Rosalynn Carter’s Cheese Ring
A timeless Southern holiday classic! This beloved recipe from former First Lady Rosalynn Carter features a savory cheddar and pecan cheese ring with sweet strawberry preserves in the center — perfect for spreading on crackers. Elegant, nostalgic, and full of flavor, it’s an appetizer that brings warmth to any gathering. Rosalynn Carter was a gracious host, devoted to her family, and a true humanitarian.
Try my pecan bacon cheese ball, jalapeño popper cheese ball, and reindeer cheese ball next!
Southern Cheese Ring with Strawberry Jam
It is my real pleasure to share this most beloved cheese ring recipe with you. It is the best sweet and salty cheese ring we have ever tasted!!
A vintage famous Southern appetizer that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or potlucks! Serve with crackers and enjoy this timeless favorite.
The strawberry jam adds the perfect sweet flavor to the cheese ring. It is so good paired with the slightly spiced pecan cheddar cheese ring and salty crackers.
Recipe Snapshot
QUICK AND EASY: just 5 minutes of prep time
BEST CHEESE RING: cheesy, sweet, and salty flavors
SIMPLE RECIPE: with just 6 ingredients
Popular Southern appetizer recipe loved by generations
Ingredients
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – shredded cheese from a cheddar cheese block
- Onion – medium onion grated
- Cayenne Pepper
- Pecans – chopped
- Mayonnaise
- Black Pepper – optional
- Strawberry Jam Preserve – homemade or store bought is optional
How to make Rosalyn Carter’s cheese ring recipe
- Grate the cheese into a large bowl.
- Peel the onion and grate it onto a paper towel. Gently wring or pat out any excess water. Add it to the cheese.
- Add in the mayonnaise and the cayenne pepper.
- In a small pan, toast the pecans over low heat for about 5 minutes. Roughly chop into small pieces and add to the mixture and stir well until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Use a spatula to scoop the cheese in a ring shaped pattern onto a plate or cake stand.
- Place in the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours.
- Remove about 30 minutes before ready to serve and spoon your favorite preserves into the center of the ring. Strawberry works wonderfully. Pair with crackers, or even pretzels for a quick and easy appetizer!
Sandra’s Top Tips
- Use a good quality cheddar cheese block to shred not a pre-shredded cheese in the package from the grocery store for the best flavor
- Serve with fresh cut vegetables like bell peppers, celery, cucumbers, carrots or with your favorite crackers and pita crackers
- Be sure to chill the cheese ring for at least 2 hours in the fridge or make ahead to chill in the fridge overnight
- Using your favorite flavoured jam preserve like a strawberry jam, fig jam, red peppy jelly and apricot jam to pair with the cheese ring is optional but we recommend it
Storage instructions
Store leftover cheese ring using an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
Bring it to room temperature (leave out for 20 to 30 minutes) before serving.
nRosalyn Carter’s Cheese Ring
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 25 servings
Description
This famous Rosalynn Carter’s Cheese Ring recipe features a pecan and cheddar cheese ring with a strawberry jam preserve in the middle and crackers served around it. A classic appetizer recipe that was a favorite among many recipes that were passed down by the former First Lady Rosalyn Carter, known for being a wonderful humanitarian, dedicated spouse, mom and grandmother.
Ingredients
1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, in block form, shredded
1 medium-sized onion
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup pecans
1 cup mayonnaise
Preserves for centre of the ring (optional)
Crackers for serving
Instructions
- Grate the cheese into a large bowl.
- Peel the onion and grate it onto a paper towel. Gently wring or pat out any excess water. Add it to the cheese.
- Add in the mayonnaise and the cayenne pepper.
- In a small pan, toast the pecans over low heat for about 5 minutes. Roughly chop into small pieces and add to the mixture and stir well until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Use a spatula to scoop the cheese in a ring shaped pattern onto a plate or cake stand.
- Place in the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours.
- Remove about 30 minutes before ready to serve and spoon your favorite preserves into the center of the ring. Strawberry works wonderfully. Pair with crackers, or even pretzels for a quick and easy appetizer!
Notes
Storage instructions:
Store leftover cheese ring using an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
Bring it to room temperature (leave out for 20 to 30 minutes) before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
I enjoyed making this. It’s so good in the history behind. It makes that extra special. I think I’m going to have this for my special days for 2025. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for sharing and I agree. Recipes with history really touch my heart. So happy that you’ve enjoyed this cheese ring!