🌿 Beetroot Feta Cheesecake with Dill & Pistachio Dust
Savory • Creamy • Colorful • Showstopping
📝 Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling
7 oz (200g) cooked beetroot, puréed
7 oz (200g) feta cheese, crumbled
3.5 oz (100g) Greek yogurt or cream cheese
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, grated (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
½ teaspoon salt (adjust depending on feta saltiness)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Savory Crust
1 cup crushed crackers or savory biscuits (like Ritz, Tuc, or whole-wheat crackers)
⅓ cup pistachios, finely ground
3 tablespoons melted butter
½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
For Topping & Garnish
¼ cup roughly chopped pistachios
Fresh dill sprigs
Cracked black pepper
Olive oil drizzle (optional)
⭐ Instructions
- Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, mix crushed crackers, ground pistachios, melted butter, and thyme.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan (6- or 7-inch recommended).
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Beetroot Feta Filling
- In a blender or food processor, combine:
beetroot purée
feta
yogurt or cream cheese
eggs
olive oil
lemon juice
garlic (optional)
salt and pepper
- Blend until completely smooth and velvety.
- Stir in chopped dill.
- Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the filling over the crust in the springform pan.
- Tap gently to release air bubbles.
- Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 35–45 minutes, until edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let it cool inside for 15 minutes (prevents cracking).
- Cool fully, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, ideally overnight.
- Garnish & Serve
- Once chilled and set, remove from the pan.
- Top with chopped pistachios, fresh dill, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Slice and serve cold or slightly cool.
🎄 Serving Suggestions
Serve with toasted baguette rounds, crackers, or vegetable crudités.
Add a swirl of whipped feta on the side for extra richness.
Pair with arugula salad, citrus slices, or roasted nuts for a full appetizer spread.
✨ Variations
Whipped Feta Topping: Spread a thin layer on top after chilling.
Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or harissa to the filling.
Herby Version: Add parsley + dill + chives for a green boost.
Nut-Free Version: Replace pistachios with toasted breadcrumbs.