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You know those classic retro recipes that just never go out of style? The ones that always get gobbled up at family gatherings or potlucks, and make you feel a little bit fancy even if you’re wearing your most “well-loved” (read: stained) holiday sweater? This Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves is one of those treasures. It’s a little bit vintage, a whole lot addictive, and—confession time—I have a soft spot for anything that brings sweet and savory together so deliciously. When I set this out during the holidays, it’s the first thing people gather around. And if you bring this to a party? You’ll have friends for life.
Oh, and the best part? There’s zero actual cooking. I’m all about appetizers that let you chat with company instead of wrestling with the oven timer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegance Made Easy: This is one of those gems that gets oohs and aahs but actually comes together in about 15 minutes. No heating up the kitchen or fancy equipment, promise.
- Sweet and Savory Harmony: Sharp cheddar and tangy cream cheese meet the nutty crunch of toasted pecans and a big dollop of strawberry preserves. It’s salty, creamy, sweet, and crunchy all in the same bite. (I dare you not to go back for thirds.)
- Perfect with Anything: Scoop it up with crackers, baguette slices, or veggies—you get to be a little extra with your crudités.
- Make Ahead Magic: If you’ve ever tried juggling a million to-dos before guests arrive, you’ll appreciate that this can be made the night before. In fact, it gets even tastier as the flavors meld.
- Adapt to Taste: Want a little extra zip? Sub in a different jam or toss in some fresh herbs—totally customizable without any fuss.
Key Ingredients
You don’t need anything fancy or expensive—just a handful of simple ingredients, each bringing something special to the party:
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I really recommend buying a block and grating it yourself for the boldest flavor and best texture (trust me, it makes a difference!). But hey, pre-shredded stuff totally works if that’s what you’ve got. The sharpness is what makes this spread sing.
- Cream Cheese: Let it soften on the counter so it whips up smooth. This is our glue—it gives just the right creamy lusciousness to the whole thing.
- Mayonnaise: Just a touch for that mysterious “why is this extra delicious?” tang. Trust me, it blends right in.
- Garlic Powder: Not too much, just a whisper for backbone. You won’t scare off any vampires (or guests!), promise.
- Paprika: For gentle warmth and a little color. Smoked paprika is fun if you want to experiment, but sweet is classic.
- Cayenne (Optional): If you like a tiny kick, a pinch goes a long way. Totally optional; I usually toss in just a sprinkle when I’m feeling sassy.
- Pecans: Toasted is best! It brings out that buttery-nutty flavor. After they cool, give them a rough chop. You want some crunch in every bite.
- Strawberry Preserves: The grand finale! Pick a preserve that’s nice and thick, not watery. If you’ve got homemade, use it proudly. Store-bought totally works too—don’t overthink it.
If you want to switch things up, swap in raspberry or apricot preserves, or try walnuts instead of pecans. This recipe is happiest when you make it your own.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below.
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Up the Cheese (don’t skip softening the cream cheese—your arms will thank you)
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup softened cream cheese, and 1/2 cup mayo. Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder and paprika (plus a dash of cayenne if your crew likes a little heat). Blend it all together until the mixture is smooth and you can’t see stray streaks of cream cheese—it’s a workout, but it comes together quickly with a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer.
Step 2: Shape Your Ring
Find your prettiest plate or a trusty shallow platter (plain works too; the cheese ring will steal the show). Spoon the cheese mixture onto the plate and gently form it into a ring, leaving a generous hollow in the middle. If you want to get super neat, you can do this with a large biscuit cutter or a small drinking glass as a guide. Don’t stress if it’s not a perfect circle—we’re going for “homemade with love,” not science fair project.
Step 3: Pecans, Please
Next, toast 1/2 cup of pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring until they get fragrant and a shade deeper in color. It takes just three or four minutes. Let them cool (so you don’t melt the cheese), then chop finely. Gently press the chopped pecans onto the outside of the ring, covering every nook and cranny. Not only does it look fancy, but you get that irresistible nutty crunch in every bite.
Step 4: Pile On the Preserves
Spoon 1 cup of thick, chunky strawberry preserves into the center well of the ring, spreading to fill it evenly and bring it right to the edges. If your preserves have whole berries—lucky you!—try arranging a few right on top for a garnish.
Step 5: Chill and Mingle
Cover the whole platter with plastic wrap or foil and slide it into the fridge for at least an hour—overnight is even better. This gives the flavors time to cozy up to each other, and the ring will firm up for easier serving. (Good luck not “testing” it beforehand… I’m not judging!)
Step 6: Serve and Swoon
When it’s party time, whip off the wrap, add a few more chopped pecans or some sliced strawberries on top if you’re feeling extra festive, and put out a pile of crackers, bread, or veggie sticks for dipping. Trust me, people will swarm—or at least linger!
Serving Suggestions
- Classic crackers: You can’t go wrong with buttery Ritz, crisp wheat, or some herby multigrain for extra crunch.
- Baguette or crostini: Slice and toast a baguette, then layer on the cheese and strawberry—rustic and irresistible.
- Veggie dippers: For a fresh bite, serve with celery sticks, cucumber rounds, or sweet bell pepper strips. The colors look especially pretty next to the cheese ring!
- Make it festive: Add a sprinkling of fresh herbs, edible flowers, or whole strawberries around the platter. It looks so inviting (and no expensive centerpiece required).
Storage Tips
So, you’ve got leftovers (or maybe you went slightly overboard making a double batch for “research”)? Here’s how to keep your cheese ring fresh and tasty:
- Refrigerator: Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and stash in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld even more—though heads up, the pecans will lose their crunch the longer it sits.
- Make Ahead: Go ahead and mix and shape the cheese up to a day in advance. It’s best to wait to add the pecans and strawberry preserves until just before serving, so you keep that perfect crunchy topping and shiny berry center.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend it. Cream cheese doesn’t always freeze well and can turn a little sad and crumbly. Save freezing for another day.
Variations
This recipe’s a crowd-pleaser as written, but I’m all for tweaking it to match your mood or what you’ve got on hand:
- Jam Swap: Try apricot, raspberry, or fig preserves instead of strawberry for a twist.
- Go Herbal: Stir in some finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, or dill to the cheese mix if you want a garden-fresh vibe.
- Nutty Alternatives: Walnuts or even sliced almonds can take the place of pecans (and are delicious in their own right!).
- Savory Twist: Feeling adventurous? Sub out the preserves for a bit of bacon onion jam or pepper jelly—so good for fans of sweet-heat.
- Mini Cheese Balls: For finger-food parties, roll the cheese into bite-size balls, coat in nuts, and dollop with a dot of preserves on top. Cute and portable!
Conclusion
This Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves is more than just an appetizer—it’s a conversation starter, a nostalgia trip, and, if we’re being honest, the real reason people look forward to the party. There’s something so comforting about that creamy tangy center, the sweet hit from the preserves, and the toasty pecans all wrapped up together. Try it out at your next gathering and let me know what you think—or, better yet, let me know what creative spins you put on it! If you have stories, questions, or brilliant flavor combos, I’d love to chat in the comments. Wishing you good eats and good company—dig in, friends!
nullFAQ
Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of grating my own?
What if my cheese mixture seems too thick or too thin?
How do I know when my pecans are toasted enough?
How long will this cheese ring stay fresh in the fridge?
Can I make this ahead for a party, and if so, what’s the best way?
Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- cayenne pepper optional, for a kick
- 3/4-1 cup pecans toasted and finely chopped
- 1 cup strawberry preserves
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mix cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and mayonnaise. Add garlic powder, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Blend thoroughly until smooth.
- On a large plate, mold the cheese mixture into a ring shape. Create a hollow center to hold the strawberry preserves.
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and aromatic. Chop finely and press onto the outer surface of the cheese ring for an even coating.
- Fill the hollow center of the cheese ring with strawberry preserves. Smooth the preserves to level with the top of the cheese ring.
- Cover the cheese ring with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up and meld the flavors.
- Remove from the refrigerator and serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables. Optionally, garnish with extra pecans or fresh strawberries for a festive presentation.
