Breakfast & Brunch
This fast bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves transforms breakfast into a showstopping brunch centerpiece. The secret lies in crispy bacon layers wrapped around a rich, melty cheese filling—all topped with sweet strawberry preserves for a perfect sweet-savory balance.
I developed this recipe after years of testing, ensuring every bite delivers satisfying crunch, gooey cheese, and fruity brightness.
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity: no fancy dough or complicated techniques. You'll work with store-bought biscuit dough, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and just the right amount of strawberry preserves to tie everything together.
The baking time is short—just 20 minutes—but the flavor development makes it feel like a restaurant-worthy creation.
What you'll end up with is a golden, flaky ring that's crispy on the outside and perfectly gooey inside. Each slice reveals layers of savory bacon, creamy cheese, and sweet strawberry preserves that cut through the richness.
The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the table, and the first bite will have them asking for seconds.
This bacon cheese ring works equally well as a weekend brunch centerpiece or a special Sunday morning treat. Pair it with a cup of strong coffee or fresh orange juice to complement the sweet-savory flavors.
The recipe scales easily too, so you can adjust the size based on how many you need to feed.
Ingredients for bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves
Store-bought shortcuts meet restaurant-worthy flavors in this brunch showstopper.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Store-Bought Biscuit Dough 🍞 | 1 lb | Refrigerated tube or canister |
| Thick-Cut Bacon 🥓 | 12 oz | Applewood smoked preferred |
| Sharp White Cheddar Cheese 🧀 | 1 cup | Shredded, block preferred |
| Strawberry Preserves 🍓 | ½ cup | Seeded, not chunky |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 2 tbsp | Melted, full-fat for richness |
| Heavy Cream 🥛 | ¼ cup | Cold, for extra creaminess |
| Granulated Sugar 🍚 | 1 tbsp | For sweetness balance |
| Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | For seasoning |
| Freshly Ground Black Pepper 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | For subtle heat |
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 2 tbsp | For dusting |
| Large Egg 🥚 | 1 whole | For egg wash |
| Fresh Strawberries 🍓 | 4 whole | For garnish (optional) |
The bacon makes or breaks this dish—thick-cut applewood smoked is ideal for that perfect balance of smoky depth and crispy texture. Most grocery stores carry it, but Costco or Whole Foods have the best quality in bulk. Look for slices that are thick and even—no paper-thin bacon here. The cheddar? Sharp white cheddar from a block is non-negotiable. Pre-shredded gets clumpy and lacks that melty perfection. If you're in a pinch, Trader Joe's has great pre-shredded options, but grating your own is worth the extra minute. For the preserves, seedless versions work best—they spread cleaner without chunks disrupting the layers.
No thick-cut bacon? Regular bacon cooked until extra crispy will work, but it won't have the same satisfying crunch. Short on cheddar? Gouda or pepper jack add nice variations—just adjust the sweetness in the preserves slightly. The strawberry preserves can be swapped for apricot or raspberry if you prefer, but strawberry's bright acidity cuts through the richness perfectly. For the dough, Pillsbury or Bisquick brands are foolproof, but any refrigerated biscuit dough will do. Pro tip: Let the dough sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling—it's less likely to crack when you wrap it.
This ring is best made fresh, but you can prep components ahead. Cook the bacon and shred the cheese the night before—store separately in the fridge. Assemble the ring up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate, then bake straight from the fridge (add 2-3 minutes to baking time). The finished ring keeps for 2 days in the fridge, but it's at its best served warm. Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore that golden crisp. Garnish with fresh strawberries right before serving—they add a pop of color and freshness that makes it look like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Two-Ingredient Magic: I swear by the combo of sharp cheddar and thick-cut bacon—crispy edges meet melty, salty perfection. The strawberry preserves? That’s the secret touch that cuts through the richness like a sweet, tangy reset.
- No-Rolling Required: Store-bought biscuit dough means no fussing with sticky dough or waiting for it to rise. Just roll, fill, and bake—my lazy Sundays just got a whole lot easier.
- Brunch or Snack: Serve it warm with coffee for a weekend brunch star, or slice it cold for a picnic-friendly bite. Honestly, I’ve eaten it for breakfast, lunch, and even as a late-night snack—no judgment here.
- Leftovers? Better: The cheese stays gooey, the bacon stays crispy, and the preserves add just enough sweetness to keep it interesting. Wrap slices in foil and reheat for a 2-minute lunch—my go-to when I’m too tired to cook.
Step-by-step instructions for bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves
Here's how to assemble this showstopping breakfast ring with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.
Cook the Bacon to Crispy Perfection
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the 12 oz thick-cut bacon in a single layer. I like to overlap the slices slightly at the edges—this creates a continuous ring when rolled. Place the sheet in a cold oven and turn the heat to 400°F. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the bacon is deep golden brown and crispy, flipping the sheet halfway through for even cooking.
This low-and-slow approach in the oven gives you even cooking without the mess of stovetop grease. The bacon should render enough fat to create a luscious base for your cheese ring. Let the bacon cool slightly on the sheet before handling—it'll be dangerously hot when done.
Assemble the Cheese Ring Base
While the bacon cooks, preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll the 1 lb store-bought biscuit dough into a 16-inch log on a floured surface, about 3 inches in diameter. Unroll the cooled bacon carefully and place it in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet. The bacon should form a continuous ring with slight overlaps.
Spread the 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese evenly over the bacon, pressing down gently to create a smooth, even layer. This cheese will melt into a creamy blanket when baked. The skillet size is critical—12 inches gives you the perfect ring diameter for serving 8 people.
Create the Sweet-Savory Filling
In a small bowl, whisk together the 0.25 cup heavy cream, 1 whole large egg, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 0.5 tsp diamond crystal kosher salt, and 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper. This custard-like mixture will bind your ring and add richness. Spread it evenly over the cheese layer, creating a smooth surface for the biscuit dough.
Here's the thing—don't skip the sugar in this mixture. It balances the saltiness of the bacon and cheese while complementing the strawberry preserves. The egg provides structure, while the cream ensures that luscious texture we all crave in breakfast dishes.
Wrap and Bake the Ring
Carefully roll the biscuit dough log around the skillet, pressing gently but firmly to seal it completely. The dough should form a perfect ring around the skillet's edge. Brush the top with 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter for extra browning, then sprinkle with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour to create a golden crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the biscuit is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Watch the oven closely in the last 5 minutes—you want that biscuit to turn a beautiful golden color. The internal temperature should reach 175°F at the center. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while the center finishes cooking.
Finish with Strawberry Preserves and Garnish
Remove the ring from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before carefully lifting it from the skillet. Using a sharp knife, cut the ring into 8 equal wedges. Spread 0.5 cup strawberry preserves on each wedge, creating a beautiful contrast of colors and flavors. Top each serving with 1 whole fresh strawberry, halved lengthwise for presentation.
Serve immediately while everything is warm and gooey. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, buttery biscuit, and sweet strawberry preserves creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory. This dish looks impressive enough for brunch but comes together faster than you'd expect—true to its promise of being fast yet elegant.
Pro Tips For Making Bacon Cheese Ring With Strawberry Preserves
- Cook Bacon Until Crisp: Thick-cut bacon needs a solid 12-15 minutes over medium heat—no rushing. I used to flip it too soon and ended up with sad, limp strips that couldn’t hold the biscuit dough. Let those edges get deep brown and slightly curled before pulling them off the heat.
- Chill Dough Before Rolling: Take that biscuit dough out of the fridge and let it sit for 10 minutes—just enough to soften slightly. Rolling cold dough is a nightmare, but dough that’s been sitting in a warm kitchen for 30 minutes? Too sticky. This is the sweet spot for handling without sticking.
- Skip Pre-Cooking Cheese: Don’t melt the cheddar before assembling—just grate it fresh and layer it in. I learned this the hard way when my cheese turned greasy and slid out of the ring while baking. Cold, sharp cheddar melts cleaner and stays put.
- Brush Dough with Butter Twice: After forming the ring, brush the top with melted butter before baking, then again halfway through. The first coat helps brown the crust, while the second keeps it moist. Trust me, the difference between dry and golden is just one extra brush.
Common mistakes when making your bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves
Overcooking the Bacon
I’ve made this mistake more times than I’d like to admit—crisping the bacon until it’s blackened and bitter. The key is stopping when it’s deep golden brown, not charred. Thick-cut bacon should take 18-20 minutes at 400°F, but check it at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
If it’s burning, pull it out immediately and let it cool slightly before proceeding. 🔥
Uneven Cheese Layer
An uneven cheese layer leads to dry spots in your ring. Press the 1 cup sharp white cheddar firmly and evenly over the bacon—no lumps! I like to use my fingers to smooth it out completely.
If you notice gaps while assembling, add a thin layer of the heavy cream mixture to help distribute the cheese more evenly during baking.
Skipping the Sugar
This is a game-changer I almost left out—1 tbsp granulated sugar in the cream mixture balances the salty bacon and cheese perfectly. Without it, the strawberry preserves can taste overwhelmingly sweet.
The sugar also caramelizes slightly during baking, adding depth to the flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step! 💫
Underbaking the Dough
The biscuit dough needs to reach 175°F internally for that perfect golden crust and flaky texture. If you pull it out too soon, it’ll be pale and doughy.
Bake for 25-30 minutes and check the center—it should be set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.
Poor Strawberry Preserves Application
Slathering the preserves too thickly can make the ring soggy. Use 0.5 cup strawberry preserves sparingly—just enough to coat each wedge lightly. I like to spread it in a thin layer so the flavors shine without overwhelming the other components.
For extra presentation, garnish with fresh strawberry halves right before serving. 🍓
Not Preheating the Skillet
An unheated skillet can cause the dough to stick or the cheese to cool too quickly. Always preheat your 12-inch oven-safe skillet alongside the oven. This ensures even cooking and helps the cheese melt smoothly.
I place mine on the middle rack for 5 minutes before assembling the ring—it makes all the difference! ⚡
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this bacon cheese ring ahead of time?
You can absolutely prep components in advance! Cook the bacon and shred the cheese the night before, storing them separately in the fridge. Assemble the ring up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate it—just add 2-3 extra minutes to baking time when ready. The flavor actually improves after resting overnight! For best results, bake straight from the fridge.
What if I don't have thick-cut bacon?
Regular bacon works in a pinch, but cook it until extra crispy—22-25 minutes at 400°F—to mimic the texture. For even better results, arrange the slices with slight overlaps to create a continuous ring. The flavor won't be identical, but the technique compensates well. Applewood-smoked bacon gives the best depth of flavor if you can find it.
How do I adjust the sweetness if I prefer less strawberry flavor?
Reduce the preserves to 0.25 cup and add 1 tsp lemon juice to the cream mixture for brightness. For a more savory version, swap the preserves for 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup mixed with 1 tbsp Dijon mustard. The key is balancing the rich cheese and bacon with something acidic or slightly sweet.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Gouda adds caramel notes, while pepper jack brings heat. For extra creaminess, try cream cheese mixed with cheddar (50/50 ratio). Just remember: sharp cheddar gives the most authentic flavor. If using a milder cheese, increase the sugar in the cream mixture slightly to 1.5 tbsp to compensate.
What's the best way to serve this dish?
This ring shines as a brunch centerpiece, but it's also perfect for holiday breakfasts or dinner parties. Serve with fresh orange juice or strong coffee to complement the sweet-savory flavors. For a complete meal, add a simple side salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic dressing—the acidity cuts through the richness beautifully.