When it comes to comfort food, few combinations are as satisfying and crowd-pleasing as cheeseburgers and bacon. Now imagine combining the hearty flavor of a bacon cheeseburger with the buttery, flaky goodness of a rollup — infused with rich garlic butter. Welcome to the world of Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups — a snack, appetizer, or even full meal that delivers bold flavors in every bite.
Whether you're looking for something fun to serve at game night, an easy party appetizer, or just a creative dinner twist, this recipe checks all the boxes. It's rich, flavorful, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through the ingredients, instructions, tips for customization, and even some serving suggestions to get the most out of this indulgent treat.
What Are Cheeseburger Rollups?
Cheeseburger rollups are a creative take on traditional burgers. Instead of forming patties and placing them on buns, you roll up a seasoned meat and cheese mixture in dough — similar to how you might prepare cinnamon rolls or pinwheels — then slice, bake, and serve. The result? Gooey, cheesy, beef-filled spirals with golden, flaky edges.
Adding bacon ups the flavor game, and brushing the rollups with garlic butter before baking turns them into a dish that’s practically irresistible. They're easy to make, easy to eat, and incredibly customizable.
Ingredients Overview
Main Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef – Classic for cheeseburgers. Ground chuck or an 80/20 blend provides a juicy, flavorful base.
6–8 slices of bacon – Cooked until crispy and chopped. Adds smoky, savory notes and crunch.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar works best for that familiar burger taste, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flair.
1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough – Crescent dough gives a flakier texture, while pizza dough gives a chewier bite.
2 tablespoons butter – For the garlic butter topping.
2 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic gives the butter its punch.
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional) – Adds a touch of color and freshness to the buttery topping.
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
Diced pickles or jalapeños – For tang or heat.
Caramelized onions – For a sweet, savory depth.
Mustard or ketchup drizzle – Mixed in or served as dips.
Sesame seeds – Sprinkled on top for a burger bun feel.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Season with salt and pepper and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned and cooked through, drain any excess grease to avoid soggy rollups.
Next, stir in your chopped bacon. If you're using any add-ins like onions or jalapeños, now's the time to mix them in. Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the stove and let the mixture cool slightly. This helps keep the cheese from melting prematurely when it's added to the dough.
- Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface or piece of parchment paper, roll out the crescent or pizza dough into a large rectangle — roughly 9x13 inches. If using crescent roll dough, press the seams together to form a smooth sheet.
Evenly spread the beef and bacon mixture across the dough, leaving a ½ inch border on one long edge to help it seal when rolled.
- Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the meat mixture. You want the cheese to melt into the beef and create that ooey-gooey cheeseburger texture. At this point, you can also add other cheeses or toppings to make it your own.
- Roll It Up
Starting from the long edge opposite the seam, tightly roll the dough into a log, similar to how you’d roll a jelly roll or cinnamon roll. Take your time to make it even and tight.
Pinch the edge to seal it, then carefully transfer the log to a cutting board.
- Slice Into Rollups
Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1 to 1½ inch thick rounds. You should get about 10–12 rollups depending on the size of your dough and how thick you slice.
Place each rollup cut-side down on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even baking.
- Make Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic and parsley. Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the tops and edges of the rollups with the garlic butter mixture. This step is key for getting that crispy, golden, flavor-packed finish.
- Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until the rollups are golden brown and cooked through. The cheese should be bubbling, and the dough should be puffed and lightly browned.
If you're using thicker dough or added lots of fillings, you may need a few extra minutes — just keep an eye on them.
- Cool Slightly and Serve
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the rollups cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese and juices to set slightly, making them easier to handle and eat.
Tips and Variations
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the rollups ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. Just brush with garlic butter right before they go in the oven.
Freezer-Friendly: These freeze well! Bake first, then cool and freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Spicy Option: Add hot sauce or chili flakes to the meat mixture, or sprinkle pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Mini Sliders Version: Make smaller rollups and serve with toothpicks as bite-sized appetizers.
Serving Suggestions
These rollups are fantastic as-is, but even better with the right dips and sides. Here are some ideas:
Dipping Sauces:
Garlic Aioli
Spicy ketchup or Sriracha mayo
Ranch dressing
Burger sauce (mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish blend)
Side Pairings:
Crispy French fries or tater tots
Coleslaw for a fresh, tangy contrast
A simple green salad to balance the richness
Grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish hits the sweet spot of fun, flavor, and function. It’s great for kids and adults alike, super versatile, and works for just about any occasion. Unlike traditional burgers, these rollups are compact, portable, and easy to serve to a crowd — no grilling required.
They’re especially ideal for:
Game day snacks
Potlucks and parties
Casual family dinners
Lunchbox treats (they reheat well!)
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups take all the best parts of your favorite fast food burger — the savory meat, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and buttery richness — and wrap them into one compact, flaky, flavorful bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this is one recipe guaranteed to impress and disappear fast.
The best part? You can tweak and twist it endlessly to suit your taste or diet. From swapping meats to adding heat, every rollup can tell a different (but always tasty) story.
Ready to make your next snack or dinner unforgettable? Fire up your oven, roll up your sleeves, and give this recipe a try!