Grandma Pat’s Bacon Rolls
A Nostalgic, Buttery Treat with Crispy Bacon in Every Bite
Grandma Pat’s Bacon Rolls are a cherished family recipe—flaky, buttery dough wrapped around crispy, smoky bacon, baked to golden perfection. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cook time of 35 minutes, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a satisfying snack.
The Story Behind Grandma Pat’s Bacon Rolls
Every family has that one recipe that brings everyone together, and for us, it’s these bacon rolls. My Grandma Pat would wake up before the sun, rolling out dough with effortless grace, filling the house with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon. No matter what was going on, these rolls meant comfort, warmth, and a moment to slow down.
Her version was simple yet magical—crispy bacon wrapped inside pillowy dough, brushed with just a hint of butter before baking. While some might compare them to classic bacon biscuits or pigs in a blanket, these have a unique, homemade touch that makes them stand out.
Over the years, I’ve made little tweaks, like adding a sprinkle of cheese or a touch of honey, but no variation quite compares to the original. They’re a reminder of slow mornings, good coffee, and Grandma Pat’s loving hands working the dough.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
For the Dough:
- All-Purpose Flour – Creates a soft, tender roll.
- Yeast – Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
- Milk – Adds richness and a slight sweetness.
- Butter – Enhances the flavor and gives a golden crust.
- Sugar & Salt – A balance of sweetness and depth.
For the Filling:
- Bacon – The star of the show! Use thick-cut for a meatier bite or turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Cheese (Optional) – Cheddar or Gruyère add an extra layer of flavor.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (Optional) – A drizzle can complement the smoky bacon beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
Warm the milk and mix it with yeast, sugar, and melted butter. Let it sit until foamy. Slowly incorporate the flour and salt, kneading until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rise for about an hour.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the dough is rising, cook the bacon until just crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Cut into strips, placing a strip of bacon on each one before rolling them up tightly.
Step 4: Bake
Place rolls on a baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Let them cool slightly before digging in. Serve warm with butter or a drizzle of honey.
Expert Tips for the Best Bacon Rolls
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps the dough mix evenly and rise properly.
- Partially Cook the Bacon First – This prevents the rolls from becoming greasy while ensuring crispiness.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough – A light touch keeps the rolls soft and tender.
Serving Suggestions
Grandma Pat’s Bacon Rolls pair wonderfully with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- Scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast
- A side of apple butter or jam
- A fresh fruit salad for a sweet contrast
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, thaw overnight before baking as usual.
Reheating
Warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! Crescent roll or biscuit dough works well for a quick version.
What’s the best way to get crispy bacon inside the roll?
Cook it halfway before rolling to ensure it stays crispy after baking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
Final Thoughts
Grandma Pat’s Bacon Rolls are more than just a recipe—they’re a piece of our family history. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they bring warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Try them out and let me know in the comments how they turned out for you!
PrintGrandma Pat’s Bacon Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10–14 rolls (increased from 10 for extra servings) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Grandma Pat’s Bacon Rolls are a cherished family recipe featuring flaky, buttery dough wrapped around crispy, smoky bacon, baked to golden perfection. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 12 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked until just crisp
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
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Make the Dough:
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add melted butter and yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
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Prepare the Bacon:
- While the dough rises, cook bacon until just crispy, then drain on paper towels.
-
Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll out the dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Cut into 12 equal strips.
- Lay a strip of bacon on each piece of dough. Optionally, sprinkle with cheese and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
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Roll up tightly and place on a baking sheet, seam-side down.
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Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush rolls with melted butter and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Serve & Enjoy:
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with coffee or a side of jam.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, cook the bacon halfway before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze unbaked rolls and bake fresh when needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 220kl
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg