Soft, fluffy, and packed with crispy bacon and melted cheese, these Bacon & Cheese Rolls with Garlic Butter are the kind of homemade rolls that disappear almost as soon as they come out of the oven.
The dough is light and tender, the filling is savory and cheesy, and a generous brush of garlic butter over the warm rolls gives them an irresistible finish. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or as a delicious side for dinner.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon & Cheese Rolls
- Soft and fluffy homemade dough
- Crispy, savory bacon in every bite
- Plenty of gooey melted cheese
- Rich garlic-butter topping
- Perfect for breakfast or brunch
- Great for parties and gatherings
- Easy to customize with your favorite cheese
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 8 oz (225 g) bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened, optional
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Bacon & Cheese Rolls
1. Prepare the Yeast
Pour the warm milk into a large bowl.
Add the yeast and sugar and stir gently. Let it stand for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes slightly foamy.
The milk should be warm rather than hot.
2. Make the Dough
Add the egg, melted butter, and salt.
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
If the dough feels excessively sticky, add a small amount of flour, but avoid adding too much.
3. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Bacon
While the dough is rising, cook the bacon until crisp.
Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces.
5. Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down.
Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle approximately 14 × 18 inches.
Try to keep the thickness relatively even.
6. Add the Filling
Spread the softened cream cheese over the dough if using.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly across the surface.
Add the cooked bacon, followed by the black pepper and garlic powder.
Leave a small border around the edges so the filling doesn’t spill out too much when rolling.
7. Roll and Cut
Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log.
Pinch the seam gently to seal it.
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into approximately 12 equal pieces.
Place the rolls cut-side up in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
8. Let Them Rise Again
Cover the rolls loosely and let them rest for approximately 30–45 minutes.
They should become noticeably puffy.
9. Make the Garlic Butter
While the rolls are resting, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and a small pinch of salt.
Set aside.
10. Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for approximately 22–28 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
The cheese should be melted and bubbling around the edges.
11. Brush With Garlic Butter
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, generously brush the tops with the garlic butter.
Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Bacon & Cheese Rolls
Don’t Overcook the Bacon
Crispy bacon works best because it provides a delicious contrast to the soft bread.
Don’t Overfill the Rolls
It can be tempting to add extra cheese and bacon, but too much filling can make the rolls difficult to roll and cause the filling to escape during baking.
Give the Dough Time to Rise
Proper rising is what gives these rolls their soft, fluffy texture.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Freshly shredded cheese usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
Brush With Garlic Butter While Hot
Applying the garlic butter immediately after baking allows it to soak into the warm rolls and adds incredible flavor.
Easy Variations
Ham and Cheese Rolls
Replace the bacon with diced ham for a milder version.
Jalapeño Bacon Rolls
Add finely chopped jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Replace the bacon with pepperoni and add a little pizza sauce and mozzarella.
Three-Cheese Rolls
Use mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan for an extra cheesy filling.
Everything Bagel Rolls
Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the filling before rolling.
What to Serve With Them
These rolls are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:
- Scrambled eggs
- Omelets
- Tomato soup
- Creamy soups
- Salads
- Grilled chicken
- Roasted vegetables
- Pasta dishes
They also make an excellent appetizer for parties and family gatherings.
How to Store Them
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm.
For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls individually and transfer them to a freezer-safe container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them before the final rise. Allow them to sit at room temperature until puffy before baking.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes. Turkey bacon can be substituted, although the flavor and texture will be somewhat different.
What cheese melts best?
Mozzarella gives you a stretchy, gooey texture, while cheddar adds stronger flavor. Using both creates a great combination.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely. Refrigerated pizza dough or bread dough can be used to make this recipe quicker.
Can I make smaller rolls?
Yes. Cut the log into more pieces for smaller appetizer-sized rolls and reduce the baking time slightly.
Final Thoughts
These Bacon & Cheese Rolls with Garlic Butter bring together everything that makes homemade bread so irresistible: soft dough, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and rich garlic butter.