Breakfast & Brunch
A bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves transforms a simple breakfast into a showstopping centerpiece that balances rich, savory flavors with sweet fruity notes.
The secret lies in a foolproof puff pastry ring filled with melted cheddar and crispy bacon, then topped with homemade strawberry preserves that create a perfect sweet-savory contrast. This dish delivers restaurant-quality presentation with just 30 minutes of hands-on time.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—no fancy techniques required. You'll start with store-bought puff pastry, which forms the crispy, flaky base for the cheese and bacon filling.
The key is baking the ring until golden and bubbly, then brushing it with a light honey glaze before adding the warm strawberry preserves. This ensures the preserves stay gooey and sticky rather than dry or watery.
What you'll end up with is a visually stunning breakfast dish that's just as delicious as it looks—crispy edges, gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and sweet strawberry preserves all working together in perfect harmony.
The combination of textures and flavors makes this ideal for brunch gatherings or a special weekend morning treat. Here's how to create it step by step.
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors even further. This dish is equally impressive as a breakfast centerpiece or a sweet-savory appetizer for dinner parties. Let's get started!
Ingredients for bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves
Store-bought puff pastry, crispy bacon, and sweet strawberry preserves—just eight ingredients for a showstopper.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Store-Bought Puff Pastry 🥧 | 1 sheet | Thawed if frozen, rolled flat |
| Thick-Cut Bacon 🥓 | 8 oz | Cuts into lardons, no sugar added |
| Sharp White Cheddar Cheese 🧀 | 8 oz | Shredded, block preferred |
| Fresh Strawberries 🍓 | 1 lb | Hull and chop for preserves |
| Granulated Sugar 🍯 | ½ cup | For strawberry preserves |
| Lemon Juice 🍋 | 1 tbsp | Freshly squeezed, for preserves |
| Honey 🍯 | 2 tbsp | Light glaze for ring edges |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 2 tbsp | Melted for brushing pastry |
| Flaky Sea Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | For garnish, optional |
| Heavy Whipping Cream 🥛 | ½ cup | For serving, lightly whipped |
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 2 tbsp | For dusting work surface |
The puff pastry is your foundation—Pepperidge Farm or Whole Foods brands are foolproof. Keep it chilled until ready to use (cold pastry prevents shrinking). For the bacon, thick-cut, no-sugar-added is key—Oscar Mayer or Applegate work well. The cheddar? Sharp white cheddar from a block melts smoother than pre-shredded. Strawberries should be ripe but firm—local farmers markets have the best flavor, but grocery store berries work in a pinch if they're vibrant red.
No thick-cut bacon? Regular bacon cut into small lardons works, but it'll crisp less dramatically. Pre-shredded cheese? Toss it with 1 tsp cornstarch to prevent clumping. For the preserves, frozen strawberries are fine—just thaw and drain well. The honey glaze can be swapped for maple syrup if preferred. And if you're short on time, store-bought strawberry jam (like Smucker's) works in a bind—just warm it slightly to loosen.
Puff pastry keeps 2-3 days in the fridge wrapped tightly, but use it within 1 day of thawing for best texture. The strawberry preserves can be made 1 week ahead and stored in the fridge. For serving, keep the rings warm in a 200°F oven while you assemble the preserves. The whipped cream should be chilled until ready to serve—30 minutes in the fridge after whipping gives perfect stiffness. These reheat beautifully in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F if needed.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Puff Pastry Shortcut: I swear by store-bought puff pastry here—no rolling, no stress. Just unwrap, layer, and bake while the bacon crisps up. Twenty minutes later, you’ve got a showstopper with zero effort.
- Sweet-Savory Magic: That sharp white cheddar and strawberry preserves combo? It’s a flavor bomb you won’t see coming. The salty, creamy cheese meets the bright, jammy strawberries—every bite feels like a little surprise.
- Weekend Brunch Star: This is my go-to for lazy mornings or when friends drop by. Serve it warm with a side of scrambled eggs, or let it cool for a picnic-friendly treat. Honestly, it works just as well at noon as it does at 10 AM.
- Budget-Friendly Feast: Thick-cut bacon and sharp cheddar stretch this into a filling meal. Leftovers? Toast them up for a quick breakfast or pack them for lunch. I’ve fed four people for under $15—and they always ask for seconds.
Step-by-step instructions for bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves
This one-pan breakfast masterpiece delivers crispy, savory bites with sweet strawberry preserves in under 45 minutes.
Prepare the Strawberry Preserves
In a small saucepan, combine the 1 lb fresh strawberries, 0.5 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. You'll know it's ready when the mixture coats the back of a spoon and releases easily from the pan.
Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp honey. Let the preserves cool completely while you prepare the rest of the components. The preserves should be thick enough to hold their shape when spooned but still spreadable. If it's too thick, add a splash of water; if too thin, simmer for another minute to reduce.
Create the Bacon Cheese Filling
While the preserves cool, cut the 8 oz thick-cut bacon into lardons (about ¼-inch thick slices). In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and the fat has rendered out. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the 8 oz shredded sharp white cheddar cheese to the bacon fat. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts completely and forms a smooth, gooey mixture. The cheese should be fully incorporated with no dry spots remaining. This cheese mixture will form the rich, savory center of your ring.
Assemble the Puff Pastry Ring
Lightly dust a clean work surface with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour. Roll out the 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry to a 12x15-inch rectangle, about ⅛-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into a 12-inch circle. Gently press the edges together to form a ring, creating a well in the center about 5 inches in diameter.
Transfer the pastry ring to the skillet with the cheese mixture. Spoon the crispy bacon evenly around the inside of the ring, creating a border. Then carefully pour the melted cheese mixture into the center, spreading it evenly to fill the well completely. This creates the perfect structure for your breakfast bites.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the pastry ring for 18-22 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling in the center. The pastry should be crispy around the edges while remaining tender in the center. Watch closely during the last 5 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. While it's cooling, lightly whip the 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream with a fork until soft peaks form. This will add a luxurious creaminess to your final presentation. Sprinkle with 0.5 tsp flaky sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Add Preserves and Serve Warm
Carefully spread the cooled strawberry preserves over the cheese filling in the center of the ring. The preserves should be thick enough to hold their shape but still spreadable. Use a spoon to create an attractive pattern if desired. Serve warm with dollops of whipped cream around the ring.
This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the pastry is still crispy and the cheese is gooey. The combination of salty bacon, sharp cheddar, and sweet strawberry preserves creates a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. For a complete breakfast, serve with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad.
Pro Tips For Making Bacon Cheese Ring With Strawberry Preserves
- Preheat the Pan Properly: The puff pastry’s flakiness depends on this—get a heavy skillet or cast iron screaming hot (450°F or higher) before adding the bacon ring. I used to rush this and ended up with soggy layers where the cheese oozed instead of crisping. That’s the moment the whole dish falls apart.
- Cut Bacon in Half Lengthwise: Thick-cut bacon is stubborn—halve it lengthwise before rolling it around the cheese. This ensures even cooking and prevents the center from staying cold while the edges burn. (Yes, it looks weird, but the texture difference is night and day.)
- Press Cheese Firmly Before Wrapping: Pack the sharp white cheddar tightly into the center of the pastry before sealing it. If it’s loose, the strawberry preserves will leak out when you slice it, and the ring won’t hold its shape. Think of it like stuffing a sausage—firm pressure = no surprises.
- Chill the Ring Before Baking: Skip the rush and let the assembled ring sit in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before baking. This keeps the cheese from melting too fast and gives the pastry time to relax, so it doesn’t puff up unevenly. (I know, I know—waiting feels like torture, but it’s the thing that matters most.)
Regional styles of this recipe
Southern Comfort Style
In the South, this dish becomes a decadent bacon cheese ring with a peach preserves twist instead of strawberries. Swap the fresh strawberries for 2 cups peeled and chopped ripe peaches (or 1 cup peach preserves if short on time), and reduce the sugar to ¼ cup.
Add ½ tsp ground cinnamon to the preserves for warmth, then top with crumbled pecans for crunch. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt—a true Southern brunch showstopper. 🍑
Pacific Northwest Twist
For a Pacific Northwest-inspired version, use blueberry preserves instead of strawberry. The tartness of 1 lb fresh blueberries (or 1 cup frozen) pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon.
Add 1 tsp vanilla extract to the preserves while cooking, and garnish with toasted walnuts and a drizzle of local honey. The earthy flavors of the Northwest shine through in this elevated take. 🌿
Midwest Farmhouse Version
In the Midwest, this dish often includes apple butter instead of preserves. Cook 1 lb apples with ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp lemon juice until soft, then mash into a spreadable consistency.
Top the bacon cheese ring with the warm apple butter and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for texture. This hearty, comforting version feels like a hug in food form. 🍏
California-Inspired Fusion
For a West Coast twist, use fig preserves for a sophisticated touch. Simmer 1 lb fresh figs (or 1 cup fig jam) with ½ cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp honey until thickened.
Top the ring with the fig mixture and a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese for a tangy contrast. Pair with sparkling rosé for a brunch that feels like a vacation. 🍇
Breakfast-for-Dinner Adaptation
Turn this into a dinner party dish by adding caramelized onions to the cheese filling. Sauté 1 large onion in the bacon fat until golden, then mix into the melted cheddar.
Top with strawberry preserves and serve with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp arugula salad. The sweet-savory balance makes it a crowd-pleasing main course. 🍽️
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this bacon cheese ring ahead of time?
Assemble the ring up to 1 day ahead—just refrigerate it uncovered on a wire rack so it stays crispy. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes before adding the preserves. The strawberry topping is best added fresh, though, as it thickens beautifully when warm. Store the preserves separately in the fridge for up to 1 week.
What's the best cheese substitute if I don't have sharp white cheddar?
Try Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or Gruyère for extra nutty depth. Avoid pre-shredded cheese—it contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. If you're using a different cheese, reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes since some varieties melt faster than cheddar.
How do I fix runny preserves?
Simmer the preserves uncovered for 3-5 minutes to reduce excess liquid. For extra thickness, add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water, stir, and cook until clear. If the preserves are too thin after baking the ring, warm them gently and spread them over the hot cheese filling—the heat will help set them.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the bacon for crispy fried tofu cubes or turkey bacon if you want to keep it meat-inclusive. For a fully plant-based version, use smoked paprika in the cheese filling and top with caramelized onions instead of bacon. The strawberry preserves remain the perfect sweet contrast either way.
Why did my pastry turn soggy?
Overfilling with cheese or bacon creates steam that softens the pastry. Use no more than 8 oz cheese and keep the bacon layer thin. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F—cold spots cause uneven baking. For extra crispiness, brush the edges with egg wash before baking.