No-Bake Savory Mortadella Pistachio Cheesecake

This savory mortadella pistachio cheesecake recipe has the creamy richness you would expect from a sweet cheesecake, but it also has a buttery cracker crust and an adornment of pistachios and sliced mortadella. The results are an elegant cake that is perfect for serving as an appetizer at a dinner party.

To make the savory cheesecake, you first blend ground crackers with ground pistachios and butter, and then it gets pressed into a round cake pan. Then, for the filling, you mix ricotta with cream cheese and milk before pouring it on top of the crust, and setting it in the fridge so it can set up. After that, the cake gets garnished with beautiful green pistachios and mortadella before being served.

What is Savory Mortadella Pistachio Cheesecake?

This savory mortadella pistachio cheesecake is a no bake cheesecake that isn’t sweet. Instead, it is full of the savory flavors of crunchy pistachios and salty mortadella. Additionally, it has a crust made with ground pistachios and crackers, which offers a pleasing crunch and buttery taste. If you are looking for something to serve for an appetizer rather than the typical charcuterie board, this recipe is a great one to make.

Pro Tips

• Use a springform pan that has been lined with parchment paper as this will help you remove the cheesecake easily.
• Soften the cream cheese before you begin making this cake so that it blends easily with the ricotta and milk.
• Toasting the pistachios in the oven prior to using them in the crust and garnish of this cake will amplify their flavor.
• If you don’t have pistachios on hand, you could replace them with other nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Exactly is Mortadella?

Mortadella is a type of pork sausage that includes pepper, and sometimes pistachios and other seasonings. Mortadella Bologna is the most famous version but there are variations of mortadella all over Italy.

What to Serve With Savory Cheesecake?

You can serve this cheesecake on its own with glasses of wine or alongside other ingredients you would typically put on a charcuterie board. Sliced vegetables, crackers, bread, sliced pears or apples, dried fruit, nuts, and more are all great options.

Does Savory Mortadella Pistachio Cheesecake Need to Be Baked?

No, this is a no bake cheesecake as the cheese mixture will set up easily when it is placed in the fridge. As a result, you can prepare the cake much more quickly than other types of cheesecakes.

How to Store Savory Mortadella Pistachio Cheesecake

The leftover cheesecake should be stored covered in the fridge. It is best eaten within 4 to 5 days of making it.

How to Make Savory Mortadella Pistachio Cheesecake

Step 1

Step 1

For the crust, grind the crackers in a blender. Add the ground pistachios and butter, and mix until combined.

For the crust, grind the crackers in a blender. Add the ground pistachios and butter, and mix until combined.

Step 2

Step 2

Cut it into wedges and serve.

Press the cracker mixture into the base of  a parchment-lined springform pan and allow it to set up in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Step 3

Step 3

For the filling, mix the ricotta with the cream cheese and milk until smooth. Spread it on top of the crust. Refrigerate it until it is set, about 1 hour.

Step 4

Step 4

Garnish the cake with the pistachios and mortadella.

Step 5

Step 5

Cut it into wedges and serve.