Description
Culinary innovation shines through this shrimp scampi nestled in a creamy cheesecake crust, blending Mediterranean flavors with unexpected textures. Seafood enthusiasts will savor each luxurious bite of this sophisticated dish that promises a memorable dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 pre-baked mini cheesecake crust (store-bought or homemade)
Dairy and Cheese Components:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Herbs, Spices, and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler to high temperature and prepare a pre-baked mini cheesecake crust.
- Sear shrimp in hot olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn vibrant pink, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until aromatic, releasing its intense fragrance.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors for 2 minutes.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing with fresh parsley to infuse additional herbaceous notes.
- Blend cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper into a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Evenly spread the seasoned cream cheese blend across the pre-baked cheesecake crust, creating a uniform base.
- Artfully arrange the shrimp mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring even distribution.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top for added richness.
- Position the cheesecake under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the surface turns golden and cheese becomes bubbly and slightly caramelized.
- Allow the cheesecake to rest for a few minutes to set and cool slightly.
- Slice into elegant wedges and serve immediately as a sophisticated appetizer.
Notes
- Select fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they are deveined and cleaned thoroughly before cooking.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery and tough texture; remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, making the dish mild or more fiery based on personal preference.
- Use full-fat dairy products like cream cheese and sour cream for a richer, more decadent cheesecake base that holds its shape beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg