Bacon Cheese Ring
A savory bacon cheese ring with crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, green onions, and toasted almonds, perfect for parties and gatherings, offering rich, smoky, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp. Drain well and crumble into small pieces.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine crumbled bacon, grated cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, mayonnaise, and cayenne pepper; mix thoroughly.
- Place slivered almonds in the bottom of an oiled 7-cup ring mold.
- Press the cheese mixture into the ring mold over the almonds.
- Refrigerate the assembled cheese ring overnight.
- Unmold the cheese ring onto a platter.
- Place a small custard cup with strawberry preserves in the center of the ring.
- Serve with crackers or French bread slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky twist, try using applewood smoked bacon instead of regular bacon. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to lighten the dish while maintaining creaminess. If you prefer a milder cheese, opt for sharp cheddar instead of extra sharp. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add an extra layer of flavor to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This bacon cheese ring is perfect for parties or gatherings and can be served alongside a variety of crackers or slices of French bread for dipping. Consider pairing it with fresh vegetable sticks for a refreshing contrast. It also pairs beautifully with Pork Roast With Glazed Sweet Potatoes for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bacon cheese ring tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice individual portions and warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or place slices in a toaster oven until warmed through. Avoid reheating the entire ring, as it may lose its shape.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon Cheese Ring contains roughly 74 calories, with 2g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheese ring ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ring a day in advance. Just assemble it in the ring mold, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious when served.
What can I use instead of slivered almonds?
If you have nut allergies or prefer an alternative, you can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as a crunchy topping. They will provide a similar texture without the nuts, and you can still enjoy the delightful presentation.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
To create a vegetarian version, you can replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a savory flavor. Additionally, you can use plant-based mayonnaise to keep the creamy texture while making it suitable for vegetarian diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).