Savory Irish Cheese and Bacon Cheesecake with Walnut Crust: A St. Patrick’s Day Delight
St. Patrick’s Day holds a deeply cherished spot in my heart, even though I don’t boast Irish heritage. Six transformative years ago, I embarked on a study abroad adventure in Ireland, and a piece of my soul has resided there ever since. Every glimpse of something Irish—be it a vibrant green accessory, a Celtic knot, or the unmistakable scent of Irish butter—evokes a profound sense of nostalgia and a longing for those emerald shores. This year, rather than adhering strictly to traditional St. Patrick’s Day fare, I wanted to create something uniquely special that still honored my connection to the island. My culinary inspiration led to a truly extraordinary dish: a savory Irish Cheese and Bacon Cheesecake with a delectable Walnut Crust. It’s a celebration of Irish flavors, reimagined into an unexpectedly delightful form that’s perfect for marking the holiday.
An Authentic St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin
I count myself among the fortunate few Americans who experienced the sheer excitement and unique atmosphere of St. Patrick’s Day right in the heart of Ireland. It’s an interesting phenomenon, really. While tourists flock from all corners of the globe to partake in the festivities, many locals often view it as a particularly busy and tourist-heavy weekend. You might even catch a slight roll of their eyes when discussing the parade routes, as they often prefer to steer clear of the main commotion. However, this isn’t to say that the Irish don’t celebrate their national holiday with immense pride and joy. Far from it! You’ll often find them congregating in their favorite pubs, celebrating from Friday through Sunday, especially when the 17th falls on a Saturday, granting them a well-deserved Monday off work, as it did during my visit.
For those planning to travel to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day, be warned: securing hotel reservations typically requires planning at least a year in advance due to the sheer volume of visitors. Luckily, during my study abroad, I had the incredible opportunity to stay with a local friend in Dublin. She became my invaluable tour guide for the weekend, navigating us through the vibrant chaos with a local’s insight. We skillfully managed to find our way to the front row of the iconic St. Patrick’s Day parade, ensuring I had an unobstructed view for capturing every moment. Reflecting on that experience now, one of my few regrets is not taking as many photographs as I would if I were to revisit today. It’s funny how, at the time, I focused on the grand events, neglecting to capture the charming, subtle details that truly define a place and its culture. Those small, everyday moments, in retrospect, often tell the richest stories.
The Distinctive Taste of Irish Cheese
When we talk about “Irish cheese,” it’s important to understand that it refers to a unique category, not simply a generic type like cheddar, mozzarella, or Colby jack. It possesses a distinct character and flavor profile that sets it apart. The first brand that springs to mind for many, myself included, is Kerrygold. This iconic brand is synonymous with high-quality Irish dairy products. During my time studying in Ireland, Kerrygold butter was a prized commodity. My housemates and I affectionately dubbed it “the special butter” because our student budgets didn’t often allow for such luxuries. College life can be tough on the wallet, especially when you’re living in another country, so those moments with Kerrygold were truly savored. The rich, golden hue and creamy texture were unmistakable.
Fast forward to today, and I’m thrilled to be able to purchase authentic Irish cheese and butter, particularly Kerrygold, here in the States. Knowing I can easily access these premium ingredients transforms my everyday cooking into something extraordinary. The brand genuinely makes a remarkable difference in flavor and quality, elevating even the simplest dishes. For this savory cheesecake, selecting a robust and flavorful Irish cheese was paramount. Its unique tang and creamy consistency are what give the cheesecake its depth and authentic Irish character, setting it apart from any standard cheese dish.
The Delightful Innovation: Savory Cheesecake
I know, the idea of a savory Irish Cheese and Bacon Cheesecake might sound a little unconventional, perhaps even a bit daring. Initially, even I harbored a healthy dose of curiosity and apprehension about what the final taste would be like. The inspiration struck when I stumbled upon a recipe for a plain cheddar cheesecake in a magazine. A thought sparked: why not elevate this concept by using authentic Irish cheese and adding the irresistible smokiness of bacon? The outcome, I’m thrilled to report, was nothing short of spectacular. This cheesecake is a revelation, reminiscent of those beloved cheddar cheeseballs often seen gracing party spreads, but with an elevated, sophisticated twist.
Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of creamy, intensely cheesy flavors, complemented by the savory depth of bacon. The richness of the cream cheese combined with the distinctive character of Irish cheese creates a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. The addition of crispy, crumbled bacon weaves a smoky, salty counterpoint throughout, making each forkful exciting. What truly anchors this creation in the savory realm, however, is the innovative walnut crust. Its nutty, slightly earthy notes provide a perfect foundation, pushing the entire dish firmly away from traditional dessert territory. It begs the question: does this transform it into an appetizer? Given its rich, satisfying profile, it certainly makes a fantastic start to any meal. Imagine serving this unique savory cheesecake before dinner – it’s an unexpected delight that will surely be a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser.
This Irish Cheese and Bacon Cheesecake is not just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s an ode to St. Patrick’s Day that breaks free from green dyes and sugary treats, offering a sophisticated, deeply satisfying alternative. Whether you present it as an innovative appetizer at your next gathering or as a unique savory course, it promises to impress with its blend of familiar comfort and unexpected culinary brilliance. Give it a try – you might just discover your new favorite way to celebrate!
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.
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Source: Adapted from Better Homes and Garden Holiday Appetizers 2004 magazine
More St. Patrick’s Day Recipe Inspiration
Are you searching for even more delicious and festive St. Patrick’s Day recipes to complete your celebration? I’ve teamed up with several other fantastic food bloggers to bring you a comprehensive St. Patrick’s Day round-up. Explore their incredible creations and get inspired to make your holiday feast truly memorable:
1. Key Lime Pound Cake by Joan at Chocolate Chocolate & More
2. Mini Banoffee Pie Tarts by Kelly at Kelly Bakes
3. Chocolate Bailey’s Mousse Tart from Nancy at Gotta Get Baked (no longer available)
4. Irish Carbomb Cupcakes (link gone)
5. Pistachio Caramel Cookies (link gone)
6. Guinness Stout Mini Bundt Cake from Shanna at Pineapple and Coconut
7. Irish Cheese and Bacon Cheesecake with Walnut Crust by Carla at Chocolate Moosey
8. Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheese Trifle from Anita at Hungry Couple NYC
9. Key Lime Pie Ice Cream from Renee at Magnolia Days
10. Pistachio Mousse Cups from Kim at Cravings of a Lunatic
11. Irish Eggs Benedict from Isabelle Crumb Blog
12. St. Patrick’s Day Cookie Stack from Angie at Big Bears Wife
13. Guinness Chocolate Cake from Jen at Juanita’s Cocina
14. Irish Potato Oatmeal Bread from Sarah at What Smells So Good