"Tommy's Diner" Baklava Cheesecake

As seen on “Diners, Drive-ins & Dives” at Tommy’s Diner, a traditional, family owned Greek Diner located in Columbus, Ohio! With a recipe passed down from founder Kathy Pappas to her son Michael Pappas, this masterpiece is made with layered filo dough, filled with cheesecake, and roasted walnuts and topped with syrup!

The Cheesecake Girl is turning out cheesecakes like you’ve never seen before, and they’re all ridiculously delicious. And yes, there is an actual cheesecake girl! Her name is Samantha Strange, and she started out baking for friends and family in her parents’ kitchen after graduating from college in 2016. From there she spent years operating out of a commercial kitchen while building a devoted fan base, and in 2020 the first brick-and-mortar location opened in Hilliard, Ohio. Strange’s spectacular cheesecakes start with a signature buttery shortbread crust, and the cheesecake itself is dense, rich, and super-flavorful. These just might be the most creative and delicious cheesecakes you’ll ever try!