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If you’ve ever spotted a cheese ring on a holiday appetizer table, you know just how quickly it disappears. This Turkish Cheese Ring is an elevated take on that classic party favorite, swapping the usual cheddar-based spread for creamy goat cheese, fresh herbs, and sweet fig jam. It’s just as easy to prepare, but the flavors feel a little more special, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or any occasion where you want an impressive appetizer without a lot of work.
The combination of tangy goat cheese and cream cheese creates a smooth, spreadable texture that pairs beautifully with fresh rosemary and thyme. A spoonful of fig jam mixed into the cheese adds just a hint of sweetness, while garlic and onion powder round out the savory flavors. Once molded into a ring and coated with crunchy pistachios, it looks like something from a gourmet cheese board.
The center is filled with more fig jam and finished with a drizzle of honey, creating a beautiful presentation. Every bite balances creamy, tangy, sweet, and salty flavors, while the pistachios add a welcome crunch.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. After an hour in the refrigerator, it’s ready to unmold and serve, making entertaining much less stressful. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or simply inviting friends over for an afternoon get-together, this Turkish Cheese Ring is an easy app that feels festive without requiring hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and we’re sure you’ll agree!
Turkish Cheese Ring
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 10.5 oz Goat cheese, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon fig jam
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted pistachios
- 1-2 tablespoon honey
- 2/3 cup fig jam, for center
Preparation
- Place plastic wrap on the inside of a 8-cup bundt pan to fully line the pan. Wrap should hang over the outside edges.
- For the cheese spread: In a medium sized bowl, add cream cheese, goat cheese, 1 tablespoon fig jam, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- For the topping: Sprinkle the chopped pistachios in the bottom of the lined bundt pan.
- Carefully spoon cheese spread into the pan over the toppings and press down on the top to evenly pack the pan.
- Cover pan with plastic wrap and chill for a minimum of 1 hour.
- When ready to serve: Peel off the top plastic wrap then invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate or platter. Lift the pan off and remove the plastic wrap lining.
- Spoon jam into the center of the cheese ring and drizzle honey over the top.
- Serve with crackers, bread, or pretzels.
Recipe adapted from Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team[/caption] 12tomatoes.com
