WHITE CHEDDAR, APPLE AND BACON CHEESECAKE

White Cheddar, Apple and Bacon Cheesecake image

Provided by Lynnda Cloutier

Number Of Ingredients 12

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1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
4 medium granny smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
pinch ground nutmeg
6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
two 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
2 cups finely shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
1 tsp. hot sauce
crackers, cocktail rye or pumpernickel rounds for serving

Steps:

1. Line bottom and sides of a 9 inch springform pan or a cake pan with 3 inch tall sides with parchment paper or foil and coat with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter, then add brown sugar and stir til dissolved. Add apples and stir to coat them with the sugar mixture. Add lemon juice, cinnamon and nutmeg and continue cooking, stirring a few times, for 4 to 5 minutes. The apples will retain their crispness but should have absorbed some of the sauce.
3. Pour apples and sauce into the prepared pan and arrange in a decorative patter if you like. Sprinkle the bacon evenly over the apples. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350.
4. In bowl of mixer, beat cream cheese til smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating til light land fluffy. Stir in cheddar and hot sauce. Gently pour the mixture over the apples and bacon in prepared pan, smoothing the top with a rubber spatula.
5. Bake til skewer inserted into middle of cheesecake comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door ajar for another 30 minutes to help prevent cracks from developing.
6. Remove cheesecake from oven and let cool on rack for another 30 to 45 minutes. Put a large serving plate over pan, invert and remove pan from cheesecake. Peel away the parchment. At this point you can let the cheesecake cool completely, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. Serve at room temperature with crackers or bread.