Savory Strawberry Cheddar Cheesecake Ring
This delightful Savory Strawberry Cheddar Cheesecake Ring is a nostalgic dish that transports you back to cherished holiday gatherings. Inspired by my grandparents' festive traditions, this dish combines rich flavors of sharp cheddar cheese and smooth cream cheese with a hint of garlic and onion, creating a luscious spread that's perfect for sharing. The crowning glory of this recipe is the luscious strawberry preserves that add a sweet contrast to the savory base. Each bite is a wonderful blend of creamy and crunchy textures and flavors, making it the perfect appetizer for any celebration or casual get-together. Serve it alongside buttery crackers, and you'll have a dish that everyone's sure to love! This recipe not only tastes delightful but also brings back heartfelt memories, making it a must for any occasion.
20
Servings
130
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
sharp cheddar cheese
16 ounces (grated)
cream cheese
3 ounces (softened)
mayonnaise
3/4 cup
onion
1 small (chopped)
pecans or walnuts
1 cup (chopped)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
to taste
strawberry preserves
1 cup
Instructions
1
In a food processor or electric mixer, combine the grated sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped onion, chopped pecans or walnuts, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
2
Blend the mixture until it is thoroughly combined and smooth, with a texture that allows for easy shaping.
3
Transfer the mixture into a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
4
Once the mixture has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and scoop it onto a large serving platter. Using your hands, gently mold the cheese mixture into a ring shape, creating a hollow center for the preserves.
5
Carefully spread the strawberry preserves into the center of the cheese ring, filling it generously.
6
Serve the Savory Strawberry Cheddar Cheesecake Ring with an assortment of buttery crackers, allowing guests to enjoy this delightful spread.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
3.6g
Carbs
4.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Strawberry Cheddar Cheesecake Ring?
It is a nostalgic appetizer dish that combines sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and savory spices, shaped into a ring and filled with sweet strawberry preserves.
What type of cheddar cheese is best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended to provide a bold flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet strawberry preserves.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 20 servings.
Can I use pre-shredded cheddar cheese?
While you can use pre-shredded cheese, grating your own from a block usually results in a better texture for the spread.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, softening the cream cheese is essential for ensuring the mixture blends smoothly and thoroughly.
What kind of nuts should I use in the mixture?
You can use either chopped pecans or walnuts, depending on your personal preference.
How long should the cheese mixture be refrigerated?
The mixture should be refrigerated for 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up for easier shaping.
What is the best way to shape the ring?
Once chilled, scoop the mixture onto a platter and use your hands to gently mold it into a ring shape with a hollow center.
Can I substitute the strawberry preserves?
Yes, while strawberry is traditional, you can substitute with raspberry or apricot preserves for a different flavor profile.
What should I serve with the cheesecake ring?
It is best served with an assortment of buttery crackers for the perfect crunchy and savory-sweet combination.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 130 calories per serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a very mild hint of heat from a pinch of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to your taste.
Can I use an electric mixer if I don't have a food processor?
Yes, an electric mixer works perfectly well to combine the ingredients until they are smooth.
What is the purpose of the mayonnaise in this recipe?
The mayonnaise acts as a binding agent and adds a creamy, tangy depth to the cheese mixture.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance; just wait to add the preserves until you are ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gatherings?
Absolutely, its festive appearance and nostalgic flavors make it a popular choice for holidays.
What are the fat and protein contents?
Each serving contains approximately 12g of fat and 4.3g of protein.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the cheese ring stay fresh in the fridge?
When properly stored, the cheese ring will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days.
Can I use a low-fat cream cheese?
You can, though the final texture may be slightly less rich and firm than with full-fat cream cheese.
What size onion is required?
One small onion, finely chopped, is sufficient for this recipe.
Can I omit the nuts if I have an allergy?
Yes, you can omit the nuts; the ring will still be delicious, though it will have a smoother texture.
Is there any added sugar in the cheese base?
No, the sweetness comes entirely from the strawberry preserves added in the center.
How much strawberry preserves do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of strawberry preserves to fill the center of the ring.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of preserves?
Preserves are recommended for their thick consistency and concentrated sweetness, but you could top the preserves with fresh sliced berries for garnish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The cheese ring itself is gluten-free, provided your ingredients are certified; just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers.
Can I freeze the Savory Strawberry Cheddar Cheesecake Ring?
Freezing is not recommended as it may cause the mayonnaise and cream cheese to separate and change texture.
Does the recipe require any cooking?
No, this is a no-bake recipe that only requires mixing, chilling, and assembly.
How much sharp cheddar is needed?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese.