Special Cheese Ring
A savory cheese ring with a crunchy nut crust, creamy cheese filling, and optional strawberry jam center, perfect for parties, snacking, or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix grated cheese, mayonnaise, chopped nuts, grated onion, black pepper, and cayenne pepper with your hands until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a ring or a ball. If shaping into a ring, fill the center with strawberry jam if desired.
- Place the cheese ring or ball in the refrigerator and chill until firm and ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a combination of Cheddar and cream cheese. If you want to add more flavor, try incorporating herbs like dill or chives. To make it more festive, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives. Remember to mix well with your hands, as this helps to evenly distribute the ingredients. For a crunchier texture, use toasted nuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese ring with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or sliced baguette for dipping. It pairs beautifully with your favorite wines or a light beer. For a festive touch, consider adding a bowl of fruit preserves or chutney on the side. This dish can also be a delightful addition to any gathering or as part of a platter alongside other appetizers like Kipper Pate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the cheese ring for up to a month. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or place it in a warm oven for a few minutes to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Cheese Ring contains roughly 954 calories, with 24g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (161% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (142% of the Daily Value), and iron (92% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 45g 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?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ring a day in advance. Just shape it and store it in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even tastier when served.
What nuts work best for this recipe?
You can use a variety of nuts based on your preference. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds are great choices. Toasting the nuts beforehand can enhance their flavor and add a lovely crunch to your cheese ring.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly! Just ensure that the mayonnaise you use is made without any animal products. You could also experiment with adding different vegetables for extra flavor and texture, like diced bell peppers or shredded carrots.
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).