Name: Cheese Bacon Rolls: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Delicious Treats
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 rolls
Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) frozen bread dough rolls, thawed; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; Optional: Everything bagel seasoning for topping

Cheese Bacon Rolls, need I say more? Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy roll, the savory aroma of crispy bacon mingling with the sharp, comforting taste of melted cheese. This isn't just a recipe; it's an experience, a delightful dance of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.

While the exact origins of Cheese Bacon Rolls are a bit hazy, the concept of combining cheese and bacon within bread has been a culinary staple for generations. Think of the classic bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich, or the cheesy garlic bread elevated with crispy bacon bits. These rolls are a natural evolution of those beloved flavor combinations, offering a convenient and satisfying treat any time of day.

What makes these rolls so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of salty, savory, and comforting. The bacon provides a satisfying crunch and smoky depth, while the cheese melts into a gooey, flavorful blanket. The soft, pillowy roll acts as the perfect vessel, soaking up all the deliciousness. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a comforting snack, these Cheese Bacon Rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to experience a taste sensation that's both familiar and utterly addictive!

Ingredients:

1 package (16 ounces) frozen bread dough rolls, thawed
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Optional: Everything bagel seasoning for topping

Preparing the Cheese Bacon Filling

Alright, let's get started by making the delicious filling that will make these cheese bacon rolls irresistible! This part is super easy and just involves combining all the yummy ingredients together.

Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft. If you forgot to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, you can microwave it for about 15-20 seconds. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn't melt completely. You want it soft enough to easily mix with the other ingredients.
Combine the Cheeses: In a medium-sized bowl, add the softened cream cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese. I like to use sharp cheddar for a bit of a kick, but you can use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer a milder flavor.
Add the Bacon and Green Onions: Now, toss in the crumbled cooked bacon and chopped green onions. The bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor, and the green onions provide a fresh, slightly pungent note that complements the cheese and bacon perfectly. Make sure your bacon is nicely crumbled; smaller pieces distribute better throughout the filling.
Mix Well: Using a fork or a spoon, thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. You should have a creamy, cheesy mixture with bacon and green onions evenly distributed throughout. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Some people like to add a pinch of salt and pepper, but the bacon is usually salty enough for me.

Assembling the Cheese Bacon Rolls

Now comes the fun part – assembling the rolls! This is where we transform those plain bread dough rolls into cheesy, bacon-filled delights. Don't worry, it's easier than it looks!

Prepare Your Work Surface: Lightly flour a clean work surface. This will prevent the dough rolls from sticking as you work with them. A silicone baking mat also works great.
Divide the Dough Rolls: Gently separate the thawed bread dough rolls. You should have about 16 rolls in a standard package.
Flatten Each Roll: Take one dough roll at a time and flatten it into a small circle or oval, about 3-4 inches in diameter. You can use your fingers or a rolling pin to do this. The goal is to create a flat surface to hold the filling. Don't worry about making them perfectly round; a little rustic charm is always welcome!
Add the Filling: Place about a tablespoon of the cheese bacon filling in the center of each flattened dough roll. Don't overfill them, or the filling might ooze out during baking.
Seal the Rolls: Carefully bring the edges of the dough circle up and over the filling, pinching them together to seal the roll. Make sure the seam is tightly sealed to prevent the filling from escaping. You can roll the sealed roll gently between your hands to make it more uniform in shape.
Place on Baking Sheet: Place the assembled cheese bacon rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper will prevent the rolls from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Repeat: Repeat steps 3-6 with the remaining dough rolls and filling until all the rolls are assembled.

Preparing the Garlic Butter Topping

This garlic butter topping is the secret ingredient that takes these cheese bacon rolls from good to amazing! It adds a rich, savory flavor and a beautiful golden-brown color to the rolls as they bake.

Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stovetop. If using the microwave, heat it in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until it's completely melted.
Add Garlic Powder and Parsley: Stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley. The garlic powder adds a pungent, savory flavor, and the dried parsley adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Mix Well: Thoroughly mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley until they are well combined.

Baking the Cheese Bacon Rolls

Now for the final step – baking these beauties! The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is simply divine. Get ready for some serious temptation!

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the rolls in, as this will ensure even baking.
Brush with Garlic Butter: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the tops of the assembled cheese bacon rolls with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor.
Optional: Add Everything Bagel Seasoning: If you like, sprinkle the tops of the rolls with everything bagel seasoning. This adds a wonderful combination of flavors and textures, including sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and dried onion.
Bake: Bake the cheese bacon rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from burning.
Cool Slightly: Remove the baked cheese bacon rolls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking to the baking sheet.

Serving and Storing

These cheese bacon rolls are best served warm, when the cheese is melted and gooey and the bacon is crispy. They make a great appetizer, snack, or side dish. Here are a few tips for serving and storing them:

Serving: Serve the cheese bacon rolls warm, either on their own or with a dipping sauce. Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a simple sour cream dip all pair well with these rolls.
Storing: Store any leftover cheese bacon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat the cheese bacon rolls, you can microwave them for a few seconds, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or toast them in a toaster oven.
Freezing: You can also freeze the cheese bacon rolls for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize these cheese bacon rolls to your liking? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, mozzarella, or pepper jack would all be delicious.
Bacon Variations: Use different types of bacon, such as maple bacon or peppered bacon, for a different flavor profile.
Add Some Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little bit of heat.
Herb Variations: Use different herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, instead of parsley.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and add some chopped vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, for a vegetarian version.
Pizza Rolls: Use pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese for a pizza-inspired version.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious cheese bacon rolls! They're a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for any occasion. Let me know in the comments if you try them and what variations you come up with!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cheese Bacon Rolls are more than just a snack; they're an experience. From the satisfyingly crisp bacon to the gooey, melted cheese nestled in a soft, pillowy roll, every bite is a little piece of heaven. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious treat. Why is it a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the incredible flavor combination, it's the sheer versatility. Need a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next party? These rolls are guaranteed to disappear in minutes. Looking for a comforting snack on a chilly evening? Warm these up and cozy up on the couch. Want to impress your family with a simple yet impressive breakfast? Look no further! The possibilities are endless. But the fun doesn't stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a touch of sweetness, try adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup after baking. If you're a fan of spice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will kick things up a notch. You could even experiment with different types of cheese – sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or even a smoky gouda would all be fantastic additions. Thinking about serving suggestions, these Cheese Bacon Rolls pair perfectly with a variety of dips. A classic ranch dressing is always a winner, but you could also try a tangy barbecue sauce, a creamy garlic aioli, or even a simple marinara sauce for dipping. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a bowl of hearty soup or a fresh salad. They're also fantastic as part of a brunch spread, alongside scrambled eggs, fruit, and yogurt. Don't be afraid to experiment with the recipe itself! If you're short on time, you can use pre-made pizza dough or crescent roll dough as a shortcut. You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as chopped onions, peppers, or mushrooms. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and add some extra cheese or vegetables. The key is to have fun and make it your own! I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and discover just how amazing these Cheese Bacon Rolls truly are. I poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I know you'll love it as much as I do. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible rolls. And once you've tried them, I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, your variations, and your serving suggestions in the comments below. Let's create a community of cheese bacon roll enthusiasts! I can't wait to see what you come up with. Happy baking!