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.
Cheese and fruit go together beautifully, and this recipe features sharp cheddar cheese mixed with select Greek seasonings and finished with a sweet orange fig preserve filling!
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter (wife to Jimmy Carter) served this frequently as both the Governer’s wife and First Lady.
My spin on this traditional Southern appetizer is sort of Mediterranean inspired – it uses sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Greek seasonings, toasted pinenuts, green onions and Orange Fig preserves. (Her cheese ring recipe used chopped toasted pecans and strawberry preserves.)
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!
You’ll probably find a version of this in your Grandmother’s recipe box somewhere because it’s been around a long time! Sometimes, simple is best!
You’ll love this recipe
- Great appetizer! As simple as it is, this is always a big hit! Whip this up for just about any occasion or gathering! It’s perfect for Christmas Eve, too!
- Keto friendly – low-carb and creamy…need I say more?
- Versatile – keep the ratio of cheese to mayonnaise and fix it up with whatever nuts or preserves or jam you like!
- Simple ingredients and no processed cream cheese!
Here’s what you’ll need
At first glance, this cheese spread recipe sounded a lot like Southern Pimento cheese to me, except without the pimentos. In any case, the ratio of cheese to mayonnaise is key to both favor and form.
You’ll need a one pound block of sharp cheddar, a cup of mayonnaise (do not use a mayonnaise “salad dressing” like Miracle Whip™, 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 includes only cayenne or red pepper) like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder and a few other spices. I use Cavender’s™ All-Purpose Greek Seasoning. It’s in a yellow container on the spice aisle. If you can’t find this particular brand, any Greek seasoning will work.
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 little preparation for this quick and easy appetizer! Grate the cheese with a cheese grater or in the food processor; set aside
Then toast the pinenuts.
How to toast the pinenuts
We’re going to use direct dry heat to toast the nuts, so no oil is needed. Heat a dry, large skillet on medium heat; add a single layer of pinenuts; allow them to cook, tossing occasionally, until you can smell them.
This doesn’t take but maybe 3 minutes so do not walk away from the stove! Repeat using remaining nuts then set aside.
Grate the cheese
Pre shredded cheese simply doesn’t do this delicious recipe justice. Get a one pound block of sharp cheddar and grate it the old fashioned way (using a cheese grater) or pop it in your food processor!
Combine ingredients
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.
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. If you do not store it formed, then remove the mixture and let it come to room temperature; form the ring and refrigerate again for another 30 minutes. See what I mean? It takes longer so just make room in the fridge and store it formed.
Freezing is not recommended due to the eggs in the mayonnaise. They change texture when frozen, so just refrigerate it.
Tips
- Grate a block of cheese; do not use pre-shredded cheese
- Use real mayonnaise, not a “mayonnaise dressing”
- Form the ring directly onto serving platter; do not use wax paper or parchment paper; do not use a ring mold
Recipe FAQs
Unfortunately, this recipe does not form to a hard stage – it is a semi-soft spread so it doesn’t release from a mold well. I tried using a cooking spray oil and a mold and it turned out to be a mess.
You can substitute just about any of the nuts and seasonings; the important thing is to not change the ratio of cheese to mayonnaise. One pound of cheese to one cup of mayonnaise.
The sweet and savory flavor combination works best with a sharp cheese. It’s not necessary to use an expensive cheese, but you’ll definitely want a block of sharp cheddar; mild cheddar cheeses don’t offer the zesty flavor that sharp does.
I recommend crunchy or buttery crackers of your choice, just make sure that are relatively firm. As I said, this is really a spread, so you need a firm cracker to hold up. You could use sesame crackers or wheat crackers, but anything super thin will break when spreading the cheese and jam over the cracker.
Add a little cayenne red pepper or a few splashes of Louisiana hot sauce.
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
