Gusto's Appetizers

Savory Herb & Bacon Cheesecake

For crust
6 tablespoons melted butter
1 egg white
1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. In a small bowl combine melted butter, egg white and crushed pretzels
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a spring form pan
4. Bake crust for 8 minutes
5. Remove from oven and allow crust to cool

For cheesecake
3 cups cream cheese
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
8 slices cooked crumbled Gusto hickory smoked bacon
3/4 cup fresh chopped assorted herbs

1. Place the cream cheese, cornstarch, salt and sour cream into large food processor Pulse until well combined then add in the eggs
2. Reserve some of the herbs and bacon for garnish, and stir the rest in to the cheese mixture
3. Pour over the cooled crust and bake for 1 hour
4. Turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake in the oven or a additional hour without opening the door
5. After removing the cheesecake from the oven place on a rack and allow to cool for a least 3 hours then carefully remove the spring form pan
6. Refrigerate until ready to serve and then garnish each piece with fresh herbs and bacon