If you’re looking for the perfect appetizer recipe for any occasion, you have to try Rosalynn Carter’s Cheddar Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves. I’ve been serving this since the 1970s, and people are still talking about it!
I’m in a vintage comfort food kind of mood today, and I hope you are too, because this Cheddar Pecan Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves is one of those recipes from way back.
How far back? Well, Jimmy Carter was a governor, and his wife, Rosalynn, was still relatively unknown–that far back. So far back that we actually wrote down recipes on little cards and filed them in a box. Yes, I’m talking about before the internet.
I’m always so amused when I see someone post a recipe they’ve just “discovered” and are raving about it being the latest thing. More often than not, it’s something like this recipe with a slight variation that has been around for years and years.
I want to say, “Girl, please. My friends and I were making that before you were born.” But I don’t. I just smile and feel happy that a new generation is enjoying all those recipes again. Like the Rosalyn Carter cheese ring!
Recipe Snapshot: Cheddar Pecan Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 20
Cuisine: Southern/Vintage
Cooking Method: N/A
Primary Ingredients: Sharp cheddar cheese, pecans, strawberry preserves
Skill Level: Easy
DO MORE WITH CHATGPT
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I knew I could trust your website for a recipe for this perennial favorite. I’m making it now for a Christmas party tomorrow. Thank you so much for posting about this wonderful dish, and for the reminder about its origins.”
— Sharon
“I had this cheese ring at a church luncheon in the 1970s and finally found it again here. Thanks so much. Truly delicious.”
— Maggie
The Cheese Ring Makes a Comeback!
This recipe is one that I’ve seen again recently. I remember when this became popular in the early 70s. It was during Jimmy Carter’s time as governor of Georgia, and this was his wife Rosalynn’s recipe.
It enjoyed a resurgence in popularity when the Carters were in the White House. During those years, you couldn’t go to an event in Georgia with more than three people present and not find this cheese ring on the buffet.
And with good reason. It’s downright fantastic. Again, as I’ve said so many times before, here’s that combination of sweet and savory that Southerners love. The savory, salty cheese, onion, and mayonnaise combined with the sweet strawberry preserves. Deliciousness on a cracker, y’all.
Make this for your next get together with friends. You’re gonna love it. I promise.
You’ll also find this recipe in my cookbook!
You can see this recipe on pages 10-11 of my cookbook, My Southern Table! Get your signed copy today.
Ingredient Notes
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- Sharp Cheddar Cheese — Use sharp or extra sharp cheddar according to your preference. And be sure to grate it yourself. Don’t purchase the shredded cheese in the bag.
- Pecans — Definitely a Georgia-grown ingredient. The toasted pecans are a perfect contrast to the other ingredients in this recipe.
- Mayonnaise — Use regular, not low fat. Duke’s mayonnaise is always my choice for a purchased mayo, but this recipe is even better with your own homemade mayonnaise!
- Onion — I prefer mild yellow onion for this.
- Strawberry Preserves — Use your own homemade strawberry jam or a quality brand of purchased preserves.
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Cheddar Pecan Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves
Toast the Pecans
STEP 1. Start by toasting the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Let them cool while you proceed with the recipe. Set aside 2 tablespoons of pecans for garnish.
Pro Tip
An alternative for toasting pecans is to place them in a small baking pan and cook at 350 degrees for 4 to 5 minutes. When you start to smell them, you know they’re done!
Grate the Cheese
STEP 2. Grate the cheese with a box grater or food processor. Finely grate the onion as well.
Pro Tip
I can’t stress enough that you should not use the packaged shredded cheese in this recipe. It just won’t work. The coating on the packaged cheese that keeps it from sticking together will keep your cheese ring from sticking together, too. You simply must have freshly grated cheese.
Mix Ingredients
STEP 3. Put all the ingredients (except the strawberry preserves) in a medium mixing bowl.
STEP 3 (cont’d.) Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is thoroughly combined.
Form the Ring
STEP 4. Turn the entire mixture out onto a serving board or serving plate.
STEP 4 (cont’d.) Using your impeccably clean hands, shape it into a ring.
Add Garnish
STEP 5. Spoon the preserves in the center of the ring. Sprinkle the reserved pecans on top. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving at room temperature.
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Serving
STEP 6. Serve the cheese ring with assorted mildly flavored crackers. I like a sesame seed cracker best, but that’s just my preference.
Recipe Tips
- Repurpose leftovers into a sauce for steamed vegetables. Place the leftovers, minus the preserves, into a saucepan and melt over low heat. Drizzle over steamed broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower.
- To make sure the cheese ring is firm, be sure to refrigerate for several hours before serving. Serve at room temperature.
Storage and Make Ahead Information
The cheese ring may be made ahead and refrigerated, but be sure to bring it to room temperature for serving. Leftovers also keep well for a few days in the refrigerator. Freezing is not recommended.
Questions and Answers: Cheddar Pecan Cheese Ring
- Can I use a mold to make the cheese ring?
To be honest, this recipe doesn’t mold well. It’s a bit too “sticky” to come out of the mold without making a mess. Because of that, I always simply form it into a ring using my hands. If you really want to try a mold, I’d recommend lining it with plastic wrap and spraying the plastic wrap really well with cooking spray. - Can I substitute something for the mayo? Can I use a different type of preserves?
Because of the unique flavor profile of this recipe, I really don’t recommend making many substitutions. It’s a proven, traditional recipe that’s meant to be enjoyed in its original form. - What are the best crackers to serve with this cheese ring?
I usually serve Toasteds Toasted Sesame crackers with this cheese ring, but any mildly flavored cracker works well. You could also offer pretzels or pretzel crisps, bagel or pita chips, or even old-fashioned Captain’s wafers.
Have a question or thought to share?
If you have a question about the recipe or if you’ve made it and want to share how it turned out, I would truly enjoy hearing from you. Just scroll down to leave a comment or add your star rating.
Thank you for stopping by. It means a lot to have you here.
Recipe
Cheddar Pecan Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely grated onion
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 12 ounces strawberry preserves (small jar)
Instructions
- Lightly toast the pecans in the oven at 350 degrees or in a dry skillet over medium heat. Let cool. Set aside 2 tablespoons of pecans for garnish.1 cup chopped pecans
- Grate the cheese with a box grater or food processor. Finely grate the onion.1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons finely grated onion
- Put all ingredients (except strawberry preserves) in a medium mixing bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon until thoroughly combined.1 cup mayonnaise, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Turn the mixture out onto a board or serving plate. Using your hands, shape into a ring. Place preserves in the center of the ring. Sprinkle with the reserved pecans.12 ounces strawberry preserves
- Serve with assorted crackers.May be made ahead and refrigerated. Keeps well for a few days in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- This recipe requires freshly grated cheese. The coating on the packaged, shredded cheese that keeps it from sticking together will also keep your cheese ring from sticking together.
- Use regular mayonnaise, not low fat.
- To make sure the cheese ring is firm, be sure to refrigerate for several hours before serving. Serve at room temperature.
- May be made ahead and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature for serving. Leftovers also keep well for a few days in the refrigerator. Freezing is not recommended.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
Where did I go wrong? I followed the recipe to a T including grating fresh cheese. I let it set up overnight, The next day when I served, it was really crumbly. Not just a little but a lot crumbly. Any ideals what happened?
It’s hard to say what happened without being in the kitchen with you. I’ve honestly never had that happen with this recipe. The only thing I can guess is that either you had a brand of cheese that tends to be drier or the mayonnaise was measured incorrectly.
I only had a group of 8 so I halved the recipe, I was plenty. Everyon loved it and asked for the recipe. Nice work Lana, thanks for sharing.
So glad your group enjoyed this old, old recipe, Cindy!
I began making this same cheese ring at least 40 years ago and it’s always been a hit! I haven’t made it in a few years and decided to make it Christmas Eve. I think this time I will use fresh grated cheese, although never had an issue with it sticking together in mold using packaged cheese. The fresh grated will taste even better!
I agree that the freshly grated cheese will be best. The pre-grated packaged cheese is always dry.
One of my mother’s go to recipes
for the holidays. I couldn’t recall the measurements for the peppers to be added. Love this and thankful to find your site with the recipe. Merry Christmas!
Glad I could help, Nelida!
I knew I could trust your website for a recipe for this perennial favorite. I thought about it while watching Rosalynn Carter’s funeral, and I’m making it now for a Christmas party tomorrow. Thank you so much for posting about this wonderful dish, and for the reminder about its origins.
This is a wonderful recipe from waaaaay back! Just offering a tip–I was taking an appetizer to a party and it needed to be “hand-held”, so I mixed up the cheese ring recipe, put about a tablespoon each in mini phyllo tart shells, then topped each one with a dab of strawberry preserves and a toasted pecan–kind of “deconstructed” it. Huge hit and no mess!
Great idea, Ann!
I had this at a holiday party.They had actually used cranberry sauce instead of strawberry jam & it was delish! I’d never seen anything like it before; the combination of sweet with the bite of the cheddar was so good! The woman told me what was in it & said they’d been making it in her family for years and she didn’t even have a recipe anymore, so I was so excited to find your recipe; THANK YOU for posting this!
Yes, it’s a very old recipe! I’ve had it with cranberry sauce and it’s good, but I do prefer the strawberry preserves (especially if you have some homemade!).
My family loves the cheese ring. I take this to every family get together
We always enjoy this, too! Perfect combination of savory and sweet.
Do you think this would work in a oiled jello mold?
I’m not sure, Vee. I’ve always just shaped it with my hands.
I may try it.. because I need a cheeseball type recipe for a brain mold for Halloween party. I plan on adding a red food color powder in it then spooning the preserves over the brain shape
Didn’t work in a mold. Could not remove it. .back to square one.
If you need this made into a mold, just line your mold with saran wrap and let is set-up overnight in the fridge.
I’ve always done this in a fluted Bundt pan. I don’t even spray it because there’s enough Mayo to “grease” it. I just invert it onto a platter and then pull out on the sides of the pan a little to break the seal and it’ll plop right out.
I just shape it with my hands so there’s one less thing to wash 😊.
Made this for Easter and it was incredible. Posted it today on my site. Thanks for the recipe!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s an old favorite around here, too.
Had this at a potluck ‘meeting’..it was DELICIOUS! Can’t wait to make it for Christmas!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Reminds me I need to put it on my Christmas-to-make list.
We make something very similar, but I think we use double that amount of cheese and green onions instead of yellow or white. A friend took this to her niece’s wedding, and my mom convinced me to try it (it doesn’t look very pretty, lol). So glad I did! It is now my go-to dish, and there is never any left. I had no idea it was a vintage recipe!
Looks delicious!! Thanks so much for sharing.
This is new to me!! And it (still) looks fabulous! ;)
I hope you’ll give it a try, Brenda. I’ve never served it to anyone who didn’t rave about it.
YUM! Wow this looks delicious. I can’t wait to try it.
Oh yes. We have made and consumed enough of this to “float a battleship.” For a true Southwest Georgia delicacy, substitute mayhaw jelly for strawberry preserves.
Miss P
That’s a great idea! I’ve never had it with mayhaw jelly, but I know that would be wonderful.
Glad you found me, Bella, and I hope you’ll visit again! I agree…this cheese ring is so addictive. The only problem I have with making it is that I can’t stop eating it.
I had totally forgotten about this delicious recipe! I’m like you about the noisy kitchen machines. Not to mention that by the time one gets the thing out, grates the cheese, takes it back apart, cleans it and puts it away, YOUR cheese is grated, you have one simple tool to wash, and you are well into your recipe.
That’s the truth, Rocquie! It has to be something really huge for me to go to the trouble of taking apart and washing those things. I’d rather wash my hand held tools any time!
I have had the longest day. After nearly a month of cleaning and packing my house went on the market Saturday; Saturday night I seriously wrenched my back installing a chandelier and this house showing business has been not only tiring but painful. I SO need a day off my feet with a heating pad to try to correct whatever I did to my back.
So…what’s that got to do with your cheese ring? Well, I’m reading this article and am so tired I feel sick but you made me smile. Wide and big. How? This:
“Girl, please. My friends and I were making that before you were born.”
Oh yeah; how many times that very thought has gone through my head!! Thanks for the chuckle; I needed it. Now off to find some Ibuprofen and a heating pad!
Barb – so, so sorry about your back! Fingers crossed that the house sells quickly and you have a few days to rest and take care of yourself.
And, yeah, I even thought of you when I was writing that :-)
Lana, I had this cheese ring at a church luncheon in the 1970s and finally found it again here. Thanks so much. Truly delicious.
You’re welcome, Maggie! It really is a delicious old recipe :-)