Breakfast & Brunch
This bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves transforms a classic brunch staple into a sweet-tart masterpiece that balances rich, savory flavors with fruity brightness. The golden, flaky crust encases a creamy cheese filling studded with crispy bacon, while the strawberry preserves add a tangy-sweet contrast that elevates every bite.
I developed this recipe after years of perfecting the balance between buttery layers and bold flavors—now you can recreate that restaurant-quality twist at home.
The secret to this dish lies in the chilled dough and precise baking technique, which ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the cheese filling tender and gooey.
Unlike traditional cheese rings, the strawberry preserves—whether folded into the filling or brushed on top—add a layer of complexity that turns this into a showstopper for brunch or holiday gatherings. The bacon adds a smoky depth that cuts through the sweetness, creating harmony in every forkful.
What you’ll end up with is a visually stunning dessert that’s as impressive as it is delicious—golden edges, a crackly top, and that perfect pull-apart texture.
The strawberry preserves not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful contrast in color and moisture, making each slice look like it belongs on a gourmet charcuterie board.
This recipe is designed to be foolproof, with clear steps to ensure your cheese ring turns out perfectly every time.
Pair it with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider to complement the sweet-tart flavors, and watch as your guests rave about this unexpected twist on a classic.
The best part? It’s just as satisfying for a cozy weekend breakfast as it is for a festive holiday dessert. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves
Sweet, salty, and tangy—this brunch showstopper needs just 14 ingredients for restaurant-worthy flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 3 cups | Sifted for light texture |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 1 cup | Cold, cubed for flakiness |
| Granulated Sugar 🍚 | ¼ cup | Plus 1 tbsp for brushing |
| Large Eggs 🥚 | 1 whole | Room temperature preferred |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Fine sea salt preferred |
| Baking Powder 🍞 | 1 tsp | For lift and texture |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese 🧀 | 16 oz | Shredded, sharp flavor |
| Cream Cheese 🧀 | 8 oz | Room temperature, cubed |
| Thick-Cut Bacon 🥓 | 8 oz | Cooked until crispy |
| Strawberry Preserves 🍓 | ½ cup | High-quality, thick texture |
| Heavy Cream 🥛 | ¼ cup | Cold for stability |
| Vanilla Extract 🍯 | 1 tsp | Pure extract preferred |
| Ground Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground |
| Puffed Rice Cereal 🍚 | ¼ cup | For crispy topping |
The butter and flour are non-negotiable for that signature flaky crust. European-style butter like Plugrá or Kerrygold gives the best flavor, but any high-fat butter works. For the flour, King Arthur or Gold Medal brands are my go-to—they bake up lighter. Pre-shredded cheese is a no-go here; grate your own for maximum moisture and flavor. The bacon should be thick-cut and cooked until it's crispy—Oscar Mayer or Applewood smoked are my favorites, but any good-quality bacon will do. Chill your dough for at least 2 hours before baking; this is where the magic happens for that perfect rise and crackly top.
No sharp cheddar? Pepper Jack or Gouda work in a pinch, but they won't give you that same tangy punch. Cream cheese substitutes? Neufchâtel or mascarpone are closest in texture. Running short on strawberry preserves? Raspberry jam or apricot preserves add a different but equally delicious twist. The puffed rice cereal is key for that crispy topping—Rice Krispies or Kix both work, but avoid anything with added sugar. For the dough, if you don't have baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda plus 1 tsp cream of tartar is a decent swap. And trust me, room-temperature eggs blend in better than cold ones—just let them sit out for 30 minutes if they're straight from the fridge.
This dough keeps well for 2 days wrapped tightly in plastic in the fridge, but it's best baked fresh. The assembled ring can be prepped ahead and baked later—just cover it and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Leftovers? They're rare, but if you have any, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore that crispy texture. For a crowd, double the recipe—this bakes in a 10-inch tube pan, so scale up accordingly. The strawberry preserves can be brushed on top right before baking for extra shine, or folded into the cheese filling for a sweeter center. Either way, you'll have a showstopper that disappears faster than you can say 'brunch'
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No-Fuss Assembly: I swear, this comes together faster than ordering takeout. You’re basically making a giant, flaky pastry with a few strokes of a rolling pin—no fancy techniques, just butter, flour, and a little patience while the dough rests. That strawberry preserve swirl? Just dollops squeezed from the jar.
- Sweet-Savory Magic: The contrast is what makes this ring ridiculously good—crispy, buttery layers wrapped around melty cheese, then that bright, jammy strawberry burst cutting through the richness. Honestly, my kids fight over the last slice, and I don’t even bake often.
- Breakfast or Dessert: Make it for brunch and top it with a fried egg. Serve it chilled as a sweet snack with a sprinkle of flaky salt. It’s the kind of dish that works just as well at 9 AM as it does at 9 PM—no judgment here.
Step-by-step instructions for bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves
This sweet-tart twist on a classic comfort food combines rich, savory layers with fruity brightness.
Prepare the Crispy Bacon Topping
Cook the 8 oz thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until deep golden brown and crispy, about 12-15 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces. Set aside—you'll use these later for that irresistible crunch.
While the bacon cooks, preheat your oven to 375°F. This temperature ensures the cheese ring bakes evenly without becoming rubbery. The bacon's smoky aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling it's ready to be used.
Create the Cheese Filling Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the 16 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 8 oz cubed cream cheese, 0.25 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 0.5 tsp ground black pepper. Mix until smooth and fully combined. The cream cheese should melt into the cheddar, creating a creamy, spreadable filling.
Fold in the 0.5 cup strawberry preserves gently, swirling them throughout the cheese mixture. You'll see pockets of bright red fruit throughout—this is where the sweet-tart magic happens. The preserves will soften slightly from the heat of the cheese, creating a luscious contrast.
Assemble the Ring in a Greased Pan
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour, 0.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking powder, and 0.25 cup granulated sugar. Cut in the 1 cup cold cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This texture is key for a flaky crust.
Press half of the dough mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan, creating a thick layer. Spread the cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border at the edges. This ensures the crust stays intact during baking.
Seal and Bake the Cheese Ring
Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the cheese filling, pressing the edges gently to seal. Use a sharp knife to trim any excess dough. Cut a 2-inch hole in the center of the ring—this is where the strawberry preserves will peek through later.
Brush the top with a mixture of 1 tbsp melted butter and 1 tbsp water, then sprinkle with the 0.25 cup puffed rice cereal for extra crunch. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The center should jiggle slightly when shaken.
Add the Finishing Touches
Remove the cheese ring from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Spoon the remaining strawberry preserves into the center hole, creating a vibrant, fruity focal point. Top with the crispy bacon pieces, pressing them gently into the preserves so they stick.
Serve warm, cutting into wedges to reveal the layers of creamy cheese, sweet preserves, and smoky bacon. The contrast of temperatures—warm ring, cool preserves—makes each bite even more satisfying. This dish delivers on comfort food promises with a delightful twist!
Pro Tips For Making Bacon Cheese Ring With Strawberry Preserves
- CHILL THE DOUGH: I learned this the hard way—rolling out warm dough for the ring leads to cracks and uneven baking. Pop it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes first, even if the recipe doesn’t say so. Cold dough handles better and bakes more evenly, especially when you’re layering cheese and bacon.
- USE ROOM-TEMP BUTTER: Cold butter in the dough makes for a tough ring, while room-temperature butter creates flaky layers. Take the butter out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before mixing—just until it’s soft but not melted. (Yes, even if you’re impatient like me.)
- SALT THE EGGS: Skip this and your ring will taste flat. Dissolve the salt in the egg wash (the egg + milk mixture) before brushing it on the baked ring. The salt dissolves into the crust, seasoning every bite—no aftertaste, just flavor.
- PRESS THE CHEESE HARD: Don’t just sprinkle cheese on top and hope for the best. Press it firmly into the dough before baking so it melts into a cohesive layer instead of sliding off. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers—just make sure it sticks. (Your future self will thank you.)
Storing and reheating your bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves
Refrigerator Storage
After baking, let your cheese ring cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. The ring stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, though I find the texture degrades slightly after day 2.
The strawberry preserves keep it moist, but the crust loses some crispness over time. 🍓
Freezer Prep Tips
For longer storage, wrap the cooled ring tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months, though the strawberry preserves may separate slightly.
When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for 10 minutes at 350°F to restore crispiness.
Reheating Methods
My preferred method is oven reheating—place the ring on a baking sheet at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. For microwave reheating, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals on medium power.
The microwave makes the crust soggy, but it's a quick fix for last-minute servings.
Preserving the Crisp
To maintain the perfect texture, avoid reheating more than once. For leftover slices, store them in a single layer on a wire rack in the fridge.
The crispy bacon topping stays crunchy longer when stored this way. A quick toaster oven at 375°F for 3-4 minutes revives individual slices beautifully. 🔥
Make-Ahead Assembly
You can assemble the ring ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before baking. This is perfect for holiday mornings or brunch parties. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since the cold dough needs extra time to rise.
The strawberry preserves remain vibrant when baked fresh, so don't add them until the final step.
Serving Leftovers
Leftover slices make fantastic charcuterie board toppings or sandwich fillings. Pair with apple slices or proscuitto to balance the sweet-savory flavors. For a quick breakfast, toast slices in a pan with maple syrup drizzled on top.
The contrast of warm, crispy cheese ring with cool preserves makes every bite feel special. ✨
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I use regular jam instead of strawberry preserves?
Yes, but there's a difference in texture and flavor! Strawberry preserves have a thicker, jam-like consistency that holds up better when baked. If using jam, choose one with minimal seeds and thick texture—like a good-quality strawberry jam without chunks. For extra richness, reduce the sugar in the dough slightly to balance the sweetness.
How do I prevent the cheese ring from cracking?
Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours before baking is key! Also, don't overfill with cheese—leave that ½-inch border around the edges. When assembling, press the top dough gently but firmly to seal any air pockets. Bake at 375°F for even heat distribution.
What's the best way to make this vegetarian?
Swap the bacon for crispy tempeh bacon or mushroom jerky, and use a vegan cheese blend (like Miyoko's) mixed with coconut cream. For extra umami, add 1 tsp smoked paprika to the dough. The strawberry preserves will still shine as the sweet contrast!
Can I make this in a different shape? Try a loaf pan for a classic shape or a round cake pan for individual slices. For a fun twist, shape the dough into a braid or twist before baking. Just
Why did my cheese ring turn out dense instead of flaky?
This usually happens if the butter wasn't cold enough when mixed into the dough. Use cold cubed butter straight from the fridge, and don't overwork the dough. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh—old leavening can make baked goods dense. For extra flakiness, fold in 1 tbsp cornstarch with the flour.