Easy Cheese Ring
A savory cheese ring filled with sweet strawberry preserves, combining creamy, crunchy, and spicy flavors—perfect for entertaining or a flavorful appetizer platter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together, except preserves.
- Spray a ring mold with Pam spray.
- Place the mixture in the mold and refrigerate until firm.
- Turn out when ready to serve.
- Fill the center with strawberry preserves.
- Serve with an assortment of crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using sharp cheddar or a mix of cheeses instead of medium cheese. If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise. For added texture, try substituting walnuts for pecans. Ensure your ingredients are well-mixed to achieve a uniform consistency. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ring is best served chilled, accompanied by an assortment of crackers for a delightful contrast. You could also pair it with fresh vegetables like celery and bell pepper strips for a crunchy addition. For a sweet twist, consider serving with fruit, as it pairs beautifully with Hawaiian Fruit Dip. This makes for a perfect appetizer at parties or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing, as it can affect the consistency of the cheese. When ready to serve again, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly. This allows the flavors to come alive once more.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Cheese Ring contains roughly 747 calories, with 20g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (123% of the Daily Value), iron (70% of the Daily Value), and calcium (48% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 34g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheese ring ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheese ring can be prepared a day in advance. Just follow the instructions and refrigerate it until firm. This allows the flavors to deepen and makes it a convenient option for parties.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute pecans with chopped almonds or walnuts. Both will add a nice crunch and complement the other ingredients well.
How do I make it spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper to your taste. You could also mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give it an extra kick. Adjust according to your spice preference!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).