Single-serving SAVORY CHEESECAKE in a glass with shrimp cocktail and arugula, a truly simple and delicious appetizer or finger food, perfect for a seafood-based menu.
The SAVORY CHEESECAKE in a Glass with shrimp cocktail and arugula is that super fancy appetizer you can prepare in 10 minutes, instantly making your menu look chic, even if you just blended two ingredients and layered them in a little glass. It’s a unique finger food, fresh, creamy, light, and perfect for a seafood menu, especially when you want something spectacular but stress-free.
The great thing about savory cheesecakes is that you can make them last minute or prepare them in advance and keep them in the fridge without them falling apart. Here we have a crunchy base made with crushed crackers or breadsticks (feel free to use whole grain or multigrain if you want to feel healthy 🤣), a shrimp cocktail sauce that makes everything wow… along with arugula that adds that fresh and cool touch like “I know how to cook but without too much effort”.
These single-serving savory cheesecakes are perfect for Christmas, New Year’s, birthdays, buffets, happy hours, impromptu appetizers, and even as a pre-appetizer when you want to impress friends. They’re quick, economical, spectacular, really easy to prepare, and you can customize them as you like: with salmon, tuna, avocado, cherry tomatoes, salted pistachios, olives… whatever inspires your pantry.
And yes, they are also vegetarian friendly if you remove the shrimp and add grilled vegetables, chickpea cream, or arugula pesto: a versatile recipe that pleases everyone.
Join me in the kitchen today for savory cheesecake in a glass.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 4 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: New Year's, Christmas
Ingredients
- 4 oz crackers
- 2 oz butter
- 8 oz shrimp
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- drops brandy
- pepper
- salt
- 2 oz arugula
- 2/3 oz pine nuts
- 1 1/3 oz grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- salt
- shrimp
- pink peppercorns
- leaves arugula
Steps
Finely chop the crackers, mix with the melted butter until you get a sandy mixture, place in 4 glasses, and slightly compact it. Chill for 20-30 minutes.
Chop the shrimp into pieces (leaving 4 whole for decoration), mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and (optionally) a touch of brandy.
Combine the shrimp and mix, adjust salt and pepper.
Blend arugula, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until you achieve a soft pesto (not too dense). Adjust with salt.
In the prepared glasses, insert a layer of shrimp cocktail, add a generous spoonful of arugula pesto.
Garnish with a whole shrimp, fresh arugula, pink peppercorns, and a slice of lime.
Bon appétit
If you like the recipe, click the stars at the end of the article. THANK YOU!
Single-serving SAVORY CHEESECAKE in a Glass
Smart tips for perfect results
For a more intense flavor, add lemon zest or pink pepper to the cream.
Use transparent glasses to highlight the different layers (Google loves “scenic” just as much as guests do).
Prepare the cream a few hours in advance to make it more compact.
If you want to make it even lighter, choose Greek yogurt instead of cheese.
For long buffets, prefer well-dried shrimp: we don’t want liquid on the topping.
If you need to transport them, cover with plastic wrap and assemble the final part directly on site.
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FAQ Single-serving SAVORY CHEESECAKE in a Glass
How can I prepare the savory cheesecake in advance?
You can prepare the base and cream the day before, assemble everything in the glasses, and add the shrimp just before serving.
Can I replace the shrimp?
Absolutely! Smoked salmon, tuna, octopus, avocado, bresaola, grilled zucchini, cherry tomatoes… it’s a versatile recipe.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
Only if you use certified gluten-free crackers or breadsticks.
What kind of glasses should I use?
Small buffet glasses, transparent cups, or even water glasses for a wow effect are all appropriate.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Absolutely yes: remove the shrimp and use grilled vegetables, chickpea cream, hummus, or pesto.
