Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake

Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 50 minutes | Servings: 12-16

Introduction

Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake is a unique and flavorful dish that combines the creamy richness of a traditional cheesecake with the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine. This dish is perfect for special occasions or gatherings where you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping appetizer or main course.

History

The origins of Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by the classic New Orleans dish, shrimp and grits. By incorporating the flavors of Cajun seasoning and smoked sausage into a creamy cheesecake base, this dish offers a new twist on a traditional favorite.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) unpeeled, uncooked medium shrimp
1 (8 oz (227 g)) package Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix (seasoned rice mix)
2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
0.5 (16 oz (454 g)) package smoked sausage, diced
1 tbsp Zatarain's creole seasoning
0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
3 (8 oz (227 g)) packages cream cheese, softened
0.5 (8 oz (227 g)) container sour cream
2 tbsp cornstarch
3 large eggs

How to prepare

If the shrimp is frozen, thaw it and then peel and devein.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease a 9-inch spring-form pan with butter.
Prepare the jambalaya mix according to the package directions, excluding any meats.
Press the jambalaya mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 3 minutes or until tender.
Stir in the red bell pepper, the next 3 ingredients, and the shrimp.
Cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink.
Remove from heat and let it cool for 15 minutes. Do not drain.
Meanwhile, using a heavy-duty stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, and cornstarch until blended and smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating until blended after each addition.
Fold in the cooled shrimp mixture.
Pour the batter into the prepared crust and smooth the top using a spatula.
Place the pan on an aluminum foil-lined jelly-roll pan.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 50 minutes or until set.
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake stand in the oven for 1 hour.
Remove the cheesecake from the oven.
Let it cool on a wire rack for 1 hour or until completely cool.
Remove the sides of the spring-form pan.
Cut the cheesecake into 12 to 16 wedges.
Serve at room temperature.

Variations

Substitute crab meat or crawfish for the shrimp for a different flavor profile.
Add diced jalapenos or hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Use different cheeses, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to properly thaw and devein the shrimp before cooking to ensure the best texture and flavor.

- Use a spring-form pan to easily remove the cheesecake from the pan and create a beautiful presentation.

- Let the cheesecake cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, neat slices.

- Serve the cheesecake at room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake as an appetizer with crackers or crusty bread, or as a main course with a side salad or vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the shrimp and vegetables until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

- Beat the cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs together until smooth and creamy.

- Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to ensure even cooking and prevent cracking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or turkey sausage instead of smoked sausage for a lighter option.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier alternative.

- Use a gluten-free rice mix for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the cheesecake with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve on a platter with crackers or bread for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the rich and spicy flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (cream cheese, sour cream), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in fats and proteins, making it a satisfying and flavorful option for a special meal.

Summary

Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake is a decadent and flavorful dish that combines the best of Cajun cuisine with the creamy richness of a traditional cheesecake. Perfect for special occasions or gatherings, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its unique and delicious flavors.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Marie in New Orleans. Marie was an amazing cook, and she loved to experiment with new and exciting flavors in the kitchen.

We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, sipping on sweet tea and catching up on old times when she suddenly pulled out a worn, stained recipe card from her recipe box. "I want to show you something special," she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

As she read through the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watered at the thought of the creamy cheesecake base, topped with spicy Cajun shrimp and a tangy tomato sauce. It was a unique and daring combination of flavors that I had never encountered before.

Marie explained that she had learned the recipe from her Aunt Lucille, who was a renowned chef in the French Quarter. Aunt Lucille had traveled the world, collecting recipes and techniques from every corner of the globe. This Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake was one of her most prized creations, and Marie was honored to pass it on to me.

I watched in awe as Marie effortlessly prepared the dish, mixing and layering the ingredients with precision and care. The kitchen was filled with the intoxicating smells of garlic, onions, and Cajun spices, mingling together in a tantalizing dance of flavors.

Finally, the cheesecake emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling, with a hint of spice wafting through the air. Marie sliced into it, revealing layers of creamy cheese and succulent shrimp, all held together by a rich, buttery crust.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of bold flavors and exotic spices. The creamy cheesecake melted in my mouth, while the spicy shrimp danced on my taste buds, creating a symphony of flavors that I had never experienced before.

From that day on, the Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for special dinners and gatherings, always eliciting gasps of surprise and delight from my guests. It was a dish that never failed to impress, thanks to the inspiration and guidance of my dear friend Marie.

Years passed, and I continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own twists and variations along the way. Each time I made it, I would think back to that warm summer day in New Orleans, when I first discovered the magic of Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake.

Now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing the dish for yet another special occasion, I can't help but smile at the memories it brings back. The recipe may have originated in the bustling streets of the French Quarter, but it has found a permanent place in my heart and my culinary repertoire.

As I take the first bite of the Savory Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake, I close my eyes and savor the complex flavors and textures that make this dish so special. It's a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to celebrate the joys of life. And for that, I am forever grateful to Aunt Lucille, Marie, and the magical city of New Orleans.