Bacon Cheese Rings With Strawberry Preserves Recipe: Sweet-Tart Breakfast Bites

This fast bacon cheese ring recipe with strawberry preserves transforms a classic brunch staple into a sweet-tart masterpiece. 🔥 The perfect balance of smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and fruity preserves creates a bite-sized breakfast that's equal parts indulgent and refreshing.

I developed this version after craving something that combined my love of savory breakfast foods with a touch of summer sweetness.

The secret to these crispy rings lies in the prep—rolling the dough thin and baking at 375°F ensures golden, flaky layers that hold up to the gooey cheese and strawberry filling.

Unlike traditional cheese rings, this version gets a drizzle of warm preserves after baking, creating a caramelized glaze that ties everything together. The contrast of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors makes every bite unforgettable.

Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish, these rings are perfect for brunch crowds or a decadent weekend treat. The dough is simple to assemble, and the baking process is hands-off, leaving you free to enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen.

Whether you're serving them as an appetizer or a sweet breakfast bite, they disappear faster than you can say "strawberry jam."

For extra flair, sprinkle crushed pecans or a pinch of cinnamon over the preserves before baking. The combination adds texture and warmth that pairs beautifully with the bacon's smokiness. Trust me—once you try these, they'll become a regular on your breakfast menu.

Ingredients for bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves

Sweet, salty, and crispy—these 13 ingredients create a brunch sensation that’s faster than takeout.

The bacon is non-negotiable—thick-cut, smoked is ideal, and Oscar Mayer or Trader Joe's brands deliver that perfect smokiness. Cook it crisp first, then chop it fine so every bite packs flavor. For the cheese, sharp cheddar (like Cabot) melts better than mild, and cream cheese should be full-fat for that rich, gooey texture. The flour? King Arthur or Gold Medal are my go-tos—they handle rolling thin without tearing. Pro tip: Chill your dough between rolls to prevent shrinking.

No strawberry preserves? Raspberry jam or apricot jam work in a pinch, but strawberry’s tang cuts through the richness. Running short on pecans? Walnuts or almonds add crunch too—just toast them first. The dough feels delicate, but don’t stress if it cracks a little; it’ll still bake up crispy. Swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack makes them milder, and if you’re vegan, dairy-free cream cheese (like Kite Hill) keeps the magic alive. For extra decadence, add a drizzle of honey to the preserves before baking.

These rings stay fresh for 3 days in an airtight container, but trust me—they’ll vanish in hours. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Freeze unbaked rings on a tray first, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes. For make-ahead magic, assemble the rings the night before and refrigerate—just bake straight from cold. The aroma alone will wake your crowd.

Step-by-step instructions for bacon cheese rings with strawberry preserves

Here's how to make these sweet-tart breakfast bites in under 30 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 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 flavor in every bite. Cut in the 0.5 cup cold cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. This cold butter creates those signature flaky layers we're after.

In a separate small bowl, beat the 1 whole large egg with the 0.25 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until just combined. Pour this mixture into the flour-butter combination and gently stir with a wooden spoon until just incorporated. You're looking for a soft dough that holds together when pressed—don't overwork it. The dough should be slightly sticky but not wet. If it's too dry, add 1 tsp water at a time until it comes together.

Add the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 4 oz cream cheese (cut into small cubes) to the dough and mix gently with your hands until evenly distributed. The cream cheese adds that signature tangy richness that balances the sweet strawberry filling. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (about 1.5 oz each) and roll each into a 1-inch thick ball. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flatten slightly with your palm.

Here's the thing—don't worry if they look messy. We're making breakfast rings, not perfect patties. Press your thumb into the center of each dough ball to create a shallow well. This creates room for our filling and helps the rings hold their shape during baking. Cover the shaped dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes while you cook the bacon. This chilling step prevents the dough from spreading too much in the oven.

While the dough chills, cook the 6 oz bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop into fine crumbs—you should have about ½ cup. In a small bowl, mix the chopped bacon with the 0.5 cup strawberry preserves until well combined. The preserves should be slightly warmed from the hot bacon, creating a perfect sweet-tart filling that pairs beautifully with the savory cheese.

In a separate small bowl, crush the 0.25 cup pecans using a rolling pin or food processor. Set aside for garnishing later. Preheat your oven to 375°F and position a rack in the center position. This temperature gives us that perfect golden-brown crust while keeping the centers tender.

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and carefully press 1 tsp of the strawberry-bacon mixture into the center of each flattened dough ball. Gently shape the dough around the filling to create ring forms, pressing the edges to seal. Place the rings on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart—they'll expand slightly during baking. Brush the tops lightly with water using a pastry brush, then sprinkle with additional crushed pecans for extra crunch.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the rings are golden brown at the edges and the cheese is fully melted. You'll know they're done when they pull away slightly from the baking sheet and have a beautiful caramelized crust. If the tops brown too quickly, tent with foil for the last 2 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

Remove the cheese rings from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This brief resting period helps them set slightly, making them easier to handle. Serve immediately while still warm—the contrast of the crispy golden rings with the gooey strawberry-bacon filling is what makes these irresistible.

For the ultimate presentation, arrange them on a platter with additional chopped pecans scattered around. These sweet-tart breakfast bites are perfect for brunch, a quick snack, or even as a dessert with a cup of coffee. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though I doubt they'll last that long in your house!

Flavor customization for bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves

Sweet Variations

Swap the strawberry preserves for apricot jam to add warm, fruity notes that caramelize beautifully during baking. For a more exotic twist, try mango chutney—its tangy-sweet balance enhances the bacon's smokiness.

I’ve also had great success with peach preserves, especially in summer when the fruit is at its peak. 🍑

Spicy Kick

Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or 1 tsp chipotle powder to the strawberry-bacon filling for a smoky-spicy contrast. For a milder heat, mix in 1 tsp honey with the preserves before baking—it creates a sticky glaze that’s both sweet and slightly fiery. Trust me, the combination is addictive!

Cheese Swaps

Replace the sharp cheddar with smoked gouda for a deeper, nuttier flavor that pairs perfectly with the strawberry. For a creamy option, try brie—it melts into a luxurious goo that balances the tangy preserves. If you love blue cheese, crumble Gorgonzola into the dough for a bold, salty contrast.

Nutty Crunch

Instead of pecans, try toasted walnuts for a richer, earthier crunch or hazelnuts for a subtle sweetness. For a festive touch, mix chopped candied pecans into the filling—they add a buttery crunch that’s perfect for holiday brunches. Just toast them first to intensify their flavor!

Herb Infusions

Add 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic twist that complements the strawberry. For a brighter flavor, mix 1 tbsp chopped chives into the filling—they add a fresh, oniony bite that cuts through the sweetness.

I love this with lemon zest in the preserves for a citrusy zing.

Gluten-Free Option

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill) and add 1 tbsp xanthan gum to the dough for structure. The texture will be slightly denser, but the flavor stays just as rich. For extra crispiness, brush the rings with melted butter before baking—it makes all the difference! 🌟

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