Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves Recipe
A flavorful and easy-to-make Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring perfect for entertaining. This classic cheese ring combines sharp cheddar, toasted pecans, a hint of cayenne, and mayonnaise for creaminess, shaped into a ring and chilled before serving with strawberry preserves and crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 small onion, grated
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Strawberry preserves, for serving
- Crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Toast Pecans: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and toast the chopped pecans until they become fragrant and slightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer pecans to a bowl to cool. Set aside a few tablespoons of toasted pecans to garnish the cheese ring later.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Grate a small onion finely and add it to the bowl along with the mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, and cooled toasted pecans. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape the Cheese Ring: Spoon the cheese mixture onto a serving plate and use a rubber spatula to form it into a ring shape. Cover the cheese ring with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the ring to firm up.
- Prepare for Serving: Remove the cheese ring from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Sprinkle the reserved toasted pecans evenly on top of the ring. Spoon strawberry preserves into the center of the ring and serve with crackers on the side.
Notes
- Using a small onion adds a slight sweetness; grating finely helps incorporate it well.
- To speed up softening before serving, you can leave the cheese ring at room temperature for 30 minutes as suggested.
- For a mild heat, adjust the cayenne pepper amount according to your taste.
- Serve immediately after assembling with preserves to keep crackers crispy.
Keywords: Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring, cheese ring, appetizer, party recipe, pecans, cheddar cheese, strawberry preserves
