Breakfast & Brunch
This bacon cheese ring recipe with strawberry preserves transforms a classic breakfast staple into a sweet-savory masterpiece that's ready in just 20 minutes. 🔥 The perfect balance of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fruity jam creates bites that feel indulgent yet effortless—ideal for brunch crowds or a weekend treat.
I've perfected the technique to ensure the cheese stays gooey while the bacon achieves that satisfying crunch.
The secret lies in the assembly: wrapping each cheese stick with bacon and baking until golden, then brushing with warm strawberry preserves for that signature sweet contrast. This isn't just breakfast food—it's a restaurant-quality appetizer that disappears faster than you can say "second helping."
The preserves add a tangy-sweet element that cuts through the richness, making every bite irresistibly balanced.
What you'll end up with is a platter of crispy-edged, cheesy-center rings drizzled with glossy strawberry preserves, ready to be served with toothpicks for easy grabbing. The combination of textures—crunchy bacon, creamy cheese, and jammy sweetness—creates a flavor profile that's both nostalgic and exciting.
Perfect for game day, brunch spreads, or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
For extra flair, dust with powdered sugar or serve with a side of warm maple syrup. The possibilities for variations are endless—swap the preserves for apricot or spice up the bacon with cayenne. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients for bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves
Sweet, savory, and crispy—just nine ingredients transform breakfast into a brunch star.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon Slices 🥓 | 24 slices | Thick-cut preferred for crispiness |
| Mozzarella Cheese Sticks 🧀 | 24 whole | String cheese, 2 oz each |
| Strawberry Preserves 🍓 | ½ cup | High-quality, chunky preferred |
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | ¼ cup | For dredging, optional |
| Powdered Sugar 🍚 | 2 tbsp | For dusting, optional |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 2 tbsp | Melted for brushing |
| Garlic Powder 🧄 | ½ tsp | For extra flavor |
| Cayenne Pepper 🔥 | ¼ tsp | Optional for heat |
| Toothpicks 📌 | 24 whole | For serving |
Thick-cut bacon is a game-changer here—Costco or butcher shops have the best quality, but any good deli bacon works. Look for slices with visible fat; they crisp up beautifully. Mozzarella sticks? Trader Joe's has the perfect 2-oz size, but any string cheese will do. The preserves make all the difference—Smucker's or Bonne Maman are my go-tos, but any chunky strawberry jam works. Pro tip: warm the preserves slightly before brushing for that glossy finish.
No thick-cut bacon? Regular bacon works too—just bake it 2-3 minutes longer. Short on mozzarella sticks? Mozzarella balls or cubes wrapped in bacon slices are just as delicious. Swap strawberry for raspberry or apricot preserves—anything fruity and slightly tart. Want extra crunch? Toss the bacon in garlic powder and cayenne before wrapping. The flour is optional but helps with crispiness if your bacon is lean.
These rings stay crispy for about 2 hours at room temperature, so make them fresh if serving a crowd. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. For parties, assemble them ahead and refrigerate unwrapped until ready to bake—they'll hold shape perfectly. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for that extra sweet touch.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Five-Ingredient Magic: I swear by this recipe because it’s the kind of dish where you don’t need a grocery list—just whatever’s already in your fridge. Bacon, cheese sticks, and a jar of strawberry preserves? That’s it. No fancy prep, no hunting for obscure spices—just the good stuff you already own.
- Sweet-Savory Whiplash: Between us, that first bite of crispy bacon wrapped around gooey cheese, then the jammy-sweet strawberry swirl? It’s like a hug for your taste buds. The powdered sugar dusting ties it all together—simple, but ridiculously satisfying.
- Party in a Pan: This is my go-to for game day, book club, or when I’m too lazy to cook but still want to impress. Serve it warm or cold—it works at room temperature, so you can make it ahead and let guests dig in without fuss. (Yes, even on a Tuesday night.)
Step-by-step instructions for bacon cheese rings with strawberry preserves
Here's the quick method for making these sweet-savory bites in under 30 minutes.
🔥 Step 1: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the 24 slices bacon in a single layer, overlapping slightly if needed. Place the sheet on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking pan to catch drippings.
Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is deep golden brown and crispy. Real talk: don't rush this step—crispy bacon makes all the difference. Remove from oven and transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat, leaving the bacon on the baking sheet for now.
👨🍳 Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Rings
While the bacon cooks, fill a large bowl with ice water and prepare another bowl with cold water. This ice bath will shock the cheese sticks so they hold their shape better.
Submerge the 24 whole mozzarella cheese sticks in the ice water for 1 minute, then transfer to the cold water bowl. This chilling step prevents the cheese from stretching too much when wrapped. Pat them dry with paper towels and set aside.
🍳 Step 3: Assemble and Secure the Rings
Working quickly, wrap each chilled cheese stick with a slice of the cooked bacon, pressing gently to adhere. The bacon should cover about ¾ of the cheese stick, leaving the top exposed. Use your fingers to shape the bacon into a neat ring around the cheese.
Insert a toothpick through the top of each cheese stick to secure the bacon in place. Here's the thing—don't overcrowd your serving platter. Arrange them in a single layer with 1 inch between each ring to prevent sticking during baking.
🔥 Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Melted
Return the assembled cheese rings to the oven (same 400°F) and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the bacon is extra crispy. You'll see the edges start to brown—that's your signal they're ready.
Keep an eye on them during the last 2 minutes to prevent over-browning. The cheese should be bubbly and golden, with the bacon forming a perfect crispy shell around it. Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
🥘 Step 5: Add the Strawberry Preserves and Garnish
In a small bowl, mix the 0.5 cup strawberry preserves with the 2 tbsp powdered sugar and 0.5 tsp garlic powder. Stir until smooth—this sweet-savory glaze ties everything together. If the preserves are too thick, add 1 teaspoon water to loosen.
Using a small spoon or piping bag, drizzle the strawberry mixture over each cheese ring. For extra flair, sprinkle with a pinch of 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper and serve immediately. The contrast of warm, crispy bacon with cool, fruity preserves is what makes these bites irresistible.
Pro Tips For Making Bacon Cheese Ring With Strawberry Preserves
- Use Cold Cheese Sticks: Mozzarella sticks straight from the fridge won’t stretch properly when you fry them—it’s like trying to work with cold taffy. Pop them in a bowl of warm water (not boiling) for 30 seconds first. That little trick guarantees they’ll melt into a smooth, gooey ring instead of clumping like sad cheese balls.
- Pre-Cook Bacon Right: Skimping on pre-cooking the bacon leads to a soggy ring. Cook it until it’s crispy—not just bendy—and drain it on paper towels. Then, while it’s still hot, press it into the pan to form the base. The fat renders out perfectly, and you won’t end up with a greasy, limp ring that falls apart when you cut it.
- Dip Cheese in Flour: Rolling mozzarella sticks in flour before frying might sound weird, but it’s the thing that matters most for texture. A light dusting prevents them from sticking to the pan and gives the ring a crispy exterior while keeping the inside melty. Skip this, and you’re fighting with cheese that clumps like glue.
- Spread Preserves Thin: Dumping a glob of strawberry preserves in the center of your ring is a rookie move. Spread it in a thin, even layer—about ¼-inch thick—so it doesn’t pool and make the ring soggy. If you’re worried about it burning, sprinkle a pinch of powdered sugar over it first. It caramelizes beautifully and balances the saltiness of the bacon.
Essential equipment for great bacon cheese ring with strawberry preserves
Baking Sheet Essentials
You’ll need a half-sheet baking pan (13x18 inches) with parchment paper for easy cleanup. I swear by Starfrit Heavy-Duty Parchment Paper—it handles high heat without tearing.
Place the pan on a wire cooling rack over a rimmed baking sheet to catch bacon drippings. This setup prevents soggy bacon and makes flipping easier. 🔥
Crispy Bacon Tools
For perfect crispiness, use tongs (I love OXO Good Grips) to flip bacon without breaking it. A wire rack (like the Amazon Basics version) elevates the bacon for even cooking. If you’re short on time, a microwave-safe plate can work in a pinch—just monitor closely to avoid burning.
Cheese Prep Gear
Two bowls—one with ice water and one with cold water—are key for shocking the cheese sticks. A fine-mesh strainer helps drain them efficiently. For drying, grab paper towels (Bounty is my go-to) or a clean kitchen towel to pat them thoroughly.
This step keeps the cheese from stretching too much when wrapped.
Assembly Helpers
Toothpicks are a must for securing the bacon—wooden skewers work too if you prefer. A small offset spatula helps press bacon snugly around the cheese.
For the preserves, a small silicone spatula or piping bag with a tiny tip makes drizzling neat and controlled. Trust me, it’s worth the effort!
Oven Must-Haves
An oven thermometer (like Thermoworks Oven Thermometer) ensures your oven is truly at 400°F—no guesswork! A lightweight aluminum baking dish (if you’re not using parchment) helps distribute heat evenly. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch like a hawk—it burns fast.
Serving Style
Serve on a wooden board or slate platter for rustic charm. A small squeeze bottle (like those for hot sauce) lets you drizzle preserves evenly. For parties, mini toothpicks (like Dart Mini Toothpicks) make grabbing easier. Garnish with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for a snowy finish. ✨
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make these without mozzarella sticks?
Use 2 oz mozzarella balls or cubes instead—just wrap them tightly in bacon slices and secure with toothpicks. For extra shape, chill the cheese for 10 minutes before wrapping. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I fix soggy bacon on my cheese rings?
Soggy bacon happens when steam builds up—prevent it by baking on a wire rack (not directly on the pan) and leaving 1 inch between rings. If it happens, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness. Always drain cooked bacon well before wrapping.
What's the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy. For parties, assemble ahead and refrigerate unwrapped—they'll hold shape perfectly until baking. Freezing isn't recommended as the texture changes.
Can I use different preserves?
Yes! Try raspberry, apricot, or peach preserves—anything with a slight tartness balances the richness. For a spicy twist, mix 1 tsp hot sauce into the preserves. Just avoid overly sweet jams that might overpower the bacon's flavor.
Why did my cheese stick stretch too much?
This happens when cheese isn't chilled enough before wrapping. Always shock in ice water for 1 minute first, then pat dry. Work quickly after chilling to prevent warming. If using block cheese, wrap tightly and secure with extra toothpicks.