Bacon Cheese Ring
Bacon Cheese Ring is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Bugsy and Company on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $28.03 total, $3.50 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (room temperature, softened)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat)
- 1 cup Mayonnaise (Duke's brand recommended)
- 0.25 teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional, for flavor)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground)
- 2 bunches Green Onions (one bunch for inside, one for topping, chopped)
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 12 oz Bacon (smoked, about 1 lb; cooked and crumbled)
- 1 tablespoon Bacon Fat (rendered from cooked bacon)
- 2 cups Pecans (chopped; toasted optional)
- 0.25 cup Strawberry Jam (Smucker's brand; optional serving accompaniment)
- 1 package Wheat Thins (for serving; optional)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Soften the cream cheese at room temperature, measure out sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Chop both bunches of green onions and set one aside for topping.
Time: PT5M
Cook Bacon and Render Fat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat, crumble the bacon, and set aside. Separate half of the crumbled bacon for the interior and half for the topping.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium heat
Combine Base Mixture
In the mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper and mix well.
Time: PT5M
Add Cheeses and Mix‑Ins
Fold in shredded mozzarella, shredded sharp cheddar, the inner bunch of chopped green onions, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the chopped pecans. Mix until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Line the Pan with Saran Wrap
Lay a sheet of Saran wrap across the bottom and sides of the bundt pan, leaving extra overhang on opposite sides to act as handles. This will help you flip the ring out later.
Time: PT5M
Transfer Mixture to Pan
Spoon the cheese‑bacon mixture into the prepared pan, pressing gently to create an even layer and a small well in the center for the dip later.
Time: PT5M
Bake the Ring
Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F until the top is golden brown and the center is set, about 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and Unmold
Allow the ring to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then fold the Saran wrap handles back over the top and invert onto a serving platter. Peel away the wrap carefully.
Time: PT5M
Add Final Toppings
Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon, the topping bunch of green onions, and the remaining chopped pecans over the top. Serve with strawberry jam and wheat thins on the side.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 10 g
- Fat
- 28 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains nuts, Gluten‑Free (if served without wheat thins)
Allergens: Dairy, Pork, Nuts
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Mayonnaise: other mayonnaise
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Green Onions: chives
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Monterey Jack
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: aged cheddar
- Instead of Bacon: turkey bacon
- Instead of Bacon Fat: olive oil
- Instead of Pecans: walnuts
- Instead of Strawberry Jam: pepper jelly
- Instead of Wheat Thins: crackers
Equipment Needed
- Bundt (Bun) Cake Pan
- Saran Wrap
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking bacon until crisp while reserving rendered fat
- Lining the bundt pan with Saran wrap to enable flipping
- Baking until the top is golden and the center is set
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the pecans lightly for extra crunch
- Use room‑temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the spice mix
- If you don’t have a bundt pan, a deep 9‑inch round cake pan works well
Troubleshooting
The center is soggy after baking
Increase bake time by 5‑10 minutes and ensure the oven is fully pre‑heated.
The ring cracks when unmolding
Let the ring cool for at least 5 minutes and gently fold the Saran wrap handles to support the structure while flipping.
Bacon pieces are too greasy
Pat the cooked bacon with paper towels before adding to the mixture and reserve only 1 Tbsp of rendered fat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours when served.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the ring up to step 6, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight; bake just before serving
- The jam and wheat thins can be prepared a day ahead
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Bacon Cheese Ring in American party cuisine?
The Bacon Cheese Ring is a modern American party staple that evolved from classic cheese dip and bacon‑wrapped appetizers. It reflects the U.S. love of indulgent, handheld snacks served at gatherings, sports events, and holiday parties.
What regional variations of bacon‑cheese ring exist within the United States?
In the South, cooks often add hot sauce or smoked paprika for a spicy kick. In the Midwest, some recipes swap pecans for toasted walnuts and use a cheddar‑dominant cheese blend. West Coast versions may incorporate avocado or jalapeño for a fresh twist.
How is the Bacon Cheese Ring traditionally served in American gatherings?
It is typically presented warm, unmolded onto a platter, and served with crackers such as Wheat Thins, assorted jams, or a tangy mustard dip. Guests scoop the creamy interior with chips or spread it on bread slices.
During what occasions is the Bacon Cheese Ring commonly served in American culture?
It’s a popular choice for Super Bowl parties, tailgate gatherings, birthday celebrations, and casual get‑togethers where finger foods are the focus.
What makes the Bacon Cheese Ring special compared to other cheese dips in American cuisine?
Its ring shape creates a dramatic presentation and a built‑in “well” for additional dip or jam, while the combination of bacon, pecans, and two cheeses gives a rich, crunchy texture not found in standard cheese spreads.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for the Bacon Cheese Ring versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, smoked bacon, pecans, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Acceptable substitutes are Neufchatel for cream cheese, turkey bacon, walnuts for pecans, and any mild cheddar if sharp is unavailable.
What other American dishes pair well with the Bacon Cheese Ring?
It pairs nicely with classic bar foods like buffalo wings, loaded nachos, coleslaw, and a crisp green salad. A cold beer or a light lager complements the richness of the ring.
What common mistakes should I avoid when making the Bacon Cheese Ring at home?
Avoid over‑mixing the cheese base, which can make the ring dense; don’t skip the Saran wrap lining, as the ring will stick to the pan; and watch the bake time to prevent a burnt top while the interior remains soft.
Why does this Bacon Cheese Ring recipe use Saran wrap instead of greasing the pan?
The Saran wrap creates a non‑stick barrier that allows the delicate cheese ring to be flipped out cleanly without breaking, something oil alone can’t guarantee given the high cheese and bacon content.
Can I make the Bacon Cheese Ring ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can assemble the ring up to the baking step, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh before serving, or store the baked ring in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
What does the YouTube channel Bugsy and Company specialize in?
The YouTube channel Bugsy and Company specializes in creative, comfort‑food recipes and party‑style appetizers, often featuring indulgent twists on classic American dishes with a focus on bold flavors and eye‑catching presentations.
How does the YouTube channel Bugsy and Company’s approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Bugsy and Company emphasizes hands‑on, visually striking recipes that combine familiar comfort ingredients—like bacon and cheese—with unconventional presentations, such as the ring shape, while providing detailed, step‑by‑step guidance that encourages home cooks to experiment beyond standard plating.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
