Published on December 20, 2025
Ready in: 45 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
These Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls combine creamy mac and cheese with savory bacon and beef, all wrapped in flaky dough for a deliciously comforting dish.
There’s something incredibly comforting about mac and cheese, especially as the cooler temperatures of fall settle in here in New York City. It’s a dish that stirs up warm memories and brings people together, making it perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings and Christmas celebrations. Now, imagine combining the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the savory delight of a bacon burger—it’s a dream come true! I’ve honed this recipe for Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls, and trust me, it’s worth every minute of preparation.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines two comfort food favorites: mac and cheese and burgers.
- Perfect for gatherings during the holiday season.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients that deliver big flavor.
- Offers a fun twist on traditional party food that will impress your guests.
- Comforting and satisfying dish that warms you up on chilly nights.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make delicious Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls:
For the Mac & Cheese
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bacon Burger Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 strips of thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 1 package of crescent roll dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your delectable Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls.
Step 1: Prepare the Mac & Cheese
Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and return it to the pot. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking until thickened. Reduce to low heat and stir in the cheeses until melted. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then fold in the cooked macaroni.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon Burger Filling
In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, then remove and drain. In the same skillet with reserved bacon fat, cook the ground beef, seasoning it until browned. Mix in the crispy bacon and remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough and flatten it gently. Cut into rectangles and place a spoonful of mac and cheese and a spoonful of the bacon burger mixture in the center. Fold the dough edges over, sealing the filling inside. Arrange them seam-side down on a baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving to maintain the gooey consistency of the filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Ensure the macaroni is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook inside the rolls.
- Skipping the egg wash: The egg wash not only adds color but also helps the rolls stay sealed during baking.
- Packing too much filling: Resist the temptation to overfill the rolls; too much filling can make it difficult to seal them properly.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For an upscale twist, consider adding crumbled blue cheese to your mac and cheese for a flavorful pop.
- Experiment with different cheeses; a mix of Gruyère and fontina can make for a wonderfully rich combination.
- Feel free to add finely chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for an added kick!
Variations
- Substitute elbow macaroni with shells or penne for different textures.
- Use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter filling.
- Add sautéed vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture.
How to Serve
- Serve warm as an appetizer or finger food at parties.
- Pair with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the mac and cheese and bacon burger filling a day in advance.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Freezing: Unbaked rolls can be frozen; bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
After perfecting these Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls, I’ve realized just how versatile and comforting fusion dishes can be during the holiday season. The blend of textures and flavors here makes them a crowd-pleaser, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights in.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 12 rolls · Serving Size: 1 roll
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~320 calories · 15g protein · 30g carbs · 18g fat
Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls for Cozy Gatherings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and return it to the pot. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking until thickened. Reduce to low heat and stir in the cheeses until melted. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then fold in the cooked macaroni.
- In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, then remove and drain. In the same skillet with reserved bacon fat, cook the ground beef, seasoning it until browned. Mix in the crispy bacon and remove from heat.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough and flatten it gently. Cut into rectangles and place a spoonful of mac and cheese and a spoonful of the bacon burger mixture in the center. Fold the dough edges over, sealing the filling inside. Arrange them seam-side down on a baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg.
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving to maintain the gooey consistency of the filling.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for the Mac & Cheese?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape that holds cheese sauce well, such as shells or cavatappi.
2. How can I make these rolls vegetarian?
You can omit the bacon and ground beef and replace them with sautéed vegetables or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
3. Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mac and cheese and bacon burger filling a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the rolls.
4. What should I serve with Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls?
These rolls pair well with a simple side salad, coleslaw, or even some crispy potato wedges to complete your meal.
5. Can I freeze the Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just ensure they are well-sealed in an airtight container. When ready to eat, bake them from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
