Elegant Parmesan & Garlic Cheesecake with Bourbon Caramel and Chocolate Ganache

Ingredients

Parmesan & Garlic Base

• 1 cup crushed garlic-flavored crackers
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter

Bourbon & Caramel Filling

• 24 oz Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese (3 containers)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache

• 8 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

Prepare the Base

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed garlic-flavored crackers and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Press the mixture evenly onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
5. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Make the Filling

1. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a large bowl, beat the Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the granulated sugar and beat until well combined.
4. Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the sour cream, heavy cream, bourbon, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
6. Pour the filling over the prepared base in the springform pan.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set.
8. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
9. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

Prepare the Ganache

1. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and butter over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
3. Pour the hot cream mixture over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
5. Allow the ganache to cool slightly, then pour it over the chilled cheesecake, spreading it evenly.
6. Return the cheesecake to the refrigerator for the ganache to set, about 1 hour.

Serve

1. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate.
2. Slice and enjoy your elegant Parmesan & Garlic Cheesecake with Bourbon Caramel and Chocolate Ganache!