Description
Sumptuous pecan cheddar cheese ring delights taste buds with Southern hospitality and rich, nutty flavors. Elegant appetizer promises to charm guests and elevate any gathering with its irresistible blend of sharp cheddar and toasted pecans.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 ml) finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (227 g) softened cream cheese
- 3/4 to 1 cup (85 to 113 g) toasted and finely chopped pecans
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Serving Accompaniment:
- 1 cup (340 g) strawberry preserves
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and prepare a clean workspace for efficient preparation.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and mayonnaise until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Enhance the mixture by incorporating garlic powder, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
- Carefully transfer the creamy blend onto a decorative serving platter, artfully sculpting it into an elegant ring formation with a central opening.
- Heat a dry skillet over medium temperature, gently toasting pecans until they release a rich, nutty aroma and develop a golden-brown hue.
- Finely chop the toasted pecans, creating a textured coating for the exterior of the cheese ring.
- Meticulously press the chopped pecans around the entire surface of the cheese mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Generously fill the ring’s center with vibrant strawberry preserves, creating a visually appealing and flavorful centerpiece.
- Wrap the prepared cheese ring carefully and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set.
- When ready to serve, accompany the cheese ring with an assortment of crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh, crunchy vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper for those who prefer milder or spicier flavors.
- Substitute strawberry preserves with other fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot for varied taste profiles.
- Choose high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the overall depth and richness of the cheese ring.
- Toast pecans carefully to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste and ruin the delicate nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg