Breakfast & Brunch
This bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves transforms a simple breakfast into an impressive, sweet-savory tower that requires just one pan. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and fruity strawberry preserves creates a flavor profile that balances rich and tangy notes perfectly—ideal for brunch or a weekend treat.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity: no fancy techniques, just a few key ingredients assembled in a way that delivers restaurant-quality results.
The process begins with a foolproof cheese ring dough that bakes up golden and crispy, providing the perfect vessel for the savory filling. Layered inside are crispy bacon pieces and melted cheese, all bound together by a drizzle of sweet strawberry preserves that adds a bright, fruity contrast.
The result is a dish that’s equal parts indulgent and balanced, with every bite offering a mix of textures and flavors that keep things interesting.
By the time it emerges from the oven, your bacon cheese ring will be golden brown on the outside and gooey on the inside, with a glossy strawberry preserve glaze that ties everything together.
It’s the kind of dish that elevates a casual breakfast into something special—perfect for serving alongside a mimosa or coffee to start the day right. The best part? It’s ready in under an hour, making it ideal for weekend gatherings or a lazy Sunday brunch.
Pair it with a sparkling rosé or fresh orange juice to complement the sweet and savory flavors, and you’ve got a brunch spread that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a decadent breakfast, this recipe delivers on both flavor and ease. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves
Sweet-savory magic in one golden ring—crispy dough, melty cheese, and fruity preserves balance perfectly.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 2 ½ cups | Sifted for light texture |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | ½ cup | Cold, cubed for dough |
| Granulated Sugar 🍚 | ¼ cup | For dough sweetness |
| Large Eggs 🥚 | 1 whole | Room temperature preferred |
| Baking Powder 🍞 | 1 tsp | For lift in dough |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Diamond Crystal preferred |
| Cheddar Cheese 🧀 | 1 ½ cups | Shredded, sharp variety |
| Cooked Bacon 🥓 | 1 cup | Crumbled, thick-cut preferred |
| Strawberry Preserves 🍓 | ½ cup | Seeded for texture |
| Heavy Cream 🥛 | ¼ cup | For glaze finish |
| Vanilla Extract 🌸 | ½ tsp | Pure vanilla preferred |
| Ground Cinnamon 🌿 | ¼ tsp | Optional for warmth |
The dough is where the magic happens. King Arthur flour or Bob's Red Mill gives the best texture—avoid substitutes. Cold butter creates flaky layers, so keep it chilled until mixing. For the cheese, sharp cheddar from Tillamook or Cabot adds depth, but any aged cheddar works. Bacon should be thick-cut and cooked until crispy—Oscar Mayer or Applewood brands are reliable. Strawberry preserves? Smaller brands like Bonne Maman taste better than store-brand jars—look for natural ingredients with no added oils.
No sharp cheddar? Monterey Jack or pepper jack add creaminess instead. Short on butter? Coconut oil works in a pinch, but texture won't be identical. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for 24 hours—just let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping. For extra flakiness, freeze the dough between layers. The preserves can be swapped for raspberry jam or apricot preserves if strawberries aren't available. Just ensure it's seedless for a cleaner finish.
This keeps beautifully—3 days at room temperature covered loosely, or 1 week refrigerated in an airtight container. For serving, bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing. The glaze sets as it cools, so assemble just before serving. Freeze the whole ring for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Leftovers reheat well in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No-Fuss Assembly: I swear by this recipe because it’s basically a biscuit dough you roll up with bacon and cheese—no fancy shaping, no waiting for dough to rise. You mix the dry ingredients, cut in cold butter, fold in eggs, and boom: ready to wrap in a flash.
- Sweet-Savory Magic: The strawberry preserves cut through the richness of the bacon and cheese like a bright summer breeze. That first bite—crispy ring, gooey center, fruity tang—is the kind of balance that makes you want to eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Breakfast or Brunch Hero: This isn’t just a side dish—it’s the star of lazy weekend mornings or holiday brunches. Serve it warm with maple syrup for a crowd, or slice it cold for a picnic. Honestly, I’ve even made it for a quick work lunch (yes, even on a Tuesday).
Step-by-step instructions for bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves
This sweet-savory breakfast tower comes together faster than you can say "morning coffee."
👨🍳 Step 1: Make the Cheese Ring Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, combine the 2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon. Whisk until evenly distributed—this ensures even rising and texture.
Cut the 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter into small cubes and add to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces remaining. This cold butter creates flaky layers when baked.
👨🍳 Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Form the Ring
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 0.25 cup granulated sugar, 1 whole large egg, 0.5 tsp vanilla extract, and 0.25 cup heavy cream until smooth and slightly thickened. Pour this mixture into the flour-butter combination and gently stir with a wooden spoon until just combined.
Fold in the 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup crumbled cooked bacon using your hands or a spatula. Press the dough firmly into the prepared cake pan, forming a thick ring that leaves a 2-inch wide well in the center. The dough should be about 1-inch thick all around.
🔥 Step 3: Bake the Ring Until Set
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the cheese has melted completely. You'll know it's ready when the ring pulls away slightly from the pan edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Here's the thing—don't overbake. The cheese ring needs to hold its shape but remain tender. If it starts browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil and continue baking. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully inverting onto a wire rack.
🍳 Step 4: Fill with Strawberry Preserves
While the ring is still warm, use a small spoon to create a well in the center by gently scooping out some of the cheese mixture. Fill this well with the 0.5 cup strawberry preserves, pressing down lightly to create a smooth surface. The preserves will warm slightly from the ring's heat, intensifying their flavor.
Return the ring to the oven for 2-3 minutes to allow the preserves to set slightly. This brief reheat ensures everything stays warm and cohesive when you serve it. The contrast of warm, savory cheese ring with cool, fruity preserves is what makes this dish magical.
🍽️ Step 5: Serve Warm with Creamy Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together any remaining 0.25 cup heavy cream with 1 tablespoon strawberry preserves to create a simple glaze. Drizzle this over the top of the cheese ring just before serving. The glaze adds a beautiful finish and complements the sweet-tart filling.
Slice the ring into wedges and serve immediately. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of salty bacon, sharp cheddar, and sweet strawberry preserves. This breakfast tower is perfect for brunch gatherings or a special weekend morning—it's sure to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Pro Tips For Making Bacon Cheese Ring With Strawberry Preserves
- Chill the Dough: After mixing your dough, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling. I learned this the hard way—skipping it makes the dough stick to the rolling pin and turns the ring into a sad, uneven blob. Cold dough also keeps the butter from melting too fast during baking, so your layers stay crisp.
- Whisk Eggs Like a Pro: Beat your eggs until they’re frothy but not stiff—think ribbons, not meringue. Over-whisking adds air that can make the ring collapse in the oven, and under-whisking means your strawberry preserves won’t get that glossy, sticky glaze. Aim for 30 seconds of steady whisking with a fork.
- Don’t Overfill the Ring: Stuff the dough just to the top edge—no piling. I used to cram it in like a Thanksgiving turkey, and the ring would split or puff unevenly. Press the filling down gently, then smooth the top with your fingers so it’s flush. The ring will rise, but you want it to expand out, not up.
- Bake Low and Slow: Set your oven to 350°F (not 375°F) and bake for 40–45 minutes, checking at 35. High heat makes the outside burn before the center sets. I used to rush it, and the cheese would ooze out like a molten disaster. A toothpick should come out clean, but the center should still be just slightly soft—it’ll firm up as it cools.
Wine and beer pairings for these flavors
Sweet-Savory Wine Pairings
A crisp Sparkling Rosé from Provence is my go-to pairing—its bright acidity and delicate berry notes mirror the strawberry preserves while cutting through the richness of the cheese and bacon.
Look for Whispering Angel or Miraval for that perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The bubbles also help cleanse your palate between bites, making each slice taste fresh. 🍷
Fruity White Wine Options
For a slightly bolder choice, try a Riesling with noticeable sweetness, like Dr. Loosen Blue Slate or Chateau Ste. Michelle. The natural fruitiness in these wines complements the strawberry preserves beautifully, while their slight effervescence keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. Serve slightly chilled for the best experience.
Beer Pairings for Brunch
A Belgian Witbier like Hoegaarden or Stella Artois adds a refreshing, citrusy contrast to the sweet-savory flavors. The coriander notes in these beers enhance the strawberry preserves, while the light carbonation balances the richness.
For a darker option, a honey-brown ale with caramel undertones pairs wonderfully with the caramelized bacon and cheese.
Coffee and Spiced Options
If you prefer coffee, a lightly sweetened cold brew with a splash of vanilla syrup echoes the vanilla extract in the dough while keeping the focus on the dish's savory elements.
For a spiced twist, try a chai latte—the cinnamon and cardamom complement the dough's subtle spice and the sweetness of the preserves.
Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Drinks
For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling grape juice like Martinelli's or a ginger beer with a squeeze of lime works beautifully. The effervescence and fruitiness enhance the strawberry preserves, while the ginger adds a zesty kick that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.
Serve over ice for a refreshing brunch drink. 💛
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this bacon cheese ring ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be prepared 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. Shape it into the ring just before baking. For the finished ring, store it at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for 1 week in an airtight container. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness. The preserves filling stays fresh longer when chilled.
What if I don't have strawberry preserves?
No problem! Swap for raspberry jam or apricot preserves—both work beautifully. For a savory twist, try spicy brown sugar mixed with a dash of hot honey instead. Just ensure your substitute has a similar seedless texture for clean presentation. The key is balancing sweetness with the salty bacon and cheese.
How do I prevent the cheese ring from cracking?
Work quickly when shaping the dough and press it firmly into the pan to create a solid base. Avoid overmixing the dough—just combine until the ingredients come together. Let the ring cool completely in the pan for 5 minutes before inverting to prevent structural stress. If cracks appear, simply fill them with extra cheese or preserves before serving.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend like Bob's Red Mill or King Arthur. Add 1 tsp xanthan gum to help bind the dough. For the best texture, chill the dough longer (1 hour) before shaping. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious—just expect a denser, more cake-like texture compared to traditional dough.
What's the best way to slice this ring?
Use a serrated knife and dip it in hot water between slices to prevent sticking. Cut into 6-8 equal wedges, starting from the center outward. For cleaner cuts, let the ring sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing—this makes the preserves easier to handle. Serve immediately for the best texture contrast!