🍞 Overview

  • Prep time: 25 minutes
  • Rising time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Bake time: 20–25 minutes
  • Total time: ~2 hours
  • Yield: 10–12 rolls

Soft, fluffy rolls filled with smoky bacon bits and melty cheese — perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or served with soup or salad.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 3 ¼ cups (400g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet / 7g) instant yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 100°F / 38°C)
  • 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg

For the Filling

  • 6 slices (150g) bacon, diced
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella/colby mix)
  • 2 tbsp chopped chives or green onions (optional)
  • Black pepper to taste

For the Topping

  • ½ cup (50g) shredded cheese (for sprinkling)
  • 1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy.
  • Drain on paper towels and let cool.

2. Make the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add egg, butter, and salt — whisk lightly.
  3. Add flour gradually, mixing with a spoon or dough hook until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead by hand (8–10 minutes) or with a mixer (5–6 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
    • If sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour (1 tbsp at a time).
  5. Form into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Assemble the Rolls

  1. Punch down the dough to release air.
  2. Turn onto a floured surface and knead lightly for 1 minute.
  3. Roll or press the dough into a rectangle (~12×8 inches).
  4. Sprinkle evenly with bacon, cheese, chives, and a little black pepper.
  5. Roll up tightly from the long side, then cut into 10–12 equal slices (like cinnamon rolls).

4. Second Rise

  • Arrange rolls in a greased or parchment-lined baking tray, slightly spaced apart.
  • Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes, until puffy.

5. Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Brush tops with melted butter or oil.
  3. Sprinkle with a little extra cheese.
  4. Bake 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
  5. Cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

🧀 Serving Ideas

  • Delicious warm with butter, garlic dip, or tomato soup.
  • Great for breakfast sandwiches — slice and fill with eggs or ham.
  • Perfect as a party snack or lunchbox treat.

🧡 Storage Tips

  • Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days, or in the fridge up to 5 days.
  • Reheat in oven or air fryer for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Freeze up to 3 months — thaw and warm before eating.

🔀 Variations

  • Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or chili flakes.
  • Garlic & Herb: Mix minced garlic and dried herbs into the dough.
  • Cheese lovers: Try a blend of cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella.
  • Whole wheat version: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.