Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Savory Twist: Irish Cheese and Bacon Cheesecake with Walnut Crust
St. Patrick’s Day holds a deeply cherished spot in my heart, even though I don’t boast Irish heritage. Six years ago, my soul found a home in the Emerald Isle during a study abroad adventure, and a piece of me has resided there ever since. Every glimpse of something Irish instantly transports me back, stirring a gentle homesickness. This year, rather than adhering strictly to tradition, I decided to craft a unique culinary tribute: a Savory Irish Cheese and Bacon Cheesecake with a delicious Walnut Crust.
My Unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin
I count myself among the fortunate few Americans who experienced St. Patrick’s Day right in the heart of Ireland. It’s a fascinating paradox; while the holiday draws tourists from every corner of the globe, many locals tend to view the boisterous city-center festivities with a knowing eye, often opting for more subdued celebrations. This isn’t to say they don’t celebrate! You’ll often find them enjoying the long weekend – from Friday to Sunday – in their favorite pubs, especially when the 17th falls on a Saturday, granting them a Monday holiday. Planning a trip around this time requires foresight, as hotel reservations are often snatched up a year in advance.
My luck held true as I had the incredible opportunity to stay with a friend in Dublin. She became my personal tour guide, navigating us through the vibrant chaos. We managed to secure a prime spot at the St. Patrick’s Day parade, battling the crowds for a front-row view, perfect for capturing those fleeting moments. Looking back, my only regret is not taking more photographs. It’s amusing how I focused on the grand events, neglecting the intricate, smaller details that truly painted the picture of daily Irish life. I wish I had captured the charming street corners, the quaint pub interiors, or the expressions of ordinary people enjoying the day. Those subtle nuances are what truly evoke the spirit of a place.
The Distinctive Charm of Irish Cheese
When it comes to cheese, Irish varieties stand in a league of their own. It’s not merely a cheddar, a mozzarella, or a Colby Jack; it’s distinctly *Irish* cheese. The name that instantly springs to mind for many is Kerrygold. During my time in Ireland, Kerrygold butter was a treasured commodity among my housemates and me. We fondly nicknamed it “the special butter” because, on a tight college budget in a foreign country, it wasn’t an everyday luxury. Its rich, golden hue and incredibly creamy texture were a noticeable upgrade from typical spreads. Now, back in the States, I’m fortunate enough to easily find both Irish cheese and butter, and I can attest that these brands truly elevate any dish to something extraordinary. The quality and unique flavor profile of authentic Irish dairy products make a remarkable difference.
Irish cheese often boasts a unique depth of flavor, ranging from mild and buttery to sharp and piquant, largely thanks to the lush, green pastures where Irish cows graze. This grass-fed diet contributes to a higher beta-carotene content, which in turn gives the cheese its characteristic golden color and rich, complex taste. Incorporating this vibrant cheese into recipes not only adds authentic Irish flair but also a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with other cheeses.
The Unexpected Delight: A Savory Cheesecake
Admittedly, the very concept of a “savory Irish Cheese and Bacon Cheesecake” might sound a little unusual, even audacious. When I first envisioned it, I too pondered its potential flavor. My inspiration sparked from a simple cheddar cheesecake recipe I stumbled upon in a magazine. I thought, “Why not elevate this with distinctive Irish cheese and a generous scattering of crispy bacon?” And let me tell you, the result was nothing short of spectacular. This cheesecake delivers a flavor profile reminiscent of those beloved cheddar cheeseballs often found at festive gatherings – creamy, intensely cheesy, and wonderfully bacon-infused. The inclusion of a nutty walnut crust masterfully guides this dish away from traditional dessert territory and firmly into the savory realm.
This unique creation blurs the lines between a main course and an appetizer. Its rich, indulgent taste makes it a perfect starter, perhaps served with an array of crackers, crusty bread, or even fresh apple slices. Imagine presenting this impressive cheesecake at your next gathering; it’s sure to be a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser. The combination of the smooth, tangy cream cheese base, the robust flavor of Irish cheddar, the smoky crunch of bacon, and the earthy undertones of the walnut crust creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It’s a sophisticated yet comforting dish that defies expectations and truly celebrates the versatility of ingredients. Don’t be surprised if your guests ask for the recipe!
Irish Cheese and Bacon Cheesecake with Walnut Crust
8-10 servings
20 minutes
45 minutes
1 hour 5 minutes
A savory Irish Cheese and Bacon Cheesecake with Walnut Crust that tastes like a cheese ball! Serve as an appetizer or savory dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 1/2 cups Irish cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon dry ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F. Have a 9 inch springform pan ready.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, walnuts, and melted butter. Press into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Place on a cookie sheet and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the Irish cheese, flour, dry mustard, and pepper until combined.
- Gradually beat in the milk then beat in the eggs. Stir in the bacon.
- Transfer the filling into the crust. Bake 40-45 minutes or until it is brown on top and is almost set (it will feel firm when touched and still wiggle a little bit when moved). Let cool until room temperature. Remove the side of the pan then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Did you make this recipe?
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Source: Adapted from Better Homes and Garden Holiday Appetizers 2004 magazine
More St. Patrick’s Day Recipes to Explore
In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, I’ve had the pleasure of joining other fantastic food bloggers in creating a festive recipe roundup. If you’re looking for more ways to celebrate the holiday with delicious dishes, be sure to check out these wonderful contributions:
- Key Lime Pound Cake by Joan at Chocolate Chocolate & More
- Mini Banoffee Pie Tarts by Kelly at Kelly Bakes
- Chocolate Bailey’s Mousse Tart from Nancy at Gotta Get Baked (no longer available)
- Irish Carbomb Cupcakes (link gone)
- Pistachio Caramel Cookies (link gone)
- Guinness Stout Mini Bundt Cake from Shanna at Pineapple and Coconut
- Irish Cheese and Bacon Cheesecake with Walnut Crust by Carla at Chocolate Moosey
- Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheese Trifle from Anita at Hungry Couple NYC
- Key Lime Pie Ice Cream from Renee at Magnolia Days
- Pistachio Mousse Cups from Kim at Cravings of a Lunatic
- Irish Eggs Benedict from Isabelle Crumb Blog
- St. Patrick’s Day Cookie Stack from Angie at Big Bears Wife
- Guinness Chocolate Cake from Jen at Juanita’s Cocina
- Irish Potato Oatmeal Bread from Sarah at What Smells So Good