Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls Recipe

Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls are what happens when comfort food classics collide in the best way possible. Imagine creamy mac and cheese, juicy ground beef, and smoky bacon all rolled up into golden, crispy perfection. They’re cheesy, hearty, ridiculously fun to eat, and come together faster than you’d think — perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something totally indulgent but still easy to whip up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Satisfying: Creamy, cheesy, meaty, and crispy all in one bite — it’s like the ultimate mashup of your favorite diner meals.
• Quick & Easy: Uses everyday ingredients and minimal prep. Great for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or last-minute get-togethers.
• Kid and Crowd Friendly: These rolls are a huge hit with kids and adults alike — they disappear fast!
• Portable and Mess-Free: Rolled and baked, these are easy to grab and eat, perfect for on-the-go lunches or party platters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these glorious burger rolls — and a few helpful notes for best results:

• Ground Beef: The star of the “burger” part — go for leaner beef to avoid too much grease.
• Bacon: Adds that irresistible smoky crunch and richness. Cook until crispy and chop finely.
• Elbow Macaroni: The classic base for mac and cheese. Cook just until al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and brings that signature mac and cheese flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Makes the mac and cheese extra creamy and holds it together inside the rolls.
• Milk: Helps create a silky, smooth cheese sauce. Whole milk is best, but 2% works too.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Boosts the flavor of the beef and cheese mix without overpowering.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste throughout — don’t be shy!
• Pizza Dough or Crescent Roll Dough: Store-bought dough makes this easy and quick. Crescent rolls create a softer texture; pizza dough holds up a little better.
• Egg Wash (Optional): For a golden brown, bakery-style finish.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mac and cheese filling for heat lovers.
• Veggie Boost: Sauté some finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers with the beef for extra nutrition.
• Different Cheese: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or smoked gouda for a more gourmet twist.
• Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the beef and bacon for ground turkey and turkey bacon for a lighter version.
• Mini Rolls: Use smaller dough squares for bite-sized party snacks.

How to Make Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls

Step 1: Cook the Mac and Cheese

Boil the macaroni just until al dente, drain, and set aside. In a saucepan, melt some cream cheese with milk over low heat, then stir in shredded cheddar until smooth. Add cooked macaroni and stir well to coat. Set aside to cool slightly — it should be thick, not runny.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully browned. Drain any excess fat. In a separate pan (or before the beef), cook bacon until crispy, then chop finely and stir into the beef mixture.

Step 3: Combine and Chill Filling

Mix the cooled mac and cheese with the beef and bacon mixture. Let it chill in the fridge for about 10–15 minutes. This makes it easier to roll without everything falling apart.

Step 4: Fill and Roll

Roll out your dough on a floured surface and cut into rectangles (about palm-sized). Spoon a generous amount of the filling into each piece, then roll them up tightly like little burritos, pinching the seams closed. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush each roll lightly with egg wash (if using), then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the rolls rest for a few minutes out of the oven before serving. The filling will be hot and gooey!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cool the filling slightly before rolling: It makes the dough easier to handle and prevents tearing.
• Seal the edges well: Pinch or tuck them to keep the cheesy filling from leaking out during baking.
• Use parchment paper: It keeps the bottoms crisp and prevents sticking.
• Double batch it: These disappear fast. Make extras and freeze some for later.
• Don’t overstuff: Tempting, but keep a balance so they roll properly and stay sealed while baking.

How to Serve

These rolls are pretty much a full meal on their own, but here are a few fun ideas for serving:

Dipping Sauce Ideas:

• Classic ketchup or BBQ sauce
• Spicy sriracha mayo
• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard

On the Side:

• A crisp green salad or coleslaw for freshness
• Sweet potato fries or waffle fries for that diner feel
• Dill pickles or pickled jalapeños for a tangy bite

Party Platter Style:

Slice them in half and serve with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat surprisingly well!

Freezing

Freeze before or after baking. To freeze unbaked rolls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. To freeze baked ones, let cool completely before wrapping and freezing.

Reheating

Pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. For a faster option, use the microwave, but the oven keeps the crust crispy.

FAQs

Can I use boxed mac and cheese instead of homemade?
Yes! If you’re in a rush, boxed mac and cheese works just fine. Just make sure it’s thick and not too saucy, or it’ll make the rolls soggy.

What’s the best dough to use for this recipe?
Pizza dough holds up the best, especially for larger rolls. Crescent roll dough gives a softer, flakier texture — both are delicious, so go with what you have.

Can these be made ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the rolls a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake. You can also freeze them and bake straight from frozen, just add a few more minutes to the baking time.

How do I keep them from falling apart while baking?
Don’t overfill, and make sure to pinch the seams tightly closed. Chilling the filling beforehand also helps keep everything tidy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s bold, comforting, and seriously fun to make (and eat), these Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls are it. With cheesy goodness, savory meat, and crispy golden dough, they hit every craving in one bite. Perfect for busy nights, parties, or just treating yourself — give them a try and prepare to fall in love.

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