Bacon Cheese Ring

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

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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