Cheddar Chili Cheesecake

Description
A savory cheesecake.

Ingredients

 * 1½ tbsp butter (for pan)
 * ¼ cup fine breadcrumbs, toasted
 * ¼ cup finely grated cheddar cheese
 * 6 oz thinly sliced ham
 * 1½ lbs cream cheese, room temperature
 * ¾ lb sharp cheddar, grated
 * 1 cup cottage cheese
 * ¾ cup chopped green onion
 * 4 eggs
 * 3 tbsp jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
 * 2 tbsp milk
 * 1 garlic clove, halved

Directions

 * 1) Preheat oven to 325°F.
 * 2) Butter a 9" springform pan.
 * 3) Mix breadcrumbs and ¼ cup cheddar.
 * 4) Sprinkle mixture into pan, turning to coat.
 * 5) Refrigerate.
 * 6) Dice about half of ham; reserve remaining slices.
 * 7) Mix diced ham with remaining ingredients in blender or processor until smooth.
 * 8) Pour slightly more than half of filling into prepared pan.
 * 9) Top with reserved ham slices in even layer.
 * 10) Cover with remaining filling.
 * 11) Set pan on baking sheet.
 * 12) Bake 1¼ hours.
 * 13) Turn oven off and cool cheesecake about 1 hour with door ajar.
 * 14) Transfer cheesecake to rack.
 * 15) Remove sides of pan.
 * 16) Cool to room temperature before serving.