Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves

The Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves is a delicious, show-stopping appetizer that combines savory flavors with a hint of sweetness. This easy, crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for holidays, parties, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a unique, flavorful dish.

What makes this cheese ring special is the combination of sharp cheddar cheese, creamy mayonnaise, and subtle spices like garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Toasted pecans provide a satisfying crunch, while strawberry preserves in the center add a sweet contrast, balancing the dish beautifully. Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh veggies to complete this visually appealing and flavorful appetizer.

This dish also offers flexibility for ingredient substitutions, making it easy to customize for different tastes or dietary preferences. Whether you’re hosting a formal event or a casual get-together, the Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring is bound to be a hit.

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Cheese rings have a long-standing place in Southern cuisine, known for their creamy texture and adaptability. Unlike traditional cheese balls, cheese rings offer a unique presentation with a hollow center perfect for a complementary dip or fruit preserve. This modern twist on a classic party appetizer combines the richness of cheddar and toasted pecans with the surprise sweetness of strawberry preserves, elevating it into a sophisticated yet simple dish.

Its ease of preparation and visual appeal have made the cheese ring a popular choice for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and parties across the South. Not only can it be made ahead, but it also serves as a memorable centerpiece for any spread.

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Each ingredient in the Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves adds to its layered flavor and creamy texture. Here’s why each one is important:

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The bold, tangy base that pairs well with the sweetness of the preserves.
• Cream Cheese: Adds smoothness, balancing the sharp cheddar while binding the mixture to hold its shape.
• Mayonnaise: Provides moisture and a slight tang, ensuring the mixture doesn’t become dense.
• Spices: Garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne enhance the flavors, adding depth without overpowering the cheddar.
• Toasted Pecans: These add a crunchy, nutty layer that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese.
• Strawberry Preserves: The sweet preserves in the center offer a delightful contrast, enhancing the savory notes.

Together, these ingredients make for an appetizer that’s rich, creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet.

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1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

• Combine 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of softened cream cheese, and ½ cup of mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl.
• Blend with a mixer until smooth. Softened cream cheese ensures a creamy texture.

2. Add Seasonings

• Mix in ¼ teaspoon each of garlic powder and paprika, plus a pinch of cayenne (optional for spice).
• This blend adds warmth and depth, rounding out the flavors.

3. Shape the Cheese Ring

• Transfer the mixture onto a serving platter, forming a ring with a hollow center.
• For a perfect shape, use a greased bowl or bundt pan as a mold, or simply shape by hand.

4. Toast and Chop Pecans

• Toast ¾ to 1 cup of pecans in a skillet for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Let cool, then finely chop for easy adhesion to the cheese ring.

5. Coat with Pecans

• Press chopped pecans onto the ring, ensuring an even, crunchy coating.

6. Add Strawberry Preserves

• Spoon about 1 cup of strawberry preserves into the hollow center for a sweet contrast.

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Serve the Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring with:

• Crackers (sturdy varieties like wheat or rye work best).
• Toasted baguette slices for a rustic, substantial option.
• Fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumber slices, and celery sticks for a lighter touch.

Arrange these dippers around the cheese ring on a platter for a visually appealing display. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for an added touch of elegance.

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1. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate for at least one hour to ensure the cheese ring holds its shape.
2. Keep Cool During Serving: Use a chilled platter to prevent softening, especially in warmer settings.
3. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for gouda, pepper jack, or a mix for added depth.
• Savory Additions: Add bacon bits, caramelized onions, or herbs for extra flavor.
• Fruit Preserves: Try raspberry, fig, or apricot preserves as sweet alternatives.
• Nut-Free Options: For allergies, substitute crushed crackers, seeds, or chopped pretzels for the pecans.

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Can I make the cheese ring ahead of time?
Yes! Prep up to 2 days ahead. Add pecans and preserves just before serving to keep them fresh.

Can I use different preserves?
Absolutely! Raspberry, fig, or apricot preserves also work well, providing a sweet balance to the savory elements.

What’s the best way to transport the cheese ring?
Keep it refrigerated in a container, and add the preserves after arriving to prevent spills.

Can I freeze the cheese ring?
Freezing isn’t recommended, as the texture may change. If needed, freeze the mixture without nuts and preserves.

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The Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves is a perfect crowd-pleaser. Its balanced combination of sharp cheddar, rich creaminess, crunchy pecans, and sweet strawberry preserves ensures it will stand out at any event. Its unique presentation as a ring filled with preserves makes it as appealing visually as it is to the palate.

The recipe’s adaptability is an added bonus: whether experimenting with different cheeses, preserves, or coatings, this appetizer can be tailored to suit any taste or occasion. Easy to make and loaded with flavor, the Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring will quickly become your go-to recipe for holiday gatherings and parties, earning rave reviews from family and friends every time.