Buttery Bacon Cheese Rollups

This bacon cheese burger roll transforms regular burger taste into a creative, handy meal that's great for family nights, sports watching, or whenever you need a break from your standard burger setup.

I came up with these rolls during a wet weekend when the kids wanted burgers but I wasn't keen on grilling outside. They've turned into our end-of-week ritual, with the family coming together to watch them get cut like sweet rolls but filled with amazing savory burger stuff instead.

What You'll Need

• Ground beef: Go for 80/20 meat-to-fat for the tastiest results without too much grease
• Taco seasoning: Gives you plenty of taste in one easy packet though you can mix your own if you want
• Water: Makes sure the flavor gets all through the meat
• Bacon: Brings that smoky crunch and real burger taste; thicker slices work best
• Cheddar cheese: The sharp kind melts great and can handle the big flavors around it
• Refrigerated pizza dough: Makes a nice chewy wrapper that turns golden when baked
• Unsalted butter: Lets you manage the salt level since the bacon and seasoning already bring plenty
• Fresh garlic cloves: Adds that wonderful smell that makes everything taste better
• Fresh parsley: Cuts through the rich stuff and makes everything look pretty

Easy Cooking Guide

Cook Your Meat:

Fry ground beef in a big pan over medium high heat until there's no pink left, around 5–7 minutes. Break it into tiny bits with your spoon while it cooks. Make sure to drain all the fat so your rolls don't get soggy.

Add The Flavors:

Mix in your taco seasoning and water with the drained beef. Stir it all around so the meat gets completely covered. Let it bubble for 5 minutes without a lid until it thickens up. Take it off the heat and let it cool a bit so it's easier to handle.

Get Ready To Bake:

Turn your oven to 375°F. Put parchment on a baking tray so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. The paper also helps the bottoms cook evenly without burning.

Flatten The Dough:

On a surface with a little flour, spread out the pizza dough and stretch it into a 10x15 inch rectangle. A rolling pin helps get it even. If it keeps shrinking back, let it sit for 5 minutes and try again.

Add Your Toppings:

Spread your seasoned beef all over the dough, but leave a 1 inch empty space around the edges. Scatter bacon pieces on top of the beef then cover everything with shredded cheese. Press down gently so it all sticks together.

Roll It Up:

From one of the long sides, roll the dough into a tight log like you would with sweet rolls. Pinch the edge and ends firmly to seal everything inside so nothing leaks while baking.

Cut Into Pieces:

With a sharp bread knife, cut the log into slices about 1 inch thick. Wipe the knife between cuts for cleaner slices. Place each piece cut side up on your baking sheet, leaving some room between them.

Make Garlic Butter:

Melt your butter in a small bowl and mix in minced garlic and chopped parsley. Use a brush to cover the top and sides of each roll with this mixture for the best flavor.

Bake Them Up:

Put the tray in your hot oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until the rolls turn golden and the cheese is all melty. The bottom should be crispy and the dough should be completely cooked.

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You might wonder why I use taco seasoning in a burger dish, but it's actually my hidden trick. My grandma always put a tiny bit of taco seasoning in her burgers, saying it had just the right mix of spices to make beef taste better without being too much. Whenever I cook these rolls, that familiar smell takes me straight back to her kitchen.

Prep In Advance

These rolls are perfect for planning meals ahead. You can get the whole roll ready, wrap it tight in plastic, and keep it in the fridge up to 24 hours before cutting and baking. If you need longer storage, freeze the whole log uncut then let it thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking. If you've already baked them, they warm up nicely in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes from the fridge or 15 minutes if frozen.

Try Something New

Change them into morning rolls by using breakfast sausage instead of beef and adding some scrambled eggs inside. For a meat-free option, swap the beef for cooked lentils or plant meat and use veggie bacon bits. Play with different cheeses: try pepper jack for some heat, mozzarella for that stretchy pull, or blue cheese for a tangy kick. You can also throw in some cooked mushrooms, browned onions, or small pickle pieces inside for that authentic burger feel.

What To Serve With Them

Put these rolls out with small dishes of ketchup, mustard, and mayo for dipping. A basic green salad with ranch dressing balances out the richness really well. For a cool presentation, arrange the rolls on a big plate with pickle spears and fries in the middle to create a complete burger meal in a new way. They also work great as party snacks when cut smaller and served with toothpicks.

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These bacon cheeseburger rolls give you a fun spin on a classic meal that'll make everyone happy!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Could I swap cheddar for another cheese?

Of course! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack would work beautifully. Pick your favorite flavor!

→ Can I prep the rollups in advance?

Totally! Get them ready, cover, then refrigerate until you're ready to bake them fresh for the best results.

→ What’s the best way to warm up leftovers?

Pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or use an air fryer to bring back the crispiness and heat them through.

→ Any extra ingredients I could add?

Definitely! Toss in some sautéed onions, chopped bell peppers, or spicy jalapeños for a little twist.

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?

Yep, homemade pizza dough works great. Just roll it out to the same size and proceed as usual.

→ Got options for vegetarians?

Absolutely! Swap the meat and bacon for plant-based crumbles or a medley of cooked veggies to make it veggie-friendly.