Vermont Cheese Ring
Vermont Cheese Ring combines sharp cheddar and cream cheese in a decorative ring, topped with olives and a flavorful oil-vinegar-spice marinade, perfect for entertaining or snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. Vermont sharp cheddar cheese, sliced ⓘ
- 1 8 oz. cream cheese, sliced ⓘ
- 1 jar sliced pimento olives, drained
- 1 jar Spanish olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 can black olives, drained
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp. basil ⓘ
- 3 tbsp. parsley
- 3-4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 sticks French bread, sliced and toasted ⓘ
Instructions
- In a blender or processor, blend olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, parsley, and garlic.
- Arrange the sliced cheeses in a circle on a plate, alternating Vermont sharp cheddar and cream cheese to form a ring.
- Pour drained sliced pimento olives, Spanish olives, and black olives on top and in the center of the cheese ring.
- Pour the oil and vinegar mixture over the olives and cheese ring.
- To serve, place slices of toasted French bread on a plate, top with the cheese ring, olives, and marinate mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before slicing. You can substitute any sharp cheese for the Vermont cheddar if preferred. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor; try using fresh basil and parsley instead of dried. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of crushed red pepper to the oil and vinegar mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ring makes a fantastic appetizer for gatherings and pairs beautifully with toasted French bread. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or a selection of crackers. For a complete meal, pair it with a light soup or a refreshing drink like iced tea. Browse more American recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. To reheat, place the cheese ring in a warm oven for a few minutes, just until softened, or serve cold as a refreshing appetizer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vermont Cheese Ring contains roughly 1076 calories, with 17g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (70% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 724mg per serving (31% 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 the cheese ring ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ring a few hours in advance. Assemble the ingredients and refrigerate, but add the oil and vinegar dressing just before serving to maintain the freshness of the herbs and prevent the bread from getting soggy.
What if I don’t like olives?
If olives aren't your favorite, you can substitute them with diced pickles or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile. Just ensure to keep the dressing element to maintain the marinated taste of the dish.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a blue cheese for a bolder flavor. Just ensure to keep a mix of flavors and textures for the best result.
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).