Breakfast & Brunch
This bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves transforms a classic appetizer into a breakfast masterpiece that balances smoky, salty bacon with sweet, tangy fruit in just 30 minutes. The key lies in crisping the bacon perfectly before wrapping it around a cheese center—where the strawberry preserves add a bright, fruity contrast that cuts through the richness. I developed this recipe after realizing how often breakfast dishes lean too heavily toward savory or sweet, never both.
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity: no fancy techniques, just five core ingredients that come together effortlessly. The bacon forms a crispy, edible crust around the melted cheese, while the strawberry preserves inject a burst of summer flavor with every bite.
It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet stays light enough for a weekday breakfast or a sophisticated brunch appetizer.
What you’ll end up with is a golden, ring-shaped appetizer that’s crisp on the outside, creamy in the middle, and sweetly balanced throughout. The contrast of smoky bacon, rich cheese, and fruity preserves creates a harmony that’s both unexpected and irresistible.
Perfect for serving at room temperature or chilled, this dish is sure to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.
For extra flair, sprinkle fresh herbs like chives or basil on top, or adjust the sweetness of the preserves to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless, but the foundation remains foolproof—just 30 minutes, one pan, and a few simple steps stand between you and a showstopping breakfast creation.
Ingredients for bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves
Five ingredients, one pan, and a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and creamy flavors.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Center-Cut Bacon 🥓 | 8 oz | Thick-cut for best crispiness |
| Cheddar Cheese 🧀 | 8 oz | Sharp or medium cheddar, block form |
| Strawberry Preserves 🍓 | ¼ cup | No-sugar-added preferred for balance |
| Heavy Cream 🥛 | ¼ cup | Full-fat for rich texture |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 2 tbsp | For crisping bacon |
| Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | For seasoning |
| Fresh Chives 🌿 | 2 tbsp | Chopped, for garnish |
The bacon is everything here—thick-cut center-cut gives you that ideal crisp without burning. Grab it from the butcher section if possible, or Oscar Mayer thick-cut from the grocery store. Look for slices that are uniform in thickness so they crisp evenly. The cheddar needs to be block form (none of that pre-shredded stuff—it gets gummy). Sharp cheddar has more punch, but medium works too if you prefer milder flavor. I always buy extra bacon because you can crisp more than you need and save the rest for breakfast later.
No strawberry preserves? Raspberry jam or apricot jam works in a pinch—just adjust the sweetness to taste. The heavy cream is non-negotiable for that luscious texture, but if you're watching calories, half-and-half or light cream will still work. For the butter, European-style unsalted (like Plugrá) gives a richer flavor than regular butter. The chives are optional but add a bright finish—skip them if you're in a hurry, but trust me, they make it feel extra special. If you don't have chives, green onions or basil work too.
This keeps beautifully for 3 days in the fridge, wrapped tightly in parchment paper. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness. For parties, make it ahead and chill—it actually tastes better after sitting for an hour, letting the flavors meld. The bacon stays crisp longer if you reheat it uncovered for the last 2 minutes. Freeze for up to 1 month by wrapping tightly in foil.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No-Fuss Assembly: I swear by this recipe because it’s the kind of thing you can assemble while chatting with a friend on the phone. Just layer the cooked bacon, shredded cheddar, and a dollop of heavy cream in a ring mold—no fancy techniques, no stress. The strawberry preserves get brushed on top after baking, so you’re not dealing with sticky hands mid-process.
- Sweet-Savory Magic: Between us, that first bite of crispy bacon, gooey cheddar, and the bright tang of strawberry preserves is chef’s kiss. The preserves cut through the richness like a summer breeze—honestly, it’s the kind of flavor combo that makes you question why you’ve never done this before.
- Brunch Star Every Time: This is my go-to for weekend mornings, potlucks, or even a lazy Sunday funday. The ring shape looks impressive enough for company, but it’s also the kind of dish that disappears fast at family gatherings. (Yes, even on a Tuesday night when you’re craving something special.)
- Leftovers That Don’t Suck: Most baked cheddar dishes turn into a sad, greasy mess when reheated. Not this one. The bacon stays crispy, the cheese stays stretchy, and the preserves add a freshness that makes it taste like it was just pulled from the oven. I’ve had it cold, warmed in the microwave, or even sliced for sandwiches—no regrets.
Step-by-step instructions for bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves
This sweet-savory breakfast ring comes together faster than you'd expect—crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and fruity preserves in one elegant package.
Cook the Bacon Until Perfectly Crisp
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the 8 oz center-cut bacon into ½-inch thick slices, working with the natural grain for maximum crispiness. Arrange the bacon slices in a circular pattern on the baking sheet, slightly overlapping each piece to form a ring.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping the bacon slices once halfway through, until they're deep golden brown and crisp to the touch. The edges should be slightly curled—this indicates they're fully rendered but still tender. Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool for 2 minutes before handling.
Create the Cheese Centerpiece
While the bacon cooks, cut the 8 oz cheddar cheese into ¼-inch thick slices. Arrange these slices in a tight, overlapping circle on a separate baking sheet, creating a ring slightly smaller than the bacon. This will form the gooey core of your breakfast ring.
Return the cheese ring to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges begin to soften and the cheese starts to melt together slightly. You're not looking for full meltdown—just enough to create a cohesive, slightly tacky center. The cheese should still hold its shape when you gently press it with a spatula. Remove from the oven and let cool for 1 minute before assembling.
Assemble the Ring with Sweet-Savory Filling
In a small saucepan, combine the 0.25 cup heavy cream, 0.25 cup strawberry preserves, and 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Warm over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and the preserves are fully incorporated. Remove from heat and stir in the 0.5 tsp diamond crystal kosher salt.
Carefully transfer the warm cheese ring to a serving platter. Spoon the strawberry preserve mixture evenly over the cheese center, spreading it to the edges but leaving a ½-inch border of exposed cheese. Then, gently place the crisp bacon ring on top of the cheese, overlapping the slices to create a complete outer ring. The contrast between the sweet preserves and salty bacon will be irresistible.
Garnish and Serve Immediately
Use kitchen shears to snip the 2 tbsp fresh chives into ¼-inch pieces and sprinkle them evenly over the entire ring, focusing on the exposed cheese areas. The chives add a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the bacon and cheese.
Serve the bacon cheese ring immediately while the center is still warm and gooey. The contrast of textures—crisp bacon, creamy cheese, and fruity preserves—makes every bite exciting. For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of additional preserves on the side or a small side salad to balance the richness.
Pro Tips For Making Bacon Cheese Ring With Strawberry Preserves
- CRISP THE BACON FIRST: I used to bake the bacon right in the ring mold, thinking it’d save time—but the cheese gets soggy from all that fat. Cook the bacon separately in a skillet until it’s crisp, then drain on paper towels. That extra step guarantees the ring stays sturdy and the flavor stays bold.
- USE SHREDDED CHEESE DIRECTLY: Store-bought pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that make the ring grainy and less melty. Buy a block of sharp cheddar, grate it yourself, and pat it dry with a paper towel. It’s a little more work, but the texture makes all the difference when the ring slices cleanly.
- WATCH THE CREAM TEMPERATURE: Heavy cream straight from the fridge will curdle when it hits the hot bacon and cheese. Warm it slightly in a microwave for 15 seconds or let it sit out for 5 minutes. Smooth, creamy filling > lumpy disappointment.
- PRESS THE RING FIRMLY: After baking, resist the urge to slice immediately—give it 10 minutes to set. Then, press down gently with a spatula or your hands while it’s still warm to compact the layers. This keeps the ring from falling apart when you cut into it (yes, even if you’re impatient like me).
Creative variations of bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves
Sweet-Savory Swaps
Trade the strawberry preserves for raspberry jam to deepen the fruitiness—just reduce to 2 tbsp since raspberries are more concentrated. For a smoky twist, mix 1 tsp chipotle powder into the preserves before warming.
I’ve also used peach preserves in summer for a tropical vibe, pairing it with blue cheese instead of cheddar for a funky contrast. 🍓
Cheese Variations
Swap sharp cheddar for Gouda (smoked or aged) to add caramelized depth. For a creamy center, try brie or camembert—they melt beautifully and pair perfectly with the sweetness. If you love spice, fold 1 tbsp hot honey into the preserves before assembling.
My favorite unexpected combo? Blue cheese with fig preserves—sounds wild, but the tangy-sweet balance is next-level. 🧀
Breakfast Upgrades
Boost the breakfast factor by adding a poached egg on top—just crack it onto the warm ring in the last minute of baking. For extra richness, drizzle maple syrup over the preserves before serving.
I also love sprinkling toasted pecans on top for crunch, especially with peach preserves. For a quick protein boost, wrap the ring in prosciutto instead of bacon—it adds a delicate, salty layer. 🍳
Seasonal Twists
In fall, use apple butter with pecans and sharp cheddar for a cozy vibe. Winter calls for cranberry sauce (reduce sweetness) with goat cheese—the tartness cuts through the richness beautifully.
For spring/summer, stick with strawberry preserves but add fresh basil or mint to the filling for brightness. I’ve even done a lime-cilantro version with white cheddar—trust me, it works! 🍁
Dietary Adaptations
For lower sugar, use no-sugar-added preserves and balance with extra salt in the filling. Gluten-free? No changes needed—just ensure your bacon is GF-certified. Dairy-free? Swap cheddar for nutritional yeast mixed with cashew cream (blend ½ cup soaked cashews with ¼ cup water).
I’ve also made a vegan version with smoked tofu baked until crispy, wrapped around avocado slices with sweet chili jam. 🌱
Make-Ahead Magic
Assemble the ring ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours—the flavors meld beautifully. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm at 350°F for 10 minutes.
For freezer-friendly versions, use cream cheese instead of heavy cream (it holds up better) and add 1 tsp cornstarch to the preserves to prevent separation. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. 🧊
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I use pre-cooked bacon for this recipe?
Pre-cooked bacon works in a pinch, but fresh bacon gives you far better crispiness and flavor. If you must use pre-cooked, bake it at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness before assembling. The key is getting that perfect crunch around the cheese center.
What's the best way to adjust the sweetness level?
Start with no-sugar-added preserves if you want less sweetness, or add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the filling for depth without extra sugar. For a tangier profile, stir in 1 tsp lemon juice to the preserves before warming.
Can I make this ahead of time for a party?
Assemble the ring up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. The flavors actually improve as they meld. To serve, warm at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore crispness. For freezing, replace heavy cream with cream cheese and add 1 tsp cornstarch to the preserves.
Why did my cheese get too melty?
Over-baking the cheese is the most common issue. The cheese should only soften slightly—about 8-10 minutes at 400°F. If it melts completely, try using brie or camembert next time (they melt beautifully) or reduce oven time by 2 minutes and check frequently.
What's a good side dish pairing?
For a brunch spread, serve with fresh berries or a simple arugula salad to balance the richness. A crisp bagel or toast on the side lets guests build their own bites. For a savory contrast, try pickled vegetables or a tangy fruit salsa.