Cheddar Cheese Ring
This Cheddar Cheese Ring recipe is reminiscient of Rosalynn Carter’s vintage appetizer recipe (“Cheddar Pecan Cheese ring with Strawberry Preserves”) which was popular in the 70’s.
This recipe features sharp cheddar cheese mixed with select Greek seasonings and finished with a sweet orange fig preserve filling!
I think you’ll love the combination of sweet and savory flavors and, the hint of orange pairs beautifully with the sharp cheddar and pinenuts! Looking for more cheesy recipes? Try Cheddar Cheese Wafers or Jalapeno Cheese Bites.
Ingredients
- One pound block of sharp cheddar, a cup of mayonnaise, green onions, toasted pinenuts, a little Greek seasoning and Orange Fig preserves.
- The Greek seasonings add a nice spin to this traditional recipe (the original cheeese ring recipe includes only cayenne or red pepper.) I use Cavender’s™ All-Purpose Greek Seasoning.
- The sweet preserves are Divina™ brand Orange Fig Spread – you can usually find this in the deli section of your grocer.
How to make it
There is very little preparation for this quick and easy cheese ring appetizer!
- Grate the cheese with a cheese grater or in the food processor; set aside
- Toast the pinenuts
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cheese, mayonnaise, Greek seasoning, chopped onions, pinenuts and green onions.
Form the ring
Place the cheese mixture directly onto the serving plate. I do not recommend using wax paper or parchment paper because the mixture is semi-soft and doesn’t transfer well. I used a small juice glass to form the center of the ring.
Press the glass down and hollow out the center; use clean hands or a spatula and form the ring. Then, cover with plastic and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. When ready to serve, add crackers and a spreading knife to the serving platter.
Add garnish and preserves
When you’re ready to serve this, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes then garnish with remaining nuts and a few chopped green onions. Place the Orange fig preserves in the center, either directly on the serving platter or in a small bowl.
Recipe tips
- Grate a block of cheese; do not use pre-shredded cheese
- Form the ring directly onto serving platter; do not use wax paper or parchment paper
Storage and make ahead
You can make the cheddar cheese ring in advance and store it covered in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. You can form the ring, place it on your serving platter and refrigerate or, you can put it in a big bowl and store it.
I recommend refrigerating it formed and on the serving platter, even though it does take up more space in the fridge. Freezing is not recommended due to the eggs in the mayonnaise. They change texture when frozen, so just refrigerate it.
Serve this savory cheddar cheese ring at any social occasion as an addition to your crudite and charcuterie platters.
Related recipes
- Cheddar Cheese Wafers
- Classic Cheese Fondue
- Greek Yogurt Dip (Tzatziki)
- Shrimp Saganaki (Greek Baked Shrimp appetizer)
- Orange Fig Spread
Cheddar Cheese Ring
Ingredients
- 1 lb block of cheddar cheese, shredded (See Recipe Notes)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning (See Recipe Notes)
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- ¾ cup pinenuts, toasted – for dip
- ¼ cup pinenuts, toasted – for garnish
- 6 ounces Orange Fig spread
Instructions
- Toast pinenuts in dry skillet; remove and set aside¾ cup pinenuts, toasted – for dip, ¼ cup pinenuts, toasted – for garnish
- Shred cheddar cheese in food processor; transfer to large mixing bowl1 lb block of cheddar cheese, shredded
- Add mayonnaise, chopped green onions, Greek seasoning and pinenuts; combine well1 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning, ½ cup green onions, chopped
- Place cheese mixture onto serving platter; form into a ring using a spatula or your hands (See Recipe Notes)
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes
- When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator, garnish with remaining pinenuts¼ cup pinenuts, toasted – for garnish
- Scoop Orange Fig spread into center; serve with crackers6 ounces Orange Fig spread
