Baked Bacon and Cheese Rolls

Last winter, I woke up craving something warm and decadent. It was drizzling in San Diego—a rare treat—and I wandered into a local bakery for comfort. The smell of warm bread and sizzling bacon hit me first. That’s when the idea of Baked Bacon and Cheese Rolls was born in my own kitchen soon after.

I still remember the first batch I made. I’d just returned from a chilly dawn paddleboarding session, fingers stiff and nose cold. Pulling a tray of these rolls from the oven, cheese oozing and bacon edges crisp, brought everything right back to cozy. These rolls became my favorite reward after early workouts—and a weekend must-share with friends.

These rolls are a delicious mashup of soft, buttery dough, creamy melted cheese, and salty bacon. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing with your nearest and dearest.

Short Description

Soft, buttery rolls filled with gooey cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon—ideal for brunch spreads or an indulgent snack that warms both body and soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile for any occasion: brunch, snack, or party platter
• Comes together easily, can be made ahead and baked fresh
• Crowd-pleasing flavors of bacon and cheese
• Fun and shareable—perfect for friendly gatherings

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Filling & Topping

• 8 slices bacon, cooked until just firm
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Optional: 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary or chives

Directions

Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk and melted butter, then stir until a soft dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes, until doubled.

Step 2: Prepare the Roll Filling
While dough rises, cook bacon until just firm but not brittle. Drain and pat dry. Mix minced garlic into melted butter and set aside.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Brush the garlic-butter evenly over the surface. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese on the dough, then lay bacon slices. Top with remaining cheese. Tightly roll up the dough from the long side, sealing edges, then slice into 10 pieces.

Step 4: Bake to Golden
Place rolls cut-side up in a lined 9-inch baking dish. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let rest for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake for 20–25 minutes, until rolls are golden, cheese is bubbly, and bacon is crisp.

Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let rolls cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary or chives to brighten the flavor and presentation.

Cooking Notes & Common Mistakes

Allow the dough to rise properly—underproofed dough leads to dense, heavy rolls. Let them double in volume before shaping.

Don’t overcook the bacon. It should be just firm enough to hold its shape, because it crisps more during baking inside the roll.

Brush every inch of dough with garlic-butter. Skipping this can result in a dry or lightly flavored center.

If cheese leaks and burns on the pan, place a sheet of parchment under the baking dish to catch drips and make cleanup easier.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These rolls are great on their own, but pairing them with light sides makes them shine. A vibrant mixed-green salad drizzled with balsamic balances the richness. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. A fresh-cut fruit salad adds a juicy, refreshing contrast.

I often enjoy these rolls with a cold iced coffee in the morning or a crisp lager before movie night.

Variations & Customizations

Add heat: Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne into the butter before brushing on dough

Add texture: Stir in a handful of chopped nuts or seeds to the cheese layer before rolling

Make them savory-sweet: Add a few apple slices or fig jam dots along with the cheese

Add an herby twist: Stir fresh thyme or oregano into the garlic-butter for extra aroma

Storage & Reheating

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melty and edges are crisp. You can also microwave individually for 30 seconds, then crisp under the broiler for 1 minute.

Nutrition Information (approx. per roll)

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 25 g
• Fat: 18 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use different cheese?
Yes—pepper jack or Swiss work beautifully. Just make sure it melts well.

2. Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely. Shape the rolls, refrigerate covered overnight, then bake fresh in the morning—add 5 minutes to bake time.

3. Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes. Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a rich flavor.

4. Why are my rolls dense?
That’s likely due to underproofing the dough. Let them double in size during the rise before shaping.

5. Can I freeze these?
Yes. Freeze fully cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 15–18 minutes.

Conclusion

Baked Bacon and Cheese Rolls are that cozy, satisfying treat perfect for chilly mornings, casual brunches, or any time you need something indulgent and shareable. Soft dough, melty cheese, and crisp bacon in every bite—it’s the kind of recipe that brings joy to the table and smiles all around.

Give these a try and tell me how you customized them! Did you go savory-sweet? Add seeds or spice? I’d love to see your creations. And if this hit the spot, get ready—I’ve got something special coming next: a cheesy jalapeño pull-apart bread that might just steal the show.