Savory Chive Cheesecake with Potato Chip Crust
I admit that sometimes on rare occasions, my mind wanders during church. Not because our church is boring. Far from it. You know I wouldn’t be at a boring service. Sometimes, the pastor is a bit overly enthusiastic, and if you’ve ever been to a Tyler Perry movie or play, you get the picture. But sometimes, my earthly pleasures take over and this past Sunday right smack in the middle of the sermon, I whispered something to my husband.
“Savory cheesecake with a potato chip crust.” He gives me two nods. One vertical nod that says “great idea.” And one diagonal nod that says, “get your eyes back up there.” Well, now I could concentrate. I was a food group and our theme for the month was junk food.
At first I was excited. I thought of my favorite junk food that I rarely allow to darken my door. Then I was not so excited because the junk food throws me. If it were up to me, several aisles in the grocery store would disappear, just because I don’t partake.
I do, however, have memories of purchasing freshly bagged potato chips at the Farmer’s Market in Pennsylvania. I never ate a sandwich without the crunch of chips in the middle. Not wanting to miss the challenge, I picked Kettle Cooked Potato Chips, but for days had no recipe. Then right in the middle of the church service it came into my head.
I’ve never made any type of cheesecake at all, so this was more than a challenge for me. I chose a sour cream and onion flavor profile, using spring onions and chives and a few spices.
Everyone remember eating onion dip and I wanted to play off of that. It’s a fun appetizer, and something that could easily be taken to a party. The chips brings a crunch to the smooth creaminess of the cheesecake that makes you want to go back for just one more bite.
I consulted the Loveless Cafe Cookbook to see how they made a sweet cheesecake. Their approach is unconventional, not using a water bath and baking at a low 300 degrees. I also consulted a friend who sells cheesecakes and she said to start at 475 degrees for 10 minutes and then reduce to 300 degrees.
I tried both methods and both worked. The latter gave me more of a solid cheesecake with a golden top. This is the recipe I will post.
The Process for Savory Cheesecake
Start by crushing potato chips with rolling pin. You could use a food processor, but I like crushing.
Press potato chips into pan.
Add the cheesecake mixture into these mini cheesecake pans. I like these pans.
Top with Sour Cream, Chopped Chives and Crushed Chips
Another version is to garnish with chives before baking.
I can’t wait to try a variety of flavors and serve this at my next dinner party. I’m thinking a smoked salmon might be nice crusted in what else, but bagel chips.
If you want to see a video of my other savory smoked salmon cheesecake, CLICK HERE.
What is your favorite kind of savory cheesecake or is this the first time you are hearing about a savory instead of sweet version?
More Savory Cheesecakes
Savory Caramelized Onion Cheesecake
Savory Cheesecake Bites, Perfect for a Party
Savory Smoked Salmon Cheesecake with video
My Sweet Cheesecakes
New York Cheesecake with Berry Compote
Low Carb Pumpkin Cheesecake (Cheesecake Factory Inspired)
- 1 8 oz. bag kettle cooked or ruffled potato chips
- 4 spring onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound full-fat non-whipped cream cheese
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- Extra chives for decorating
- Sour Cream for topping (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- sea salt, white pepper
- 4 eggs
- chives for garnish
- Preheat oven to 475
- Using a rolling pin or a food processor, crush chips into large crumbs. Add a tablespoon of melted butter to the chips and press into pans. Bake for five minutes. Set Aside.
- Melt butter in a small frying pan. Gently soften green onions. Do not brown. Set aside.
- Whip cream cheese in food processor. Once smooth, add in sour cream, flour, chives, spring onion, garlic powder.
- Add eggs one at a time.
- Pour into pans and bake at 475 for five minutes. Turn heat down to 250 and bake for another 10-15 minutes until set. Cheesecake should be a little jiggly.
- Turn oven off, open oven door and allow to rest for 15 minutes.
- You can choose to serve warm with crackers or bread toasts.
- If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before serving.
I make one cheesecake with chives placed on top and one cheesecake topped with sour cream, chopped chives and some potato chips.
Elian Locksmith says
June 21, 2017 at 7:10 amSo adorable
meow meow says
April 3, 2014 at 11:56 pmDo you have to line the pan with parchment paper ?
KJ says
July 4, 2013 at 3:59 pmI needed to make some small appetizers so I used half the ingredients and three 4.5 inch ceramic white souffle dishes. I sprayed the dishes with Pam and kept my fingers crossed that the cheesecakes would release. I took them out of the oven and let them cool a bit and used a knife to go around the crust and release it from the dish. I then put a plate on top and flipped the cheesecake. Flipped it again so the top was facing it and garnished with the sour cream, chives and crushed chips. There were no problems! So if you don’t have a spring form pan this recipe works very well using a dish that is sprayed with PAM.
angela says
July 4, 2013 at 4:19 pmThank you. That’s a great tip.
Allison says
April 25, 2013 at 7:04 amHi-
I was looking for something to bring to a Spring baby shower and this sounded perfect. I had everything on hand except only 1/2 the cream cheese. But, I had 8 oz goat cheese. So, I went with 1/2 pound cream cheese and 1/2 pound goat cheese and followed the remaining instructions/ingredients exactly. I used Utz brand kettle chips, and think I might try the salt and pepper flavor chip next time. It turned out wonderful! I put a little water bath in the oven so the cheesecake didn’t crack, but I just slathered the top in sour cream anyway and put some chives for decoration. So tasty, easy, and got rave reviews. Thanks!
Daniel Chavez Moran says
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stacemetz says
December 29, 2012 at 4:38 pmI had extra cream cheese and sour cream from the holidays, found this simple and super yummy recipe…served it with a salad…perfecto! After a tsunami of holiday sweets this was a welcome change.
stacemetz says
December 29, 2012 at 4:44 pm…and to make this 100% gluten-free…I did grits not flour…worked just fine…
nancy chisholm says
September 2, 2012 at 11:17 am4 bags of chips with only 1 tablespoon of butter for a crust? I think these measurements are wrong. I have baked the cheesecake (it’s still in the oven) but I had to adjust the crust ingredients a lot.
angela says
July 28, 2012 at 7:49 amLinda, My suggestion would be to get two large bags of kettle cooked chips, the brand doesn’t matter. You might have some chips left over. I don’t remember the brand that I used.
Linda says
July 27, 2012 at 6:44 pmIngredient question — since we don’t know the brand of chips you’ve used and “medium” isn’t specific, can you please give the total weight of the chips to use for 8 servings?
I’m looking forward to making this recipe. Just last weekend a group of friends enjoyed sour cream/Lipton’s Onion Soup Mix dip with potato chips. We’ve also brought back “pigs in a blanket” with mustard. These are so popular for a reason — they’re delicious!
I think my group of friends is getting really tired of politically correct healthy eating at special occasions. Just have a few small bites of these treats, and save your appetite for the main course. By definition, an appetizer is supposed to awaken your appetite — not quench it.
Thanks for the info — next party I host, I’ll make your recipe. It sounds wonderful.
Linda
bill says
July 27, 2012 at 10:15 amx
Jenn @LeftoverQueen says
April 10, 2012 at 2:10 pmWhat a fun idea and it looks absolutely scrumptious!
deana says
April 7, 2012 at 7:23 pmI’d say you nailed it, young lady! How divine to get inspiration at church for a 5 star makeover. You MUST have a great church if it can do that! Great to make savory cheesecake… they did start out that way, you know… even the Romans made them. Great challenge and great job.
Lori Lynn says
April 3, 2012 at 9:33 pmOh Angela – this is fabulous. Love the savory take on cheesecake and your presentation. Especially enjoyed the genesis of the idea.
LL
Tanantha says
April 3, 2012 at 4:49 pmThis is beautiful! It’s a great idea to use chips as a crust and adds more texture too. You did a great job on this challenge!
Lacy @ NYCityEats says
April 2, 2012 at 11:39 amWow this was a fantastic idea! I’ve never heard of a savory cheesecake but I can just imagine how delicious this is with the potato chip crust! There’s just something about crispy, crunchy chips that I just love! Great recipe!
Gian Banchero says
April 1, 2012 at 9:49 pmWithout trying this recipe I’m positive that it’s a winner!!! Looking over all your recipes makes me very happy I found your site today (Not Quite Nigella). For me true manna on earth is a real poor boy “sanggy” with everything in it along with thick-cut barbecued potato chips, oh, the sound and taste when bitten into.
Elaine Rushlow says
April 1, 2012 at 8:58 pmI swear your one of the most creative brilliant people I know…this is over the top I love your out the of isle thinking!!
Lora says
April 1, 2012 at 7:24 pmi have never paid much attention to savory cheesecakes but you have me full attention now. This looks divine!
Debi Shawcross says
April 1, 2012 at 4:03 pmI didn’t think I could love kettle cooked chips more than I love them right out of the bag….until now. Yum!
Magic of Spice says
April 1, 2012 at 1:27 pmI love savory cheesecakes, and I really love this! What a fantastic use for your junk food ingredient…looks amazingly delicious!
Victoria says
April 1, 2012 at 10:49 amThis savory cheesecake looks fantastic! The potato chip crust is brilliant and your photos are lovely! I’m so glad to be joining the 5 star makeover group!! Definitely in great company! PS I’m not on your link list yet (I saw your comment in the FB group)
Teresa, Food on Fifth says
April 1, 2012 at 7:21 amHello there, I have missed a few posts I think due to an over abundance of food shoots but I am now catching up and wanted to say that I love potato chips and cheesecake and savory cheesecakes so this is a beautiful combination of both.
Hotly Spiced says
March 30, 2012 at 10:46 pmWhat a great idea. This would be fabulous as an appetiser at a drinks’ party. The saltiness of the chips would go so well with the cheese.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
March 30, 2012 at 9:21 pmI have to say that this idea is brilliant and I love the potato chip crust! This would be perfect for a dinner party Angela!
Pam Hopper says
March 30, 2012 at 6:31 pmLove it! Perfect for Spring.
Laura@Silkroadgourmet says
March 30, 2012 at 6:01 pmI love this!
Sour cream and onion potato chips as a cheesecake! It looks beautiful and I bet it tastes delicious!
L
Kiki says
March 30, 2012 at 4:02 pmMmmmmm.. What a combination! I”m on the road, but ohh boy do I know what one of our meals will be while we are away. My mother-in-law will love it!
Platanos, Mangoes and Me! says
March 30, 2012 at 3:31 pmThe Lord works in mysterious ways. What a great idea and it really looks good. As you know I was invited for the next challenge and I am a bit scared.
chris says
March 30, 2012 at 3:15 pmCan’t wait to try this-I’m pinning it too.
Grishma @ZaikaZabardast says
March 30, 2012 at 2:01 pmoh so yummm! Love the idea of using chips 🙂
Joan Nova says
March 30, 2012 at 12:35 pmSo, you baked two, right? Is one of them on its way to me? Looks delicious!
Well done, Angela. I’m glad you found the time to participate.
angela says
March 30, 2012 at 1:42 pmI was glad too Joan. I had the weeks wrong and thought this was due last week. Looks like everyone had fun with the challenge.
Julia says
March 30, 2012 at 10:43 amMy mind wanders at church all the time… but my mind is ALWAYS wandering, so it really has nothing to do with church 🙂
I’m a HUGE fan of savory cheesecakes, the flavor combo in this one is fantastic!
amy @ fearless homemaker says
March 30, 2012 at 10:38 amwow! potato chips, especially kettle-cooked or sour cream + onion, are my number one favorite snack food. i try not to eat them too much, as they aren’t the best things in the world for me, but i do indulge occasionally. this looks so amazing – i will absolutely be giving this a try. thanks for sharing the recipe!
Priscilla says
March 30, 2012 at 10:02 amI am imagining how wonderful this luscious savory cheesecake tasted with the crunchy, salty potato chip crust! So glad you were struck with divine inspiration 😉 Potato snacks are my guilty pleasure and I noticed your recipe saves some calories by incorporating nonfat cream cheese! A smoked salmon one with a bagel chip crust sounds amazing, too.
Faith says
March 30, 2012 at 8:24 amThis is absolutely beautiful. I’ve been wanting to make a savory cheesecake for a while and I think this recipe looks perfect…I love the crust!
Rosa says
March 30, 2012 at 1:27 amOh, I love that crust! Savory cheesecakes are so scrumptious and yours looks amazing.
Cheers,
Rosa
Nic@diningwithastud says
March 29, 2012 at 11:37 pmOh wow it looks wonderfully light 😀
Jessica says
March 29, 2012 at 10:09 pmAbsolutely delicious and beautiful looking! I’m having a hard time even picturing the use of any junk food! This looks like the most gourmet cheesecake ever. The chives and potato chips combination sounds divine.
By the way, my 5 star makeover choices always come to me when I’m supposed to be paying attention to something too, for whatever reason.
Angie @ Sweet Natured Treats says
March 29, 2012 at 9:01 pmSo glad my method worked out for you! The cheesecake sounds fantastic.
Laz says
March 29, 2012 at 8:38 pmFabulous. Amazing how inspiration hits at a time and place of it’s own choosing. Glad it found you. Love the idea. Love the topping.
Gorgeous photography as well.
Perfect.
5 Star Foodie says
March 29, 2012 at 8:12 pmA gorgeous savory cheesecake, very creative to make a crust with potato chips, perfect with chives too!