Cinco de Mayo is just days away and how better to celebrate than with a yummy Mexican style cheese torte! During my catering years, I developed this recipe to serve as an Hors D’oeuvre and it looks and tastes fantastic when served with assorted crackers.

Besides being used as a cheese spread for crackers, we also used to create small tortilla rolls as an easy to pass appetizer. We simply spread the cheese dip onto tortilla wraps, filled them with other delicious ingredients, rolled them into a tube and cut them into bite-sized pieces. We also used different flavored wraps, such as spinach (green) and tomato-basil (orange) to add variety and color to the serving tray.

I always joked that in catering, cream cheese was the glue that held everything together, and this recipe is no exception. This pairs well with Margaritas for your pre-party celebration! Give the recipe a try and and have a great party!

Make good food with gratitude,
Becky

Mexican Cheese Torte

Yield:

• 2 cheese tortes

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Refrigeration Time:

• 2 hours (or overnight)

Total Time:

• 2 hours and 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)

• 1 ounce taco seasoning mix

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (finely shredded)

• 1-2 cups chunky salsa

• 1 small can sliced black olives

• ¼ cup sharp shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)

• ¼ cup green onions (sliced, for garnish)

• 1 mini sweet red pepper (for garnish)

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, taco seasoning mix, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Line an 8 inch cake pan, cheese cake pan or two small springform pans (as shown here) with plastic wrap.

Fill with the cheese mixture, and bring the plastic wrap up around it to cover.

Refrigerate until firm.

Remove from pans, remove plastic wrap and invert unto a serving plate.

Top cheese torte with chunky salsa, then shredded cheddar cheese, sliced black olives, sweet red pepper slices, and sliced green onions or chives.

Add fresh cilantro or parsley, as desired.

Tips and Tricks:

Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve with assorted crackers.