Cheddar Pecan Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves

This Cheddar Pecan Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves is a vintage cheese ring recipe attributed to first lady Rosalynn Carter. Good for any get together!

Cheese ring surrounded by crackers on a serving board.

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings servings

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese
▢ 1 cup chopped pecans
▢ 1 cup mayonnaise
▢ 2 tablespoons finely grated onion
▢ 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.
Grate the cheese with a box grater or food processor. Finely grate the onion.
Put all ingredients (except strawberry preserves) in a medium mixing bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon until thoroughly combined.
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.
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