Imagine the aroma of buttery garlic, sizzling bacon, and melting cheese wafting through your kitchen—these Cheesy Bacon Roll-Ups with Garlic Butter are every bit as irresistible as they sound. Pillowy homemade yeast dough wraps around a molten, savory filling, finished with a luscious garlic butter gloss. They’re pure comfort food, and once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Savory: Each bite of these Cheesy Bacon Roll-Ups with Garlic Butter bursts with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and fragrant herbs.
- Perfect for Any Gathering: These rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether at brunches, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
- Customizable Layers of Flavor: The recipe is endlessly adaptable, so you can swap cheeses, herbs, or even bacon alternatives to suit your crew.
- Soft, Fluffy Homemade Dough: You’ll love sinking your teeth into these cloudlike rolls, fresh from your own oven (and worth every minute of proofing!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing fancy or fussy about these ingredients—just the simple, tried-and-true staples that come together for maximum flavor. Every single component layers on more goodness: soft dough, sharp cheeses, salty bacon, and a punchy garlic butter finish. Let’s break down what makes each one shine!
- Whole milk: Warms and enriches the yeast dough so it turns out especially soft and tender.
- Dry active yeast: The key to achieving that classic homemade bread flavor and fluffy rise.
- White granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and gives just a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Sea salt: Essential for boosting flavor in both the dough and filling—don’t skip it!
- Butter: Used at every stage for richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture—plus extra for the garlicky topping!
- Eggs: Bind the dough and make it luscious with that signature eggy softness.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, making these roll-ups tender and pillowy.
- Smoked bacon: Crisped to salty, savory perfection and sprinkled throughout the filling.
- Cheddar cheese & Parmesan cheese: A double-cheese combo for ultimate gooeyness and deep, nutty flavor.
- Herbs & seasonings: Smoked paprika, dried onion, dried garlic, basil, oregano, plus fresh parsley, dill, and green onion bring bursts of brightness and complexity.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly grated or pressed for that unmistakable finishing flavor in the garlic butter.
Variations
One of the true joys of Cheesy Bacon Roll-Ups with Garlic Butter is how easy they are to tweak for whatever you have in your fridge, your flavor cravings, or your guests’ needs. Let your culinary creativity run wild or keep things classic—the choice is yours!
- Sausage Swap: Replace the bacon with cooked, crumbled sausage, or try spicy chorizo for a zesty kick.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Omit the bacon and add in sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a meatless twist.
- Herb Experimentation: Try tarragon, thyme, or chives in place of (or along with) the dill and parsley for a new layer of flavor.
- Cheese Creativity: Swap sharp cheddar for smoked gouda, fontina, or pepper jack to really make these your own.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Roll-Ups with Garlic Butter
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Dough
Start by gently heating your milk—think warm to the touch, not hot—then let the yeast and sugar mingle until the mixture looks foamy and alive. This is the foundation for rolls that are light and airy! Next, whisk in melted butter, eggs, and salt for a dough that’s both soft and flavorful. Add the flour gradually, mixing until it’s too thick for your whisk, then switch to a spatula and, once it holds together, knead by hand for that gorgeous smooth texture. Place the dough in a bowl, cover, and let it double in size—about an hour of letting yeast magic happen!
Step 2: Make the Savory Filling
While your dough is having its nap, start prepping the filling. Sizzle diced bacon until it’s gloriously crispy and golden, then set it aside to cool. Meanwhile, grate the cheddar and parmesan, and finely chop all those fresh herbs and green onion. Melt the butter for the spread, stirring in a fragrant blend of spices and dried aromatics. This seasoned butter will infuse every bite!
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Once your dough is beautifully risen, it’s time for some rolling fun! Punch out any excess air, then roll the dough into a big square—about 20×20 inches. Brush (or spread with your fingertips) that seasoned butter over every inch. Then scatter over the cheeses, bacon, herbs, and green onion so every swirl will be packed with flavor. Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 hearty pieces—using a sharp, serrated knife helps keep the layers neat. Arrange the rolls in a lined pan, snuggled close together.
Step 4: Proof and Bake
After shaping, let the rolls proof once more until they’re doubled and puffy, another 30–45 minutes. This second rise makes them ultra-tender! Meanwhile, get your oven preheated to 350°F. Slide the pan in and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the tops are a beautiful golden brown and your kitchen smells straight-up heavenly.
Step 5: Finish with Garlic Butter
While the rolls are cooling just a tad, melt the final bit of butter and mix in fresh garlic and parsley for your finishing glaze. Brush this garlicky goodness generously over the rolls while they’re still warm—this step is what takes Cheesy Bacon Roll-Ups with Garlic Butter truly over the top!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Bacon Roll-Ups with Garlic Butter
- Dough Proofing Sweet Spot: Give your dough a cozy, draft-free spot to rise; even the oven with the light on (turned off!) works wonders for a pillowy-soft texture.
- Bacon Texture Matters: Cook your bacon until it’s just shy of crispy—so it stays chewy in the center of your roll-ups but still packs a punch of savory flavor.
- Layer Evenly for Wow Factor: Distribute the cheese, bacon, and herbs to the very edges before rolling so that every single slice has a balanced, flavorful swirl.
- Glaze While Hot: Brush on the garlic butter immediately after baking, so it soaks into the rolls and creates that irresistible glossy finish!
How to Serve Cheesy Bacon Roll-Ups with Garlic Butter
Garnishes
For a pop of color and a fresh herbal finish, sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley or dill right over the warm rolls. For an extra-savory kick, a light dusting of grated parmesan or a little swirl of cracked black pepper looks as lovely as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cheesy Bacon Roll-Ups with Garlic Butter alongside fresh salads like arugula and tomato, creamy soups, or even soft-scrambled eggs for a brunch spread. Their rich flavor also complements lighter mains—think roasted chicken or grilled veggies—for an ultra-satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls whole and let guests pull them apart at the table for that bakery-style wow factor, or slice them individually and arrange on a platter. Mini parchment wrappers, a drizzle of warm garlic butter, or a sprinkle of microgreens will elevate the look for a party or special brunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Bacon Roll-Ups with Garlic Butter keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure the rolls have cooled completely before packing them up, so the texture stays fluffy and moist.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a busy morning or a quick snack, freeze fully baked rolls (without the garlic butter) wrapped tightly in foil and inside a zip-top bag. They’ll taste delicious for up to 2 months—just thaw and warm before brushing on fresh garlic butter.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, pop individual rolls in a 300°F oven, covered loosely with foil, for 8–10 minutes, or warm gently in the microwave. Brush with a little extra garlic butter after reheating for max flavor and moisture!
FAQs
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Can I make Cheesy Bacon Roll-Ups with Garlic Butter the night before?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls, place them in the pan, and do the second proof in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just let them warm up at room temperature while the oven preheats and then bake as usual—they’ll be perfectly fresh and fluffy for breakfast or brunch.
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What’s the best way to keep the rolls soft for serving later?
After baking, let the rolls cool slightly, then cover with a clean kitchen towel or foil to trap steam. This keeps the dough super soft. Reheat gently in the oven, brushing with a fresh layer of garlic butter right before serving for bakery-level results!
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Can I use store-bought dough for Cheesy Bacon Roll-Ups with Garlic Butter?
You sure can—if you’re short on time, refrigerated pizza dough or bread dough makes a great shortcut. Just roll it out, fill, and bake as directed. While homemade dough is extra special, the store-bought version is a wonderful weekday treat!
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What cheese melts best in these roll-ups?
Cheddar and parmesan are classics for flavor and texture, but feel free to experiment. Mozzarella lends extra meltiness, Gruyère adds nutty depth, and pepper jack is perfect for a little heat. Mix and match to suit your mood!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy, flavor-packed bake that’ll turn any meal into a special occasion, these Cheesy Bacon Roll-Ups with Garlic Butter are the answer. There’s really nothing better than sharing homemade rolls that are this gooey and golden with people you love. Give them a try soon—I promise, your kitchen will smell incredible and your guests will swoon!
PrintSavory Bacon and Cheese Swirls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Bread, Breakfast, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Bacon & Cheese Rolls with Garlic Butter are a savory delight, perfect for breakfast or as a side dish. A soft and fluffy yeast dough is filled with a flavorful mixture of crispy bacon, gooey cheddar, and fragrant herbs, all topped with a garlic butter finish. These rolls are a crowd-pleaser and great for any occasion.
Ingredients
For Yeast Bread Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp dry active yeast
- 1 tbsp white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 3 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For Filling:
- 8 slices smoked bacon, diced
- 3 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp EACH: sea salt, smoked paprika, dried garlic, dried onion, dried basil, dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 3 tbsp fresh chopped dill
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion, green parts only; about 2 onions
For Garlic Butter Topping:
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Making the Yeast Dough: Heat milk to 120°F-130°F. Proof yeast with milk and sugar. Add butter, eggs, salt. Gradually add flour. Knead dough until smooth. Proof for 1 hour.
- Preparing the Fillings: Cook bacon until crispy. Grate cheeses. Chop herbs and onion. Mix seasoned butter spread.
- Shaping the Rolls: Roll out dough, spread butter, add cheeses, bacon, herbs. Roll dough, slice into 12 pieces. Place in pan.
- Baking Instructions: Proof rolls for 30-45 mins. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 mins.
- Garlic Butter Topping: Melt butter, add garlic and parsley. Brush over baked rolls.
Notes
- You can make the rolls ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Adjust the fillings to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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