Best 2 Basil Cheese Torta Recipes

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Indulge in the culinary delight of Basil Cheese Torta, a traditional Italian savory pie that tantalizes taste buds with its symphony of flavors and textures. This delectable dish, also known as Torta di Formaggio e Basilico, originates from the Liguria region of Italy, renowned for its fresh herbs and vibrant cuisine.

The Basil Cheese Torta is an exquisite combination of creamy ricotta cheese, fragrant basil, and a flaky, golden-brown crust. This savory pie is often served as an appetizer, brunch dish, or light lunch, accompanied by a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Its versatility extends to various occasions, making it a perfect addition to picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

The article offers a collection of Basil Cheese Torta recipes, each with unique variations that cater to diverse preferences. From the classic recipe that captures the essence of traditional Ligurian cuisine to creative interpretations that incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or artichoke hearts, there's a recipe for every palate.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, the detailed instructions and helpful tips provided in each recipe ensure a successful baking experience. Discover the art of crafting this savory masterpiece and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BASIL AND TOMATO LAYERED CHEESE TORTA



Basil and Tomato Layered Cheese Torta image

Taken from the Fresh Market .com and posted for ZWT. This combines classic Italian ingredients in a surprising combination, and the end result is fab! It makes for a lovely starter and is made a day ahead, so you may concentrate on other things! **Overnight refrigeration is NOT included in cook/prep time!

Provided by alligirl

Categories     Cheese

Time 15m

Yield 1 7 inch torta, 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup basil pesto (drained of excess liquid)
1 cup sun-dried tomato pesto (drained of excess liquid)
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
1 sprig fresh basil
cracker, and toasted baguette slices

Steps:

  • In a mixer or with wooden spoon, blend softened cheeses until smooth.
  • Line a 7-inch loaf pan with enough dampened cheese cloth to hang over each side of the pan.
  • With moist spatula, spread 1/3 cheese mixture in pan until evenly covered. Top with basil pesto, careful not to blend with cheese.
  • Top with 1/3 cheese mixture by dropping small spoonfuls over previous layer and carefully spreading.
  • Then spread the sun-dried tomato pesto and top with the remaining 1/3 of cheese mixture until evenly covered.
  • Fold cheese cloth over top of cheese.
  • Wrap in foil and refrigerate overnight.
  • To serve, remove foil and cheese cloth carefully and invert onto serving platter.
  • Top with pine nuts and fresh basil sprig.
  • Serve at room temperature with plain crackers and toasted baguette slices.

BASIL CHEESE TORTA



BASIL CHEESE TORTA image

Categories     Condiment/Spread     Cheese     Appetizer     Vegetarian     Basil     Chill     Potluck

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 8 oz. pkg. of Cream Cheese softened
1 lb unsalted butter softened
Cheese Cloth
1 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
3 1/4 cups fresh basil leaves lightly packed
1/2 cup Olive Oil
Salt & pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl of electric mixer, beat 2 large packages of cream cheese and 2 cups of unsalted butter until very smoothly blended. Stop mixer to scrape down the sides Smoothly line a 5-6 cup plain mold (loaf pan) with a moistened cheesecloth. Drape excess cloth over rim of mold. Place fresh basil in bottom of mold upside down. With spatula spread about 1/3 of cheese mixture in bottom of pan alternating with basil filling. Repeat layers until mold is filled, ending with cheese. Fold back cheese cloth and wrap airtight in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Unmold and place decorative side up. Serve with baguettes or crackers. Basil Filling: In food processor whirl to paste 3 1/4 cup of lightly packed basil leaves, 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste.

Tips:

  • For a crispy crust, chill the dough before baking.
  • To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, pre-bake it for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
  • If you don't have a food processor, you can grate the cheese and basil by hand.
  • Be careful not to overmix the filling, as this can make the torta tough.
  • For a more flavorful torta, use a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, and Asiago.
  • Serve the torta warm or at room temperature.

Conclusion:

Basil cheese torta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its crispy crust, creamy filling, and fresh basil flavor, this torta is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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