Strawberry Cheese Ring Appetizer

Today, I’m sharing a yummy appetizer I’ve made several times and it is always a big hit. It’s super easy and fast…can’t beat that!

The recipe comes from Paula Deen’s cookbook, The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook.  Love this cookbook!  It’s filled with lots of good Southern cooking.  I’ve also linked to one more of her yummy recipes at the very end of this post…Sweet Potato Chips!

 

The appetizer I’ve made a couple of times for party is called a Strawberry Cheese Ring. I know, sounds kind of weird, but it really is good.  (You’ll find a printable version of this recipe at the end of the post.)

Here are the ingredients you will need…

 

Just throw them all in your mixer…

 

The directions say to use wax paper on your hands to shape the cheese ring.  That worked pretty well.  I’m not sure why but the recipe has you leave it looking like this.  I just didn’t like the way it looked, even if it did taste good.

 

So I added chopped pecans all over the surface.  I just think it looks better this way.

 

Then add your strawberry preserves into the center…and you’re all done!  Serve the cheese ring with crackers.  The combination of the strawberry preserves with the cheese is really yummy!

 

Here’s a printable version of this recipe.  Enjoy!

Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Strawberry Cheese Ring Appetizer

This appetizer creates a pretty display for a party and guests love it!
Prep Time25 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10 +

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese grated (4 cups)
  • 1 3- ounce package cream cheese softened
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt or powder
  • Cayenne pepper to taste
  • 1 cup strawberry preserves

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients except preserves in a food processor or electric mixer.
  • Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
  • Scoop mixture onto a platter.
  • Use your hands to mold mixture into a ring formation
  • Add strawberry preserves in center of ring and serve with crackers
  • *Note: When I make this for parties, I also add chopped nuts all over the surface.

Notes

If you're having a smaller gathering, cut the ingredients in half and make a smaller cheese ring. It looks and taste just as yummy.

Pssst: Here’s one more appetizer recipe you may enjoy: Sweet Potato Chips

Sweet Potato Chips Recipe

*If a post is sponsored or a product was provided at no charge, it will be stated in post. Some links may be affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. *



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Comments

  1. That appetizer look scrumptous and I love recipes that feed a crowd. I’ve stopped by before, but I’m not sure that I’ve left a comment.
    Your posts are just lovely! It’s such a treat to stop here! Nancy

  2. The pecans transform this. What a great idea, Susan! I love the picture of your mixer going 90 miles an hour. 🙂

  3. Mmmm…it looks wonderful! Yes, I will definitely be trying out this recipe!!! Do you have a blog button? I’d love an instant link to you! (I’m giving away 3 custom blog buttons in the morning if you may be interested!) I just love your blog, love your ideas, love your decorating and your home! 🙂

  4. Lady Katherine says

    I love this and I know it will be something I want to make! It sounds so good and yummy as it looks! I started to order this book for the longest! Now I have to have it! I would love so to go to her home. lol She came to Jackson, and I got tickets for my daughter and I. Well I could not go, the hospital decided to put me in my resort room, so Jennifer and her husband went and had a blast! Thanks for sharing this I just have to make this! I think it would be great even with tea! I love anything cream cheese. lol

  5. The Quintessential Magpie says

    Always looking for a good recipe, Susan, so I thank you for this one! I love Paula Deen. I have one of her cookbooks and have enjoyed it so much, but I also go to her website for good recipes. Have you tried her pound cake? It’s set-you-free good!

    Wishing you a Happy Food Friday…

    XO,

    Sheila 🙂

  6. once in a blue moon... says

    great job, i love the live action shot!

  7. Beautiful presentation for a simple recipe..you weren’t kidding on the recipe enlarging ALOT!!!

    Love the simplicity of Paulas recipes..make them achievable for beginners!

    Great photos…

  8. Paula doesn’t make anything that isn’t good. Love your photos!

  9. Susan,

    It looks really yummy!

    Deb

  10. Looks yummy… I love Paula Deen and so does my 9-year old.

    I will have to try that soon! Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    Carolyn of What Now? Tablescapes

  11. Kathy's Red Door Welcome says

    Looks delicious.

  12. Oh. My. Goodness. I have never tried a Paula Deen recipe that wasn’t absolutely the best! So I know this one will be wonderful. I will definately give it a try.
    Have a great weekend. :)Brenda

  13. It’s from Paula, so what could be bad? We entertain a lot, so I’ll give this one a try soon. Thanks for sharing it, and I love the action shot of the mixer. A brave photographer to risk life and limb and get that close to a spinning beater! Thanks for this post, and all of them on your very special blog.
    Best wishes… Cass

  14. Autumn Rose Crafts says

    It all looks so yummy! Sarah x

  15. This looks really good. I like the addition of the chopped nuts, it does make it look more “finished”. Great shot of the mixing bowl, I’m impressed that there wasn’t cheese on the camera lens for the next photo lol! Kathy

  16. Pat@Back Porch Musings says

    Sounds yummy and looks delish, too!

    I posted two posts yesterday. A Foodie post went very well, posted correctly. My Met Monday post, also published yesterday, was scheduled for Sunday. It even has Sunday’s date. I don’t know what happened and I don’t know how to fix it. I’ll be back Sunday evening to add the link, at your porch!:-)

  17. That looks so pretty though I would have never imagined putting strawberry preserves with cheddar cheese. I can’t even conceive of how that would taste. I guess I will just have to try it!

  18. "Blossom" AKS Anita says

    So easy and I could do this with out a disaster. And it makes a great statement with the nuts and the strawberry perserves.

  19. Hi Susan…OK, upon your recommendation I'll try this…it does seem a tad unusual with the strawberry preserves though…
    savory & sweet I suppose. 😉 Bo

  20. I make something VERY similiar. At first thought it was gong to be strange but it is delish!!!!!!!!! Now have to run over and get “hooked on houses”!!!!:):) Pinky

  21. Oh, that looks yummy. I love recipes where you just dump everything together and mix. I really will have to try this one. Hugs, Marty

  22. Donna@designson47thstreet says

    I bet this is scrumptious!

    I’m going to copy this and make it for my Silk Thumb spring open house. Thank you for the recipe!

    Donna

  23. great post Susan. I copied it in my folder. You can’t go wrong with Paula Dean can you?

    Hugs,
    Chris

  24. Oh yes, Susan. I make this, too, and it is always a huge hit. During the Christmas holidays, I garnish the outside with finely chopped parsley. It looks like a wreath.

  25. Yummmm I love simple and tasty recipes and this looks like one of those.I am going to have to try this.The pecans really do make it look pretty and even more yummmm.thank you for sharing again kathysue

  26. Happy Foodie Friday!We Georgia girls love Miss Paula! I love her food…it is familiar!

    Susan

  27. Glenda/MidSouth says

    Does sound like a strange combination, but I would probabley like it.
    Glenda

  28. prof en retraite says

    Hi Susan…This looks great! If Miss Paula did it, you know it’s good! But the most amazing thing is that you were able to mix and take pics while mixing!!! lol Good job! See you Saturday…Debbie

  29. This looks delicious! I noticed in the recipe in the picture it says to serve with buttery crackers; is that how you serve it? I’m wondering if it would be a good bagel spread for a brunch of something… Thank you for sharing, I will definitely try this one!

  30. Morning, Susan! Oh, I want to try this – it sound so delicious. Anything with cheese, strawberries and nuts has to be good!
    Oh, you’re so welcome about the award! You were the first person I thought of. You introduced me to tablescaping after all
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  31. Dear Susan,

    This looks wonderful! It is now on my list of recipes to try. Thank you and I also wanted to mention how much I like the new “front page” of your blog. It is beautiful. I always enjoy stopping by. Your blog is both eye and heart candy! Love, Paula

  32. Oh, what an interesting combination, spicy and sweet with a bit of crunch. Sounds perfect! Thanks for sharing this Susan you do everything with such style. Love, Cindy

  33. Miss Laura Lu/RMS4291960 says

    I love that cookbook! Have you tried her banana pudding? It is the best ever!!! This recipe sounds delcious..like I always say if it’s got cream cheese in it you can’t go wrong! What do you serve this with…triscuits? God Bless! Lauralu 🙂

  34. Looks and sounds delicious.I will try it.If it’s coming from you,we know it’s got to be good..Ann

  35. This looks delicious. I don’t have any Paula Dean cookbooks, but I see them at Costco all the time. I need to pick me up one!

  36. This sure looks pretty and delish, Susan, and so simple to make…Christine

  37. A Hint of Home says

    The recipe looks inviting! Thanks for sharing it.
    Your tablescape was lovely as always.

  38. Diane @ Four Paws and Co says

    Oh yummm! This looks so good & I bet there's never any leftovers either! ♥ Diane

  39. Sounds yummy! I’m surprised it doesn’t have Pres. Carter’s peanuts instead of pecans or walnuts. Must try this one. Sally

  40. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    Susan, this looks great! I’ll have to try it. You’ve improved on Paula Deen! I’m impressed! It does look much prettier with the pecans! laurie

  41. That looks delicious..I will try it !
    Looks like it would feed a hungry crowd!

  42. Susan, I’m Hooked on Julia, too – I love her site! I think your addition of the pecans makes the cheese ring look much prettier also. I have that cookbook so I am keeping this in mind for our next family get together. ~ Robyn

  43. Second try here…hope it works..
    It looks good…good for a crowd. I will have to try it..
    Thanks!

  44. I do love your blog and have enjoyed your decor since RMS (caniquitmyjobanddecorate). Question: the recipe reads 16 oz(2 cups) of cheddar with a handwritten “equals 4 cups”…did you decide to add 2 extra cups of cheese to the recipe because of taste? I am going to try this and wanted to make sure I make it as you recommend :o)

    Thanks!

  45. What a great post. The strawberry cheese ring looks easy to make and would dress up a table. I love anything Paula Deene. I was so fortunate to visit her restaurant in Savannah.
    Sweetie

  46. American Home says

    Ok….I’m hungry now. Really hungry! Oh well, guess I will just have to make this.
    Thanks!

  47. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Hi Caniquitmyjobanddecorate, I remember that name from RMS…always loved it!
    I know this is confusing…was afraid my penciled-in notes might confuse. The reason I jotted down four cups is when you purchase the cheese, in the 2 cups size bag (like I have in the pic) it is apparently equal to 8 ounces, since that’s what it has on the bag. So it takes 2 packages of cheese in the 2 cup size, to get 16ounces. So I just put 4 cups on there to remind myself what to buy. I know a cup is 8 ounces of liquid, but apparently when it’s packaged cheese, it takes 2 cups of grated cheese to equal 8 ounces, 4 cups to equal the 16 ounces that the recipe calls for. Click on the pic that shows all the ingredients and you’ll be able to read the package…which may help this explanation to make more sense. 🙂 Thanks for that question…I had a feeling someone would ask about that, eventually. 🙂 Susan

  48. Thanks and I appreciate your taking the time to explain…I do understand. I am going to make this for an upcoming get-together.

    Thanks again!

    Tiffany
    “caniquit…”

  49. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Hi Tiffany, Great! Let me know how it comes out! 🙂
    Susan

  50. ~CC Catherine says

    Hi Susan! What a great recipe to share! I love cheese of any kind…and pecans and strawberries are my fav too! Looking forward to meeting you this Monday! 😉 ~CC Catherine

  51. I agree that measuring cheese can be confusing since cheese is sold by weight not by volume. To counteract this, is why I think, manufacturers include a volume measurement on their packages. The only measure I know that is the same both in volume and weight is something the viscosity of water. Alton Brown on the Food Network says “a pint is a pound the world around”. Another way of saying that 16 ounces of water by volume weighs 16 ounces or 1 pound.

    Since I no longer entertain, I will definitely cut this recipe in half for two people and will probably still try to freeze part of it. I do have this book but have never tried this recipe. Thanks for the endorsement.

  52. Thanks for theninfo about Hooked On Blog Party, Susan. Do you think it’s ok for me to link the previous Saturday’s Sightseeing post for the following Friday?…Christine

  53. Susan the appetizer looks and sounds great….I think I will use it my Bridge Club next week. Thanks for sharing.

  54. Susan your blog is beautiful….. !!! I love all the vibrant colors and photos.
    The appetizer looks and sounds delicious…. I can’t wait to try it. I love all the information you included on making it. I was ignorant about the measurments on the cheese.
    I’m loving looking at the beautiful Tablescapes..
    Dolores

  55. That looks delicious! If it’s Paula’s recipe, it has to be good! Have a good weekend!

  56. Thanks for joining my Hooked on Fridays blog party today, Susan, and thanks for the kind words! You’re so sweet. 🙂

    Great recipe. Who doesn’t love Paula Deen? I get hungry just hearing her name!

  57. Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda says

    Hi Susan, I love Paula Deene recipes, but haven’t tried this one! It looks and sounds yummy! 🙂 ~hugs, Rhonda

  58. LdyDy Loves Cake says

    This sounds and looks delicious! I love Paula Deen! I copied the recipe and hope to try it soon! I am always looking for something new to try when friends come over.
    Have a great weekend!!

  59. The Muse says

    Now I do believe that this could well become a super tasty treat, right here !

  60. Mary Ellen (megardengal) says

    Oh Susan I know this is all gone for I am late to Gollums. I was having a girly time with my sisters!yeah! But I am so glad you shared your recipe for this sound absolutely yummy – something I definately want to try!

    I love you new header – Oh I think it is a new header- I do get so side tracked with the blog entries themselves sometimes that I am not as observant as I should be- the little pig is just so darling!

    blessings
    mary

  61. Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity says

    Susan, This looks so yummy. I love Paula Deen. We ate at her orignal restraunt before she ever went on the Food Network. I love the shots you used in this post.
    Hugs, Terrie

  62. I looks like a wonderful recipe for entertaining in the summer and open to endless possibilities with different preserves. Thank you!

  63. I love Paula Deen and that looks wonderful! I’ll give that one a try! Thanks!

  64. Ooh – I recognized the cookbook – I have it. I hadn’t even noticed that recipe but I dug it out and made the cheese ring for bridge last night and added the pecans like you did. Everyone liked it – it’s a keeper. Thanks! PAM

  65. I make a very similar recipe and it is delicious! I put everything except the preserves in a pie plate and then spread the fruit on top. Yummy with Ritz crackers.
    Thanks for sharing. I’m getting hungry!
    Bettye (Nina)

  66. pam ~ crumpety cottasge says

    I agree, it looks so much better with the pecans. I wonder why you don’t just put the strawberry in with the other ingredients … it seems that the flavors would melt and it would taste good mixed in with the cream cheese. Yum. It looks pretty in the center though. Anyway, this sounds like a recipe well worth trying. 🙂 Thanks, Susan.

  67. pam ~ crumpety cottasge says

    *meld

  68. Yum-Yum! Now I know what else I will take to our family Christmas party! Thank you so much!

  69. Donna zoltanski says

    O my! Thanks for the recipes. I too make a coconut cake but I admit I buy the coconut shredded! I am going to try that cheese ring. Yummy. My organization is Pinterest boards, longaberger recipe basket, plus an expandable folder for printed out recipes. Too much. I love the recipes friends have shared with their name on it to always remember them when you use it! ☺

  70. I have had the cheese ring recipe for a long time. The word is that it was a favorite of the Carters (our GA governor and then President) and one can find it on the internet by searching for Rosalynn Carter’s Plains Georgia Cheese Ring. See site below for mention of it:
    https://www.lanascooking.com/cheddar-pecan-cheese-ring-with-strawberry-preserves/
    Her recipe did not call for the cream cheese originally, I believe, but I like that addition and will probably make it this Christmas. Thanks, Susan for all the recipes. Have a Merry Christmas!

  71. Deana Brannan says

    This recipe is really Rosalind Carter’s recipe. I first came across it when she was First Lady if GA.

  72. The ring is very pretty! I spread it in a pretty pie plate and serve the strawberry preserves next to it. I add the pecans on top too — but 1/2 and 1/2 since some in the family don’t like nuts.The nice thing is that you can make 2 pie plates out of it — and save for the next meal or snack. I hate setting out a cheese ball that is half eaten! 🙂 I am making this tonight and can’t wait to sample it! Thanks for a great blog!

  73. So easy yet so yummy!! Thanks for the recipe.

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