"Plains" Cheese Ring
Creamy, cheesy ring with crunchy nuts and optional onion, served with sweet strawberry preserves; a delightful appetizer perfect for gatherings and cheese lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the grated Cheddar cheese, chopped nuts, mayonnaise, white pepper, dark cayenne pepper, and grated onion (if using).
- Press the mixture into a ring mold to shape.
- Serve with strawberry preserves in the center of the ring.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cheese mixture. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds work well too. Adjust the level of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. This dish can also be enhanced with additional herbs like chives or parsley for more flavor, or served as a dip rather than a molded ring.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ring pairs beautifully with strawberry preserves in the center, providing a sweet contrast to the savory flavors. Serve alongside crisp vegetable sticks or crackers for a delightful appetizer. For a complete spread, consider including Vegetable Dip Or Spread and Candied Pecan Halves to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its shape, keep it in the ring mold if possible. When ready to enjoy again, serve cold or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly, enhancing the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Plains" Cheese Ring contains roughly 962 calories, with 34g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (285% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (166% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (110% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 555mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
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! You can prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance and mold it into the ring. Just cover it well and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes serving on the day easy.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for alternatives, a mix of cream cheese and a sharp cheese like Gruyère or Swiss can work well. You could also experiment with smoked cheese for a unique flavor. Keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the texture.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly! However, if you're looking to enhance it further, you might consider adding chopped fresh herbs or substituting the nuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for an allergen-friendly option.
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).