Mac and Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls Recipe

There are recipes that satisfy hunger, and then there are recipes that redefine what indulgence means. Mac and Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls belong squarely in the second category. Combining three of America’s most beloved comfort foods—cheeseburgers, creamy mac and cheese, and crispy bacon—into one showstopping, handheld roll, this dish is not just food, it’s an experience.

Imagine biting into a golden, soft roll that’s stuffed with tender ground beef, layers of gooey macaroni and cheese, and smoky, crisp bacon. Every element contributes its own bold character—cheddar-drenched pasta brings the creaminess, burger-seasoned beef adds the savor, and the bacon delivers crunch and deep, salty richness. Encased in soft, golden dough or wrapped in puff pastry and baked until bubbling, these rolls are the kind of food that make people stop mid-bite and say, “Wait—what is this magic?”

This recipe didn’t come from a fine dining playbook—it was born out of cravings, late-night food ideas, and a deep love for flavor mashups. It’s a fusion of backyard barbecue, diner decadence, and comfort food nostalgia, all rolled into a portable, crowd-pleasing format. Whether you’re cooking for a game day party, a family gathering, or just want to try something wildly fun in the kitchen, these burger rolls are guaranteed to be the main event.

At their heart, Mac and Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls are about joy—unapologetic, full-flavored, ooey-gooey joy. But what makes this recipe shine is not just the indulgence factor, but the balance. The beef is seasoned like a proper burger: juicy and savory with a hint of spice. The mac and cheese is made from scratch with sharp cheddar, just creamy enough to hold its shape without turning into soup. The bacon is cooked to perfection—crispy but pliable, so it folds neatly into the roll without overpowering it. Wrap all of that in dough and bake it until golden, and you’ve got a dish that feels as inventive as it is comforting.

This isn’t your typical sandwich or roll—it’s a centerpiece meal. It’s meant to be pulled apart, shared, and devoured. These rolls are excellent fresh out of the oven, but they’re also incredibly meal-prep friendly. You can make them ahead, freeze them, reheat them, or even pack them for lunch. Slice them into pinwheels for party appetizers or serve them whole for a main course. Dress them up with dipping sauces—think smoky BBQ, tangy ranch, spicy ketchup—or pile on extras like jalapeños, pickles, or a drizzle of hot honey.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Mac and Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls

This recipe is designed to serve 6–8 people, depending on portion size. It can be doubled for larger groups or parties. We’ll go through the steps in five stages:

1. Make the mac and cheese

2. Cook the bacon

3. Prepare the ground beef

4. Assemble and roll

5. Bake and serve

Let’s dive in.

Stage 1: Make the Mac and Cheese (Filling)

You’ll want a thicker mac and cheese that holds its shape—creamy but not runny. This version uses a simple stovetop cheese sauce that sets up nicely once cooled.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup elbow macaroni (or small pasta shells)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup whole milk (warm)

• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added depth)

Instructions:

1. Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente (about 1 minute less than the package recommends). Drain and set aside.

2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

3. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to form a roux. It should bubble but not brown.

4. Slowly add warm milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened.

5. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.

6. Add salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir in the cooked macaroni.

7. Let the mac and cheese cool slightly—it should be thick enough to spoon and hold its shape. Set aside.

Tip: Make the mac and cheese a few hours ahead and chill it. Cold mac and cheese is easier to portion and roll without oozing.

Stage 2: Cook the Bacon

You’ll need bacon that’s fully cooked but still flexible enough to roll. Baking is the easiest method for even, flat slices.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of thick-cut bacon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (if available).

3. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer.

4. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the bacon is crisp around the edges but not brittle.

5. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Let cool.

Tip: Do not overcook. You want crisp edges but still a soft center so the bacon bends without breaking during assembly.

Stage 3: Cook the Burger Filling

Use ground beef with good fat content—80/20 is ideal—for flavor and moisture. This filling is seasoned to taste like a classic cheeseburger.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

• ½ small onion, finely diced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil if your beef is lean.

2. Add onions and cook until translucent, 3–4 minutes.

3. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.

4. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon.

5. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder.

6. Cook until browned and no longer pink—about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.

7. Let the beef cool slightly before using.

Tip: Like the mac and cheese, slightly cooled beef makes assembly cleaner and reduces the chance of soggy dough.

Stage 4: Assemble the Rolls

You can use pizza dough, crescent roll dough, or homemade bread dough. Puff pastry works too for a flakier finish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) store-bought pizza dough (or homemade)

• Cooked and cooled mac and cheese

• Cooked and crumbled beef mixture

• 8 slices of cooked bacon

• ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella (optional)

• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if not already on.

2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12″ x 15″).

3. Leave a ½-inch border around the edges.

4. Layer on the fillings:

   • Spread a thin layer of mac and cheese over the dough.

   • Sprinkle with burger beef mixture.

   • Lay bacon strips across the surface.

   • Sprinkle extra shredded cheese if desired.

5. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, like a jelly roll.

6. Pinch the seam to seal and place the roll seam-side down on a lined baking sheet.

7. Brush the top with egg wash for golden color.

8. Optional: Sprinkle with sesame seeds or a pinch of garlic salt for burger-like flavor.

Tip: Chill the roll for 15–20 minutes before slicing to make cleaner cuts if making pinwheels.

Stage 5: Bake and Serve

1. Bake the roll for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The interior should be hot and the cheese fully melted.

2. Let rest for 5–10 minutes after baking.

3. Slice and serve:

   • For individual rolls: slice into 2–3 inch wide sections.

   • For appetizers: cut into 1-inch pinwheels.

Optional: Dipping Sauces & Toppings

Serve with sauces like:

• BBQ sauce

• Spicy ketchup

• Ranch dressing

• Honey mustard

• Cheese sauce (yes—double cheese)

Top with:

• Pickles

• Jalapeños

• Caramelized onions

• Extra bacon bits

• Drizzle of hot sauce or aioli