Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! We all love a good cheeseburger, right? And we certainly love the convenience of handheld snacks. So, what if we combined the best of both worlds with an extra punch of flavor? Today, I’m bringing you a recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite and party hit: Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups. Imagine all the savory, cheesy goodness of a bacon cheeseburger, wrapped in a golden crust, infused with aromatic garlic butter, and perfectly baked into a delightful rollup. It’s a fun, flavorful twist that you won’t be able to resist!
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a dish that’s incredibly fun to eat, packed with familiar flavors, and surprisingly easy to make? I’m completely obsessed with Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups because they take the classic appeal of a cheeseburger and make it portable and utterly delicious. The savory ground beef and crispy bacon mingle with gooey cheese, all encased in a flaky dough that’s been brushed with fragrant garlic butter. It’s an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite! These rollups are fantastic for a quick weeknight dinner, perfect for game day appetizers, or a unique addition to any party spread. Plus, they’re far less messy than a traditional burger, making them a win for kids and adults alike.
The Rise of Handheld Fusion Snacks
The culinary world is constantly evolving, with a growing trend towards “fusion” dishes and “handheld” meals that combine convenience with exciting flavor profiles. Cheeseburger-inspired dishes have moved beyond the bun, finding their way into casseroles, soups, and, importantly, various forms of rollups and pockets. This reflects a desire for all the beloved tastes of a burger in a more portable, sometimes less messy, format.
The addition of “garlic butter” and “bacon” elevates these rollups beyond a simple cheeseburger pocket. Garlic butter infusions are popular in many cuisines for their aromatic richness, while bacon adds a crucial layer of salty, smoky flavor and crispy texture. By combining these elements into a baked rollup using a convenient dough (like crescent roll or biscuit dough), this recipe offers a creative, bold, and undeniably delicious take on a classic. It’s a testament to how familiar ingredients can be reimagined to create a fun, satisfying, and incredibly appealing snack or light meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these incredibly flavorful and fun Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups:
For the Cheeseburger Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean recommended)
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 6 slices cheddar cheese (or American cheese), cut into halves or thirds
For the Dough & Garlic Butter:
- 1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated seamless dough sheet (or crescent roll dough)
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 6-8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled (plus more for topping)
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: You can easily substitute ground turkey or a plant-based crumble for a leaner option.
- Dough: A seamless dough sheet (often found near crescent rolls) is ideal as it requires no pinching of seams. Regular perforated crescent roll dough can be used, but you’ll need to pinch the seams together thoroughly to create a solid rectangle before cutting.
- Cheese: Cheddar or American cheese are classic for cheeseburgers. You can also use a blend of Colby Jack, provolone, or even a touch of pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Bacon: Cook bacon until extra crispy so it crumbles well. You can use pre-cooked bacon bits for convenience, but freshly cooked offers superior flavor and texture.
- Condiments: Adjust the amount of ketchup and mustard to your taste. A little pickle relish or hot sauce can also be added to the filling.
- Garlic Butter: Fresh minced garlic offers the best aroma, but garlic powder is a quick substitute. The parsley adds a nice fresh finish and color.
- Veggies (Optional): Finely diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms can be added to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get these fun and flavorful rollups baked!
- Prepare Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook Cheeseburger Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Aromatics & Seasonings: Add the finely diced onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion is softened. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauces: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is well combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic (or garlic powder), and chopped fresh parsley (if using). Set aside.
- Unroll Dough: Unroll the seamless dough sheet onto your prepared baking sheet. If using crescent roll dough, unroll and carefully pinch together all seams to form a solid rectangle.
- Brush Dough: Lightly brush the entire surface of the dough with about half of the prepared garlic butter.
- Layer Cheese & Filling: Arrange the cheese slices evenly over the dough, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) along one long edge. Evenly spread the cooled cheeseburger filling over the cheese layer. Sprinkle about half of the crumbled cooked bacon over the filling.
- Roll It Up!: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, carefully and tightly roll up the dough, jelly-roll style, into a log. Press the seam firmly to seal it.
- Slice Rollup: Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 8-10 equal slices (about 1.5 inches thick). Arrange the slices cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- Final Brush & Bake: Brush the tops and sides of the rollups with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon over the tops.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the rollups are golden brown and puffed, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for Success
- Cool the Filling: Allowing the meat filling to cool slightly before assembly prevents the dough from becoming greasy or tearing.
- Seal the Dough Well: If using crescent rolls, ensure all seams are firmly pinched to prevent filling from leaking out.
- Don’t Overfill: Stick to the suggested amount of filling to ensure the rollups can be easily rolled and sealed.
- Garlic Butter is Key: The garlic butter brushed on the dough and on top adds incredible flavor and a beautiful golden crust.
- Serve Warm: These rollups are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is gooey and the crust is flaky.
- Dip It! Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, ranch, or a special burger sauce.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups are fantastic as a main dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer:
- Appetizer: The perfect party food! Serve with various dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or my This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
- Quick Dinner: Serve with a simple side salad or a side of crispy fries for a complete meal.
- Game Day Food: Ideal for game day gatherings, alongside other easy-to-eat favorites.
- Kids’ Favorite: A fun and engaging way to serve up familiar flavors.
- Beverage Pairings: Cold sodas, iced tea, or a crisp lager are perfect companions.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups are best enjoyed fresh, but they make good leftovers!
- Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes until warmed through and the crust is re-crisped. Microwaving is an option, but the crust won’t be as crisp.
- Freezing:
- Unbaked: Assemble the rollups, slice, and arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Baked: Cool completely, then wrap individual rollups tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen in a toaster oven or conventional oven until warmed through.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed these fun and flavorful handheld meals, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other crowd-pleasing recipes:
- For another easy cheesy delight, try my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
- If you love turning classic sandwich flavors into a dip, you might enjoy How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
- And for a super easy way to feed a crowd, my These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are a game-changer.
- For a hearty one-pan dinner, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is excellent.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups are a testament to how creative and satisfying comfort food can be. They’re fun, flavorful, and incredibly convenient, making them the perfect solution for busy weeknights, effortless entertaining, or just a delicious indulgence.
I hope you give this amazing recipe a try and enjoy every savory, cheesy bite! Let me know in the comments below if these become a new favorite in your household, or what your go-to fun and flavorful twists on classics are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!
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