Buttery bacon and cheese rolls with garlic butter—golden, gooey, and ultra-soft. Easy appetizer or brunch, freezer-friendly, oven or air fryer. Crowd favorite!
Meet your new party MVP: Bacon & Cheese Rolls with Garlic Butter. Think soft, fluffy savory rolls swirled with smoky bacon, melty cheddar and mozzarella, then finished with a glossy garlic butter topping. These cheesy bacon rolls are versatile—pair them with game day spreads, serve as a brunch side, or make them your go-to holiday appetizer. Today, I’m sharing my best version of this bacon and cheese rolls recipe, complete with make-ahead options, air fryer directions, and freezer tips the competitor didn’t cover. Let’s roll into the good stuff.
What Makes These Bacon & Cheese Rolls with Garlic Butter Special?
Short answer: They’re everything you want in a savory bake—pillow-soft, big on flavor, and ridiculously simple. Here’s why you’ll love them.
- Ultra-soft dough base: Use store-bought pizza dough for speed or my enriched dough method for bakery-level pull-apart texture.
- Flavor-packed layers: Crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, stretchy mozzarella, and fresh chives scalloped through every bite.
- Garlic butter finish: A quick brush of garlicky butter adds shine, flavor, and that irresistible bakery aroma.
- Flexible bake methods: Oven or air fryer—both tested for perfect cheesy bacon rolls every time.
- Make-ahead + freezer-friendly: Proof, chill, and bake later; or freeze unbaked for last-minute appetizers.
- More than a side: Serve as game day snacks, brunch rolls, or alongside soup and salad for dinner.
- Diet-friendly paths: Includes gluten-free and low-carb swaps your guests will actually enjoy.
- Long-tail win: Try “air fryer bacon cheese rolls,” “bacon cheddar garlic rolls,” and “freezer-friendly savory rolls” options below.
Ingredient Notes
Before you shop: Here’s what each component brings to these cheesy bacon rolls (and how to pick the best).
- Dough: Store-bought pizza dough is great for weeknights; an enriched yeast dough (milk, egg, butter) gives that bakery-soft crumb.
- Bacon: Thick-cut for meaty bites; cook until just crisp so it stays flavorful inside the rolls.
- Cheeses: Sharp cheddar for punch; low-moisture mozzarella for melt; a sprinkle of Parmesan adds salty depth.
- Garlic butter: Melted butter + minced garlic + parsley + a pinch of salt; finish with flaky salt for crunch.
- Fresh herbs: Chives or green onions brighten the richness; parsley keeps it classic.
- Spice boosters: Smoked paprika, black pepper, and crushed red pepper for a gentle kick.
- Optional spreads: A thin swipe of ranch or Dijon on the dough adds zing without overpowering.
- Egg wash: For glossy tops that hold the garlic butter like a dream.
How To Make Bacon & Cheese Rolls with Garlic Butter
Think cinnamon rolls, but savory: Roll out the dough, layer the good stuff, roll up tight, slice, and bake. Here’s the play-by-play for the ultimate bacon and cheese rolls recipe.
- Prep bacon: Cook bacon until just crisp; drain on paper towels. Chop into small bits so it distributes evenly.
- Mix garlic butter: Melt butter, stir in minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Set aside for brushing.
- Prepare dough: Bring dough to room temp for easier rolling. Lightly flour your surface and roll into a rectangle about 12×16 inches.
- Layer fillings: Brush a thin layer of garlic butter on the dough. Sprinkle cheddar, mozzarella, bacon, herbs, and seasonings evenly, leaving a 1-inch border on the long edge.
- Roll it up: Roll from the long side into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal. Chill the log 10 minutes for cleaner slices.
- Slice rolls: Use a sharp knife or floss to cut 12 even rolls. Place cut-side up in a buttered 9×13 pan or cast-iron skillet.
- Proof briefly: Cover and let rise in a warm spot until puffy (20–30 minutes if using pizza dough; 45–60 minutes for enriched dough).
- Brush + bake: Brush tops with egg wash. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–24 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
- Finish with garlic butter: Brush warm rolls generously with garlic butter. Add flaky salt, extra herbs, and Parmesan to finish.
- Air fryer option: Arrange 3–4 rolls in a parchment-lined air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes; brush with garlic butter and repeat in batches.
Pro Tips
- Avoid soggy bottoms: Lightly preheat your baking pan for 2 minutes while the oven heats. Hot base = crisp edges.
- Stop cheese leaks: Don’t overload the edge; leave that bare 1-inch strip and seal the seam well.
- Fluff factor: A warmer rise equals softer rolls. If your kitchen’s chilly, proof in the (off) oven with the light on.
- Extra flavor bump: Dust the filling with a whisper of garlic powder + smoked paprika before rolling.
- Perfect slices: Dental floss > knife for clean, even cuts that don’t squish the dough.
- Cast-iron lovers: Bake in a 12-inch skillet for crisp edges and photogenic swirls.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Storage & Reheating
Make once, snack twice: These cheesy bacon rolls hold beautifully with a few simple storage tricks.
- Room temp (short term): Keep covered up to 1 day; rewarm before serving for best texture.
- Fridge (3–4 days): Store in an airtight container. Reheat at 325°F covered 8–10 minutes, then uncover 2–3 minutes.
- Freezer (unbaked): Freeze cut rolls on a sheet tray, then bag up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, proof, and bake.
- Freezer (baked): Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 325°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave (fast fix): 20–30 seconds with a damp towel for softness; finish 2 minutes in a toaster oven for edges.
Variations & Substitutions
Make them yours: From jalapeño popper vibes to low-carb swaps, these bacon and cheese rolls are endlessly remixable.
- Jalapeño popper rolls: Add diced pickled jalapeños and a thin shmear of cream cheese under the cheddar.
- BBQ bacon cheddar: Brush the dough with a light layer of BBQ sauce before the cheese.
- Ranch twist: Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the filling; serve with ranch for dipping.
- Onion lovers: Add caramelized onions for sweet-savory depth.
- Spinach-artichoke: Spread a thin layer of spinach dip, then bacon and cheese.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough; keep fillings light and proof gently to preserve structure.
- Low-carb/keto: Use a fathead-style dough; limit onion and use full-fat cheeses.
- Puff pastry shortcut: Roll, fill, slice, and bake at 400°F—flakier, faster, and very brunch-friendly.
- Breakfast rolls: Add soft-scrambled eggs and a drizzle of hot honey post-bake.
- Herb upgrade: Swap parsley for rosemary + thyme for a cozy, garlicky pull-apart roll.
Final bite: If you love garlic knots and cheesy bread, these bacon cheddar rolls are the delicious middle ground—melty, buttery, and impossible to stop at one. Make them for game day, girls’ brunch, or that random Tuesday when only a pan of warm, savory rolls will do.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely. It’s my weeknight move for bacon and cheese rolls. Let it come to room temp so it stretches without snapping.
My cheese leaked out. What did I do wrong?
Two things: you likely overfilled or didn’t seal the seam. Leave a 1-inch border, roll tight, pinch the seam, and chill 10 minutes before slicing.
Do these work in the air fryer?
Yep! Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes in batches. Keep space between rolls and line the basket with parchment to catch the cheese.
How do I make them ahead for a party?
Assemble, slice, and pack into the pan. Cover and refrigerate up to 18 hours. Let warm 30 minutes, proof until puffy, then bake and brush with garlic butter.
Can I swap the cheeses?
Go for it. Gouda, provolone, or pepper jack are awesome. Keep one “melty” cheese (mozz) and one “flavor” cheese (cheddar) for balance.
Any gluten-free tips?
Use a GF pizza dough, handle gently, and avoid heavy fillings. Proof just until puffy and bake in a smaller pan for support.
How do I reheat without drying them out?
Cover with foil and warm at 325°F for 8–10 minutes. Finish uncovered 2 minutes and brush with a touch of fresh garlic butter.
Bacon & Cheese Rolls with Garlic Butter
Buttery bacon and cheese rolls with garlic butter—golden, gooey, and ultra-soft. Easy appetizer or brunch, freezer-friendly, oven or air fryer. Crowd favorite!
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Servings: 12 rolls
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- Rolling Pin
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife or unflavored dental floss
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm whole milk about 110°F
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast one packet
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 8 oz bacon cooked crisp and chopped
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened for spreading on dough
- 1 large egg for egg wash
- 1 tbsp milk for egg wash
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop finely; set aside. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment and lightly grease the sides.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes. Whisk in the melted butter, egg, and salt.
- Stir in the flour until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand on a lightly floured surface (or in a mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic, 5 to 7 minutes. Form into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 45 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped bacon, cheddar, mozzarella, green onions, and minced garlic. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Shape: Punch down the dough and roll it on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the bacon-cheese mixture evenly on top, leaving a 1/2-inch border on one long edge.
- Starting from the opposite long side, roll up the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut into 12 equal slices.
- Arrange the slices in the prepared pan, spacing them slightly. Cover and let rest while the oven finishes heating, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Beat the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon milk and lightly brush the tops. Bake until puffed, golden, and the cheese is melted, 22 to 25 minutes. Cool 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make-ahead: After slicing, place the rolls in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 12 hours. Bring to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake. To freeze, bake and cool completely, wrap well, and freeze up to 2 months; reheat at 325°F until warmed through. For clean slices, use unflavored dental floss to cut the log. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, if you like.
Tried this recipe?Mention @ThatOvenFeelin or tag #ThatOvenFeelin!
Serving inspo: These bacon & cheese rolls with garlic butter are killer with tomato soup, big salads, and cozy pastas. Browse more ideas here: tomato soup recipes, fresh salad ideas, easy pasta mains, or try more garlic-forward bakes. For homemade dough lovers, peek at pizza dough and focaccia to level up your savory roll game.
