Ingredients
- 3/4 cup toasted bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 pound good-quality blue cheese, at room temperature
- 1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
- 4 eggs
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Baby greens for serving
- Pear Vinaigrette, recipe follows
- Candied Walnuts, recipe follows
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In the bowl of a food processor, combine bread crumbs, walnuts and melted butter and process until thoroughly combined. Press the mixture on the bottom and partially up the sides of an 8-inch springform pan. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl combine blue cheese and cream cheese and mix until smooth. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper and combine well. Using a spatula, transfer cheese mixture to the prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the cake is golden brown and not loose in the center.
While the cake is baking, make the Pear Vinaigrette and Candied Walnuts.
When the cake is puffed, golden brown and not loose in the center, transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve the cake warm, with a salad of baby greens tossed with the Pear Vinaigrette, garnished with the Candied Walnuts
Pear Vinaigrette:
- 1 (4-ounce) firm-ripe pear, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced shallots
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons green onions
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Combine the pear, Champagne vinegar, shallots, sugar, rosemary and black pepper in a skillet and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the pears are tender, about 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer to a blender or food processor.
Add the mustard, soy sauce, kosher salt, and green onions, and puree on high speed. With the motor running, add the oil in a thin stream and process until emulsified. Remove from the blender and refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve. (The vinaigrette will keep for up to 1 week refrigerated.)
Yield: 1 generous cup
Candied Walnuts:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup walnut halves
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the walnuts and cook, stirring, until golden brown and toasted, 3 minutes. Add the sugar and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Transfer to a piece of waxed paper to cool.
Yield: 1/2 cup
Photo: Blue Cheese Cheesecake with Baby Greens, Candied Walnuts and a Pear Vinaigrette Recipe
















Review This Recipe
You must be logged in to review this recipe.
or Sign Up to Review
Newest Ratings and Reviews
Read all 8 reviews
By wicko1
Edina, MN
on November 21, 2012
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
I am knocked out by this one. I made the Pear Vinaigrette last night; it's got nice acidity and just a little sweetness. Perfect. I just tasted the Blue Cheesecake. It is delicious. Mine cracked on top. (Who cares? It is lighter than I expected, which is a good thing. I recommend this whole recipe. Try to use a blue cheese with a little kick to it. Delish!
By ecook84_11908829
Tucson, AZ
on January 02, 2010
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
Everyone made funny faces when I said I made a blue cheese cheesecake for Christmas dinner. But once I put it out everyone seemed a little curious about it and trying it and it was a hit! It went great with a glass of red wine and I have to second what Marta says about serving in small pieces. I would cut the cake into 12 servings instead of 8. And I second Debra on using the "O" brand champagne vinegar. I love it and sometimes take small sips out of the bottle when cooking with it, best vinegar I've ever used :
By kmcgroarty_6847652
Glenmoore, PA
on May 12, 2007
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
This was a fabulous appetizer. We put it out and even our guests who said they did not like blue cheese, thought this cheesecake was a hit.
Read all 8 reviews