Breakfast & Brunch
This bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves recipe transforms a simple breakfast into an indulgent experience that balances smoky, salty bacon with sweet, fruity strawberry preserves. The combination of crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and tangy preserves creates a flavor profile that’s both unexpected and irresistibly satisfying.
I developed this recipe after realizing how much my morning routine needed a little more excitement—something that could elevate a weekday breakfast into a weekend-worthy treat.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and speed—ready in just 20 minutes, these bite-sized rings deliver restaurant-quality flavor without requiring advanced techniques.
You’ll wrap crescent dough around a cheese filling, encase it in bacon, and bake until golden, then finish with a drizzle of strawberry preserves for that perfect sweet-savory contrast. The result is a crispy, cheesy, and slightly sweet bite that’s impossible to resist.
What makes these rings truly special is how they balance textures and flavors: the crispy bacon gives way to creamy cheese, while the strawberry preserves add a bright, fruity finish that cuts through the richness.
Perfect for brunch gatherings, weekend mornings, or even as an appetizer, these rings are sure to impress. The best part? They’re easy to customize—swap the preserves for jam or add a sprinkle of flaky salt for extra depth.
Once you try these, you’ll never look at breakfast the same way again. The combination of savory and sweet creates a harmony that’s both comforting and exciting, making every bite feel like a little celebration.
Let’s get started on creating these delicious breakfast bites that are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients for bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves
Sweet-savory breakfast magic in 13 ingredients—crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and fruity preserves collide perfectly.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thick-Cut Bacon 🥓 | 8 oz | Thick-cut for best crispiness |
| Crescent Roll Dough 🍞 | 1 package | Refrigerated, 16 oz canister |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese 🧀 | 8 oz | Shredded, aged for tang |
| Cream Cheese 🧈 | 4 oz | Full-fat, softened |
| Strawberry Preserves 🍓 | ½ cup | Chunks preferred for texture |
| Heavy Cream 🥛 | ¼ cup | Whole milk alternative works |
| Garlic Powder 🧄 | ½ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Smoked Paprika 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | For subtle smokiness |
| Salt 🧂 | ¼ tsp | Flaky sea salt for finish |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | Freshly cracked |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 2 tbsp | Melted for brushing |
| Granulated Sugar 🍚 | 1 tbsp | Optional, for preserves |
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 1 tbsp | For dusting work surface |
The bacon is non-negotiable—thick-cut slices crisp up beautifully and hold their shape. Oscar Mayer or Applegate brands are my go-tos, but any thick-cut will do. Keep it cold until wrapping to prevent premature crisping. The crescent dough should be at room temperature—roll it out gently to avoid cracking. For the cheese filling, sharp cheddar gives that perfect tang, but Monterey Jack works if you prefer milder flavor. The cream cheese adds richness, so don’t skimp—full-fat is key here for that velvety texture.
No thick-cut bacon? Regular bacon cut into thirds works in a pinch, but it’ll crisp faster. Substitute the strawberry preserves with raspberry jam or apricot preserves for different flavor profiles. The smoked paprika can be swapped for regular paprika if unavailable, though it’ll lack that subtle smokiness. For a vegan version, use vegan cream cheese and coconut yogurt instead of heavy cream. The sugar in the preserves is optional—skip it if your preserves are already sweet enough. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can be sprinkled on top for a bright finish if you want to get fancy.
These rings reheat beautifully—just pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy again. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but honestly, they’ll disappear faster than that. Freeze extras on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Make ahead and bake fresh from frozen—just add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time. The preserves can be warmed slightly before drizzling for a smoother finish, but room temperature works too.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Magic: I swear by this recipe because it’s literally one pan, one bowl, and a little elbow grease. No fancy molds, no last-minute trips to the store—just roll out the dough, layer the cheeses, and let the bacon do the heavy lifting while you sip coffee.
- Sweet-Savory Balance: That first bite? Crispy bacon, gooey cheddar, and a burst of jam—it’s like a breakfast casserole had a makeover. The strawberry preserves cut through the richness, and honestly? It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause mid-mouthful just to appreciate it.
- Weeknight Crowd-Pleaser: Between us, this feeds six without breaking the bank, and it’s always a hit. My in-laws think it’s fancy (thanks to the jam drizzle), but it’s really just a way to use up leftover bacon and dough. Plus, it reheats like a dream—so it’s my go-to for game days or lazy Sundays.
Step-by-step instructions for sweet-savory bacon cheese rings
Transform simple ingredients into irresistible breakfast bites with this lightning-fast method.
Cook the Thick-Cut Bacon to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F for the baking step. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 8 oz thick-cut bacon until it reaches deep golden brown and crispy edges form, about 12-15 minutes. Use tongs to flip occasionally for even cooking.
Here's the thing—thick-cut bacon takes longer but delivers that perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior. Drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet. This fat becomes the flavor base for your cheese filling. If you're impatient, you can speed this up by increasing heat slightly, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Prepare the Cheese Filling Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 4 oz softened cream cheese, 0.5 cup strawberry preserves, 0.25 cup heavy cream, 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder, 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika, 0.25 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until completely smooth and well combined.
This is where the magic happens—the sweet-tangy strawberry preserves marry perfectly with the sharp cheddar and smoky bacon. For extra richness, I like to add a pinch of granulated sugar to the preserves before mixing, but it's optional. The mixture should be thick but spreadable—if it's too stiff, add a splash of heavy cream to loosen it.
Assemble and Roll the Cheese Ring Dough
Roll out the 1 package crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface until it forms a 12x10-inch rectangle. Using a pastry brush, spread the 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter evenly over the entire surface. This butter creates a golden, flaky crust that contrasts beautifully with the rich filling.
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the buttered dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Here's a pro tip: use the back of a spoon to smooth the filling and create an even layer. Then, starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal. This creates the classic ring shape that's perfect for slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Transfer the dough log to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log into 16 equal slices. Arrange them in a circle on the baking sheet, slightly overlapping, to form a ring. Bake in the preheated 400°F oven for 15-18 minutes until the rings are deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbling in the center.
Watch closely during the last few minutes—you want them to brown beautifully but not burn. The edges should be crispy while the centers remain gooey with melted cheese. If they brown too quickly, tent with foil for the last 2-3 minutes. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point? Pure breakfast bliss.
Serve Warm with Optional Garnishes
Let the cheese rings cool for 5 minutes before serving—this allows them to set slightly but remain warm and gooey inside. Arrange them on a platter and drizzle with any remaining strawberry preserves from the filling mixture. For an extra touch, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
These sweet-savory bites are best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is still melted and the dough is crispy. Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a simple arugula salad to balance the richness. The combination of smoky bacon, tangy cheddar, sweet strawberries, and flaky pastry creates a flavor profile that's impossible to resist—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet snack with coffee.
Pro Tips For Making Bacon Cheese Ring With Strawberry Preserves
- Cook Bacon Low-and-Slow: Thick-cut bacon needs patience—cook it at 275°F until the edges are crisp but the fat hasn’t all rendered out. I learned this the hard way: rushing it turns the ring greasy and soggy. Save the crispy bits for topping.
- Chill the Dough First: Take the crescent roll dough out of the fridge and let it sit for 15 minutes before rolling. Cold dough cracks like a biscuit left in the freezer. Warm hands work better than stiff dough—trust me, I’ve fought it.
- Layer Cheese Evenly: Skip the haphazard sprinkle—press shredded cheddar and cream cheese in a thin, even layer between dough sheets. Thick spots burn; thin spots mean sad, cheeseless bites. A bench scraper helps smooth it out like a pro.
- Brush Dough with Egg Wash: Don’t skip the egg wash—beat an egg with a splash of milk and brush it on the top and sides of the ring. It seals the dough, keeps the strawberry preserves from making it soggy, and gives that golden finish. (Yes, even if you’re impatient like me.)
Best sauces and condiments for this recipe
Strawberry Preserves
The star of the show, the strawberry preserves in this recipe serve dual purposes—they sweeten the savory cheese filling while adding a bright, fruity contrast to the smoky bacon. I recommend using chunky preserves (like Smucker’s or Welch’s) for texture, but smooth preserves work too.
For extra depth, warm the preserves slightly before drizzling over the baked rings—they’ll melt beautifully into the cheese. 🍓
Maple-Glazed Drizzle
Elevate your rings with a maple-glazed drizzle made by simmering ¼ cup pure maple syrup with 1 tablespoon butter until it thickens slightly. Brush this over the warm rings just before serving—it adds a caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bacon’s smokiness.
For a richer version, add a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze.
Honey-Cream Cheese Dip
For a creamy dip, mix ½ cup softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons honey and a splash of lemon juice. Spread this on a plate and serve the rings alongside for dipping.
The honey balances the saltiness of the bacon while the cream cheese adds a velvety texture. Garnish with toasted pecans for crunch if you’re feeling fancy. 🍯
Spicy Sriracha Aioli
Add a kick with a spicy sriracha aioli—blend ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 teaspoon lime juice, and a pinch of garlic powder. Drizzle over the rings or serve on the side for those who love heat.
The tangy-spicy contrast cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon beautifully. For extra richness, add a dollop of sour cream to the mix.
Balsamic Reduction
For a sophisticated touch, reduce ¼ cup balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon brown sugar until syrupy. Drizzle this over the rings just before serving—it adds a tangy, slightly sweet depth that complements the strawberry preserves. The acidity in the balsamic also helps cut through the richness of the cheese. 🍷
Butter-Bacon Jam
Create a decadent butter-bacon jam by melting 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons bacon fat (from cooking the bacon) and 1 tablespoon strawberry preserves. Simmer for 2 minutes until combined, then drizzle over the rings.
This jam enhances the bacon flavor while adding a glossy finish. It’s like a flavor bomb of sweet, smoky, and creamy all in one bite! 🔥
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make these rings ahead of time?
Assemble the dough rings up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate them in an airtight container. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 2-3 extra minutes at 400°F to account for the cold start. For freezing, bake first, then store in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a bag. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy again.
What if I don't have thick-cut bacon?
Regular bacon works in a pinch—cut each slice into thirds to mimic thickness. Cook at medium-low heat to prevent burning before the edges crisp. The flavor will be slightly less pronounced, but the sweet-savory balance still shines. For extra crispiness, press the bacon pieces flat with a fork before wrapping.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking?
Keep the cheese filling cool while assembling—chill the bowl for 10 minutes before spreading. Roll the dough tightly, pinch the seam, and cut slices 1 inch apart to minimize gaps. For extra insurance, brush the outer dough with a thin layer of egg wash before baking. The rings should hold their shape beautifully.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes! Puff pastry adds a flakier, buttery texture that pairs wonderfully with the bacon. Roll it out to 1/8-inch thickness and spread the cheese filling in the center. Fold the edges inward to create a sealed pocket, then wrap with bacon. Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes until golden. The extra richness complements the strawberry preserves perfectly.
What's the best way to serve these for a crowd?
Double the recipe and arrange the rings on a large platter in overlapping circles for a dramatic presentation. Set out small bowls of extra strawberry preserves, maple glaze, and flaky salt for guests to customize their bites. Serve with a side of fresh berries or a simple greens salad to balance the richness. For easy serving, use a ring mold to shape the dough before cutting.