light dinner on a weeknight. The cheesecake can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days, so you can enjoy it all week long!
In conclusion, this no-bake savory cheesecake with figs and speck is a delight for the senses. With its creamy, cheesy filling, buttery crust, sweet figs, and smoky speck, this dish is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a fan of cheese or simply looking for a new way to enjoy figs, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So grab some crackers, butter, cream cheese, and a few other ingredients, and get ready to whip up a culinary masterpiece that will impress any foodie!