There’s something about Grandma’s recipes that hold a special place in our hearts. Maybe it’s the warmth, the love, or just the simple, home-cooked flavors that remind us of simpler times. Well, Grandma Pat’s Bacon Rolls are no exception. These rolls are the perfect combination of soft, pillowy dough wrapped around crispy, savory bacon with a slight sweetness that takes them from delicious to unforgettable. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish at dinner, they’re bound to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Grandma Pat’s Bacon Rolls are comfort food at its finest. The dough is soft and slightly sweet, providing the perfect backdrop for the salty, crispy bacon. It’s a savory-sweet combination that will have everyone at the table reaching for more. What makes this recipe even more special is that it’s easy to prepare, making it a great option when you want to impress guests or treat your family to something extra special without too much effort. The rolls bake up golden and fluffy, and with the crispy bacon inside, they’re the perfect bite every time.
Ingredients
For the Bacon Rolls:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for rolling)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
You can find the full list of ingredients below.
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring to form a dough. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
2. Let the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
3. Prepare the Bacon
While the dough is rising, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. After it cools slightly, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
4. Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release any air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Add the Bacon and Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Then, evenly distribute the crumbled bacon over the sugar mixture.
6. Roll and Slice
Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the rolled dough into about 8-10 even pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
7. Let the Rolls Rise
Cover the baking dish with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until they puff up and fill the pan.
8. Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. The edges should be crispy, and the dough should feel soft to the touch.
9. Make the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
10. Glaze the Rolls and Serve
Once the rolls are baked and still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top of the rolls. The glaze will melt into the warm rolls, adding a sweet finish to the savory bacon inside. Serve immediately while the rolls are soft and gooey!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Add Extra Flavor: For a more intense bacon flavor, you can brush the dough with a little melted butter before sprinkling the sugar and bacon mixture. This will make the bacon extra crispy and flavorful.
- Make Ahead: If you want to make these ahead of time, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, cover them, and refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking in the morning.
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: For extra crispiness and flavor, use thick-cut bacon. It holds its texture better and adds more bite to the rolls.
- Glaze Variations: You can experiment with different glazes, such as a maple glaze or a cream cheese glaze, if you prefer something richer.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegan Version: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. You can also use a plant-based egg replacement.
- Herb-infused Bacon Rolls: If you want a more savory twist, add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for a fragrant and earthy flavor.
- Cheese Option: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the dough along with the bacon before rolling it up. The melted cheese will add a savory creaminess that complements the bacon perfectly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These bacon rolls are perfect on their own, but they’re also wonderful as part of a bigger brunch spread. Serve them with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a side of hashbrowns for a complete breakfast. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, or if you’re feeling indulgent, a mimosa or Bloody Mary would complement the savory-sweet flavor of the rolls.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. If you have leftover glaze, drizzle it on top for a fresh touch!
4 FAQs
1. Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the rolls after assembling them but before baking. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze individually before transferring them to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
2. Can I make these rolls without the glaze?
Absolutely! The rolls are still delicious without the glaze. The bacon and the slight sweetness of the dough are enough to make them tasty on their own.
3. How can I make the dough softer?
To make the dough extra soft, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter or a splash of milk during the mixing process. This will add richness and softness to the dough.
4. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be substituted for regular bacon if you prefer a leaner option. However, turkey bacon may not crisp up as much, so be sure to cook it until it’s as crispy as you like.
Conclusion
Grandma Pat’s Bacon Rolls are a delightful treat that brings together the comforting flavors of homemade dough, crispy bacon, and a touch of sweetness. Whether you serve them as a breakfast, brunch, or side dish, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Easy to make, full of flavor, and a little bit of nostalgia in every bite—these rolls will make any meal feel special. So grab your apron, get baking, and let the delicious aroma fill your kitchen!
Print
Grandma Pat’s Bacon Rolls
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (excluding dough rising time)
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Grandma Pat’s Bacon Rolls combine soft, pillowy dough, crispy savory bacon, and a touch of sweetness to create the perfect bite. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress with their warm, gooey texture and savory-sweet flavor.
Ingredients
- For the Bacon Rolls:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for rolling)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to form a dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. - Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. - Prepare the Bacon:
Cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces. - Roll Out the Dough:
Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. - Add Bacon and Sugar:
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon (if using). Sprinkle this mixture over the dough, followed by the crumbled bacon. - Roll and Slice:
Roll the dough into a log and slice into 8-10 even pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, leaving space between them. - Let the Rolls Rise:
Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed. - Bake the Rolls:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown. - Make the Glaze:
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. - Glaze the Rolls and Serve:
Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- You can make these rolls ahead of time by preparing them up to the point of baking, then refrigerating them overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
- For extra bacon flavor, brush the dough with melted butter before adding the sugar and bacon mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg