Bacon Cheese Ring
This Bacon Cheese Ring is rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. It is the kind of appetizer that instantly grabs attention and keeps people coming back for more. With layers of smoky bacon, creamy cheese, crunchy pecans, and fresh green onions, it delivers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Finished with a sweet strawberry jam in the center, it hits that irresistible sweet and savory combination that makes it a standout at any gathering.
This is a make ahead recipe, which makes it perfect for entertaining. Everything comes together in a mixing bowl, then sets overnight in the fridge so it holds its shape when turned out. The result is a beautiful, sliceable cheese ring that looks impressive but is actually very simple to put together.
What makes this recipe so good is the layering. The bacon adds smoky richness, the cheeses create a creamy base, and the pecans bring crunch. The green onions add freshness that cuts through the richness, while the strawberry jam in the center adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance everything out.
Ingredients
1 lb bacon, cooked and finely chopped
1 tablespoon bacon grease
1 bundle green onions, chopped
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 block cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
For the topping
Remaining cooked bacon
2 to 3 cups chopped pecans
1 bundle green onions, chopped
For serving
Strawberry jam
Wheat Thins or crackers
Instructions
In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, drain, and chop finely. Reserve about half of the bacon for the topping.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bacon grease, half of the chopped bacon, green onions, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream.
Mix until everything is well combined and evenly distributed.
Line a bundt pan with plastic wrap, making sure it covers the entire inside for easy removal.
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining bacon, chopped pecans, and green onions.
Sprinkle this topping mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined bundt pan.
Spoon the cheese mixture over the topping and press it down evenly to fill the pan.
Cover the top with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate overnight to allow it to fully set and hold its shape.
When ready to serve, carefully turn the cheese ring out onto a serving plate and remove the plastic wrap.
Fill the center with strawberry jam.
Serve with Wheat Thins or your favorite crackers.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it balances rich, creamy ingredients with crunchy and fresh elements. The bacon and cheese create a bold, savory base, while the pecans add texture and the green onions keep it from feeling too heavy.
Letting it set overnight ensures the ring holds together and slices cleanly, making it both practical and visually appealing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheese ring chilled with crackers for dipping or spreading. Wheat Thins are a great choice because their slight sweetness pairs well with the savory flavors.
You can also serve it with sliced baguette or pretzels for variety.
This Bacon Cheese Ring is creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor. With its sweet and savory combination and make ahead convenience, it is a perfect centerpiece for any party or gathering.
