This cheese ring is one of those things people always look forward to eating at my gatherings, and I’m always happy to oblige. Sharp cheddar, crunchy pecans, a little onion, and sweet strawberry preserves piled on a cracker? Oh, my goodness. It is divine.
If you haven’t tried cheese and jam together, you might wonder what all the fuss is about. Take one bite. The salty, savory cheese and sweet preserves pair so well that you may find yourself hovering near the snack table. I certainly understand.
First Lady Rosalynn Carter is credited with creating this recipe and often served it at White House events. This old-fashioned Southern appetizer has been around for decades, and it deserves to stick around for a few more. Pretty food is nice, but pretty food people actually want to eat? That’s a keeper.
No cooking is involved, and you can have the cheese mixture ready in about ten minutes. Shape it into a ring and refrigerate for at least two hours. When it’s time to eat, spoon the preserves into the middle, add crackers, and let everyone help themselves.
Strawberry preserves are the classic choice in the center of this cheese ring, but I’ve also used my homemade strawberry-rhubarb jam and strawberry-cranberry Christmas jam. All wonderful!
It looks festive on a holiday table, but please don’t wait for Christmas to make it. Something this good deserves more than one outing a year. Make one to help keep people out of the kitchen while you prepare Thanksgiving dinner!
This is the kind of appetizer people remember and request.
You need to grate the cheese from a block of cheddar. Use pre-packaged grated cheese only in the direst of snack-making emergencies. It's just not the same. Grating is great, but it's a snap with a food processor!
Combine the grated cheese and the other ingredients in a bowl, then mix until everything is fully blended and the mayonnaise is evenly distributed.
Some versions of this recipe call for making it in a ring mold, but I think those were all sold at garage sales in the '80s. I mean, really. Who uses one anymore? Besides, there's a certain creative pleasure in shaping the cheese ring free-form with your hands. Why deny yourself?
Here's a slick trick to keep the serving plate tidy. Tear three pieces of waxed paper and arrange them in a triangle on the serving plate.
Plop the cheese mixture in the middle and use your clean hands to form the ball into an open ring. Channel your inner potter! Don't worry about perfection; let everyone know you made it by hand!
Now, carefully pull out the wax paper, leaving a clean serving plate for the crackers. Voila! Cover your cheese ring tightly with plastic wrap and chill it thoroughly. When you're ready to serve, stud the top with more pecans (I added a few cranberries this time), fill the middle with jam, and arrange crackers around the edge or nearby in a basket.
Stand back and get ready to hear lots of "mmm-mmm" happy sounds as your family and friends enjoy this throwback classic!
Here are some other amazing vintage appetizers I love serving, and my guests love to eat, year after year.
⭐Dried Beef Dip: A savory dip in a base of sour cream and real mayonnaise with Beau Monde, dill, and dried beef. Serve in a hollowed-out loaf of bread for a great presentation.
⭐Cranberry Meatballs: A quick and easy slow cooker recipe for meatballs in a tangy sauce. Serve them over rice or noodles, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer on long festive toothpicks!
⭐Monte Cristo Pinwheels: A lovely appetizer or snack version of the famous Monte Cristo sandwich, baked in light puff pastry.
⭐Million Dollar Dip: Helen Corbitt created this dip recipe for the famous Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus in Dallas. Six simple ingredients make an amazing dip that's quick and easy to make!
⭐Beer Cheese Dip: Put this savory dip together in minutes. The flavor is outstanding and pairs well with crackers, crudité, or crusty bites of beer bread.
It's a delightful throwback recipe from First Lady Rosalyn Carter. This festive cheese ring is a classic savory, sweet, salty treat served with crackers.
Amid the hustle and bustle, remember the one true reason we celebrate this holiday: take a moment to slow down and enjoy meaningful time with your loved ones. Christmas is a gift and was never meant to be a burden!
Do you have an appetizer or dip you love, but haven't made in years? Tell me all about it! I read and answer every single comment myself!
If you liked how this recipe turned out, I'd love it if you left a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review or dropped me a note in the comments! It really helps my little business connect with people who cook and eat the way we do. Thanks! ❤❤
Love, GB (Betty Streff)
Real food. Real kitchen. Real easy.
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