Name: Basque Burnt Cheesecake with Crispy Ham Shards
Prep time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients: 600 g cream cheese, room temperature; 250 g granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 300 ml heavy cream; 1/2 tsp fine sea salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 30 g all-purpose flour; 100 g thinly sliced prosciutto or Serrano ham (for ham shards); Nonstick spray or butter (for greasing pan); Parchment paper

Basque Burnt Cheesecake with Crispy Ham Shards

CrushedLemon1034

This Basque Burnt Cheesecake is a decadent, creamy dessert with a dramatic caramelized top and a lush, custardy center—perfect for making any gathering of ham aficionados extra special. The twist: a crown of ultra-crispy ham shards, adding an irresistible salty crunch that balances the sweet, tangy richness of the cheesecake. Baked at high heat for signature burnished edges, this showstopper is easy to make and even easier to devour. Perfect for your next Ham Club meet-up or any gathering that deserves a playful, savory-sweet finale.

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper, letting excess paper overhang the edges for easy removal. Grease parchment and pan sides lightly.
Arrange ham slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until deep golden and crisp. Cool, then break into shards. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Scrape down sides.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in cream, salt, and vanilla until incorporated.
Sift flour over batter and fold in gently until just combined; don't overmix.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until top is deeply bronzed and center still jiggles slightly. If needed, broil for 1-2 minutes to deepen the burnished top.
Cool at room temperature for 2 hours (it will sink slightly), then chill at least 4 hours for best slicing.
Remove cheesecake from pan. Top with crispy ham shards just before serving for a savory-salty crunch.