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!
— This post was originally published on February 5, 2013. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.
Recipe Snapshot
Cuisine: Southern Vintage
Cooking Method: None
Total Time: 15 Minutes
Servings: 20
Primary Ingredient(s): Sharp cheddar cheese, pecans, strawberry preserves
Skill Level: Easy
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
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 the time that Jimmy Carter was 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 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. It’s 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
- 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
- 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
- Put all the ingredients (except the strawberry preserves) in a medium mixing bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until everything is thoroughly combined.
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Form the Ring
- Turn the entire mixture out onto a serving board or serving plate, and using your impeccably clean hands, shape it into a ring.
Add Garnish
- 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.
Serving
- 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 About Cheddar Pecan 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. I always form it into a ring using my hands because of that. 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.
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.
I usually serve Pepperidge Farm Toasted Sesame crackers with this cheese ring. 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!