Rosalynn Carter’s Cheese Ring
Rosalynn Carter’s Cheese Ring is a delicious, savory appetizer often served at parties or gatherings. It’s a creamy, cheesy dip encased in a ring of savory bread dough, making it both unique and tasty. This dish was popularized by Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady of the United States. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
For the Cheese Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dough:
- 1 can (11 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or 1 package of frozen bread dough, thawed)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing on top)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, green onions (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Use a hand mixer or a spoon to blend everything until smooth and well combined.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- If you’re using crescent roll dough, unroll the dough and lay the triangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping the edges to form a ring. The wider ends should be facing outward, and the pointed ends should face inward, leaving a hole in the center.
- If you’re using frozen bread dough, roll it out into a circle and place it on the parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring the center is open.
3. Fill the Dough Ring:
- Spoon the cheese filling into the center of the dough ring, spreading it evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Fold the Dough Over:
- Carefully fold the dough points (the triangular ends from the crescent rolls) over the cheese filling, pinching them gently together to seal the filling inside.
5. Bake the Cheese Ring:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the top of the dough with melted butter (optional) to get a golden and shiny finish.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese filling is bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Let the cheese ring cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve it warm with crackers, sliced veggies, or just as is!
Tips:
- You can add cooked crumbled bacon or finely chopped ham to the cheese filling for an extra savory flavor.
- If you prefer a more complex flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
- This recipe can also be made ahead of time; just assemble it and refrigerate it before baking.
This Rosalynn Carter’s Cheese Ring is perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, and its cheesy, savory goodness is sure to be a hit at any gathering!
