Shrimp Scampi Cheesecake Appetizer

Puff pastry shells are filled with a sophisticated blend of cream cheese, Gouda cheese and shrimp sauteed with onion and garlic. Baked and garnished with whole shrimp and chopped chives, these are appetizers worthy of your most elegant gatherings.

• Preparation Time: 45 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 701 Calories

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion
• 4 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 teaspoons minced garlic
• 12 shells puff pastry, baked
• 16 ounces smoked Gouda, grated

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, warm oil and saute onions and garlic until onions are translucent; set aside to cool. When cool, pour off liquid reserving garlic.

Step 3

Cut shrimp into 1/2 inch pieces, reserving 12 uncut for garnish. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter and add reserved garlic and all shrimp; cook shrimp for 2 to 4 minutes or until done.

Step 4

Remove center circle and a small portion of inside of cooled puff pastry shells.

Step 5

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until creamy; add one egg at a time and beat until well mixed. Add cream, Gouda, onions, shrimp and salt.

Step 6

Spoon filling into puff pastry shells.

Step 7

Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until filling is browned on top. Garnish with whole shrimp and chopped chives; serve.