Pecan cheddar cheese ring with strawberry preserves possesses the strong taste of cheddar cheese, which is complemented by the creaminess of cream cheese, nutty flavor of pecans, and finally, a taste of strawberry. It is elegant in its simple appeal for celebrations, fiestas, or any other gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegance Made Easy: The recipe will look very fancy, but it is quite easy to put together. There is no need for cooking, no hassle of baking.
Sweet And Savory Harmony: Sweet strawberry preserves are a perfect complement to the savory cheese mixture. The two flavors meld with one another simply deliciously.
Great With Anything: Or around anything: bread, veggies, crackers. This, so far, is the most fully nutritive appetizer you could envision.
Overnight: This dish is the best of both worlds if you prepare it at least the night before, so it will be ready to go once your guests arrive.
Change the Recipe: Should you desire more flavors, you may substitute homemade preserves and alter the seasonings.
Key Ingredients
Sharp cheddar cheese: The bold flavor of the sharp cheddar is the backbone of the dish, providing a tangy and savory foundation for the cheese ring.
Cream cheese: The softened cream cheese provides a smooth, creamy texture that binds the ingredients properly.
Mayonnaise: The small amount of mayonnaise provides creaminess and a slightly tangy richness to the cheese mixture.
Garlic powder: A very light seasoning that gives some body without overpowering the other flavors.
Paprika: An easy spice that pairs well with the cheddar and imparts the mix with a little warmness and color.
Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper provides a spicy kick.
Toasted pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances the nutty flavor and adds a delicious crunchy coating in contrast with the creamy cheese.
Strawberry preserves: The strawberries in the preserves add a burst of sweetness that complements the tang from the cheese and the savory from the pecans.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, mix 2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup softened cream cheese, and 1/2 cup mayonnaise.
Season:
Add 1/4 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp paprika for flavor enhancement.
For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Blend:
Mix thoroughly until smooth and cohesive, ensuring there are no lumps.
Step 2: Shape the Cheese Ring
Prepare the Dish:
Select a large plate or shallow platter with enough space for a ring.
Form the Ring:
Place the cheese mixture onto the dish and mold it into a ring shape.
Create a hollow center in the middle of the ring for the strawberry preserves.
Step 3: Add the Pecans
Toast Pecans:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1/2 cup pecans until golden and aromatic.
Allow to cool, then chop finely.
Coat the Ring:
Press the chopped, toasted pecans gently onto the outer surface of the cheese ring, ensuring an even coating.
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Step 4: Add the Strawberry Preserves
Fill the Center:
Spoon 1 cup strawberry preserves into the hollow center of the cheese ring.
Smooth the preserves to level them with the top of the cheese ring.
Step 5: Chill the Cheese Ring
Refrigerate:
Cover the assembled cheese ring with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up and meld flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve:
Remove from the refrigerator and present the cheese ring with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for spreading.
Optional Garnish:
Decorate with additional chopped pecans or fresh strawberry slices for a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serving with crackers: Provide your guests with a variety of crackers, ranging from buttery Ritz to whole-grain to herbs, from dividers for the cheese and preserves.
Serving bread sticks: Sandwich with thinly sliced baguette bread or toasted crostini slices for a bit of rustic appeal.
Fresh veggies: Include rabbit food such as celery sticks, cucumber rounds, and sweet bell peppers for those who are more figgery dew-finesse.
Festive: Decorate with whole strawberries, fresh herbs, or edible flowers for that extra flash of good marketing wonder.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can stay for three days. The flavor gets richer over time, but the pecans lose their crunch.
Advance preparation: Mix the cheese and shape the ring one whole day before the gathering. Sprinkle the pecans and preserves on top as you begin to eat. Perfect taste and ideal presentation-then and only then.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the crumbly texture of cream cheese, the non-berries-and-pecan food can be French-frozen long enough (one month). Thaw in the refrigerator before assembly.
Variations
Swap-out preserves: for a new flavor pair, swap strawberry preserves for apricot, raspberry, or fig jam.
Herbal mix: Try fresh chives cracked, parsley, or dill to add an herbal flavor to the cheese blend.
Replace nuts: Try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a difference in flavor.
Save DIY effort: Switch your preserves for a sweet caramelized onion version, or a savory bacon jam.
Miniature Rings: Dole out with your choice of any small-size ring or ball formation if you are to serve with a bang!
Conclusion
So much more than just an appetizer, this Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves is the focal point of the gathering. The crunch, creamy taste, and blend of savory and sweet will keep your party talking. This recipe is perfect for the holidays or any celebration; it’s as simple as making it disappear!
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.
