Irresistible Garlic Butter Bacon Rollups: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer
This exceptional Garlic Butter Bacon Rollups Recipe transforms everyday ingredients into an extraordinary appetizer that will have your guests asking for seconds. Featuring crispy bacon wrapped in buttery, garlic-infused bread, these rollups offer the perfect balance of savory flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating your family to something special, this Garlic Butter Bacon Rollups Recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of smoky bacon and aromatic garlic butter creates an irresistible flavor profile that makes these rollups disappear quickly from any serving platter.
Storage Options
Store leftover Garlic Butter Bacon Rollups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. These rollups can also be frozen for up to 1 month – simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 rollups
Difficulty: Easy
This Garlic Butter Bacon Rollups Recipe creates perfectly golden, crispy appetizers filled with smoky bacon and aromatic garlic butter. Each rollup delivers a satisfying crunch on the outside with a tender, flavorful interior that’s sure to impress any crowd.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush
- Small saucepan
- Aluminum foil (if needed)
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 tube (11 oz) refrigerated breadsticks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then chop into small pieces. Set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Prepare Breadsticks: Separate the breadsticks and gently stretch each one to about 8 inches long. Brush each breadstick with the garlic butter mixture.
- Add Filling: Sprinkle chopped bacon evenly along the length of each breadstick, followed by a light dusting of Parmesan cheese.
- Roll and Seal: Starting from one end, carefully roll each breadstick into a spiral, encasing the bacon filling. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Final Preparation: Place rollups seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush tops with remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with any remaining Parmesan.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 200°F (93°C).
- Serve: Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- For extra crispy bacon, cook it until very crispy as it will soften slightly during baking
- If breadsticks become too sticky to work with, lightly flour your hands
- Don’t overfill the rollups as this can cause them to burst during baking
- These rollups are best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature
Tips for Success
Perfect Bacon Texture: Cook your bacon until it’s crispy but not burnt. Slightly undercook it if you prefer a chewier texture, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Garlic Butter Distribution: Don’t skip brushing the garlic butter on both the inside and outside of the rollups – this ensures maximum flavor in every bite.
Even Rolling: Keep your rolling technique consistent and avoid rolling too tightly, which can cause the dough to tear or the filling to leak out.
Temperature Control: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 200°F for perfectly cooked rollups.
Additional Tips and Variations
Cheese Lovers: Add cream cheese to the filling for extra richness, or experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar or mozzarella.
Herb Enhancement: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives can elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for heat.
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble rollups up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate covered. Add 2-3 extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
Protein Variations: Try substituting bacon with cooked sausage, ham, or even cooked chicken for different flavor profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use homemade bread dough instead of refrigerated breadsticks? A: Absolutely! Roll your homemade dough into similar-sized strips and follow the same assembly process.
Q: How do I prevent the rollups from unrolling during baking? A: Make sure to pinch the seam tightly and place rollups seam-side down on the baking sheet. The dough will set quickly in the oven.
Q: Can I freeze these rollups before baking? A: Yes, assemble the rollups and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover rollups? A: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy.
Q: Can I make these rollups vegetarian? A: Replace bacon with sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Bacon Rollups Recipe proves that the most memorable appetizers often come from the simplest combinations of quality ingredients. The harmonious blend of crispy bacon, aromatic garlic butter, and tender bread creates a truly irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party or a casual family gathering, these rollups will undoubtedly become the star of your appetizer spread.
The versatility of this Garlic Butter Bacon Rollups Recipe makes it an invaluable addition to your cooking repertoire. With endless possibilities for customization and the convenience of make-ahead preparation, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again. The combination of ease, flavor, and visual appeal makes these rollups a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.