Description
A savory Cheddar-Veggie Appetizer Torte featuring a creamy blend of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and Parmesan combined with crisp bell peppers and celery, all baked in a flaky pre-made pie crust. Perfect as a tasty appetizer or party snack, this torte offers a delightful mix of cheeses and fresh vegetables seasoned with garlic, onion, and dill.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried dill weed
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Crust
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or torte shell)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the torte.
- Combine Cheeses: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers, finely chopped celery, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill weed, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Prepare Crust: Press the pre-made pie crust firmly into a tart pan, ensuring it covers the base and sides evenly.
- Fill Crust: Spoon the cheese and vegetable mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the Torte: Place the tart pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the torte to cool slightly before slicing into servings. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, you can bake the pre-made pie crust blind for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling.
- Feel free to substitute the bell peppers and celery with other crunchy vegetables like diced zucchini or chopped mushrooms.
- Use a tart pan with a removable bottom for easier removal and serving.
- This torte can be enjoyed warm or served at room temperature as an appetizer or light snack.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated before serving.
