Cheeseburger Roll Ups

Looking for a savory, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both easy to make and packed with bold flavors? These garlic butter cheeseburger roll ups combine all the classic elements of a cheeseburger—juicy ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and golden, fluffy dough—wrapped into one delicious appetizer. Whether you’re planning your next game day appetizer, a quick family dinner, or prepping for a potluck, these roll ups are a versatile and flavorful solution that everyone will love.

The recipe is simple yet satisfying. It starts with a seasoned beef mixture, enhanced with Worcestershire sauce, onions, and garlic powder, then wrapped in refrigerated pizza dough or crescent rolls. The finishing touch? A rich brush of garlic butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before baking. The result is a golden, crispy outside with a cheesy, savory filling.

If you’re curious about how ingredients like ground beef are prepared in other cuisines, or want to understand more about the cheddar cheese melting process, Wikipedia offers detailed overviews on ground beef and cheddar cheese. You can also check out cheeseburger roll up ideas on Pinterest for additional inspiration on serving styles and presentation.

This dish has grown in popularity thanks to its balance of texture and taste—crunchy, cheesy, and savory in every bite. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or game day gatherings, where finger food is a must. Best of all, it’s easy to customize, making it a go-to staple for different occasions and flavor preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These garlic butter cheeseburger roll ups aren’t just another appetizer—they’re a guaranteed hit. Packed with flavorful ground beef, melted cheese, and a golden-brown crust brushed with garlic butter, they bring the comfort of a cheeseburger in a bite-sized roll up that’s easy to serve and even easier to eat.

Here’s why this recipe stands out:

Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a football Sunday, a casual potluck, or a weeknight dinner, these roll ups fit the bill.

Simple ingredients, big results: With basic kitchen staples like onion, cheddar cheese, and pizza dough, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes.
Kid and adult approved: The flavors are classic and familiar—think cheeseburger meets garlic knot.
Freezer and make-ahead friendly: You can prepare them in advance and simply bake before serving.

Customizable flavors: Add bacon, swap cheeses, or spice it up with jalapeños for a personal twist.

Thanks to the use of Worcestershire sauce, which adds a deep umami flavor, and garlic powder, which enhances the overall aroma, these roll ups bring layered complexity to a straightforward dish. If you’re new to cooking or want to know more about these flavor-enhancing ingredients, you can explore the origins and uses of Worcestershire sauce and garlic for a deeper culinary perspective.

For those who like browsing recipe ideas visually, platforms like Pinterest are loaded with game day appetizers and easy ground beef recipes that complement this dish. It’s easy to get inspired and build a whole spread around these roll ups.

Whether you’re serving a crowd or just craving something indulgent, this dish delivers both satisfaction and simplicity, making it a must-have in your appetizer lineup.

Ingredients Breakdown

Crafting the perfect garlic butter cheeseburger roll ups starts with choosing the right ingredients. Each component in this recipe plays a key role in creating a rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture. Below is a detailed breakdown of the ingredients and their culinary function, plus helpful substitutions and preparation tips.

Ground Beef

The core of this recipe is ground beef, which delivers the meaty, juicy essence of a traditional cheeseburger.

Recommended type: Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and moisture.

Cooking tip: Cook thoroughly and drain excess fat to avoid soggy roll ups.
Want to learn more about different types of ground beef? Check out this guide on Wikipedia.

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers

Seasoning is crucial for creating depth of flavor.

Garlic powder: Provides a mellow garlic flavor that complements the garlic butter topping.
Salt and black pepper: Enhance all the other ingredients and balance richness.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and slight tang, reminiscent of a well-seasoned burger patty.
Learn about the history and flavor profile of garlic and Worcestershire sauce to see how they elevate savory dishes.

Onion

Finely chopped onion is sautéed with the beef to add natural sweetness and aromatic depth.

Use yellow or white onion for the best balance of sweetness and sharpness.
Cook until translucent to mellow its bite.

Cheese Options

Shredded cheddar cheese is the go-to, delivering bold, melty richness.

Alternative cheeses: Mozzarella for a stretchier texture, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or American cheese for that fast-food cheeseburger flavor.

Learn more about how cheddar cheese behaves when melted from this Wikipedia article.

Dough Options

The outer layer determines the crispness and structure of your roll ups.

Pizza dough: More bread-like and chewy; perfect for a heartier bite.
Crescent dough: Buttery, soft, and fluffy—ideal for those who prefer a lighter texture.
For those experimenting at home, crescent roll recipes on Pinterest offer a wide range of ideas and variations.

Garlic Butter Topping

The final brush of garlic butter ties the dish together.

Unsalted butter: Gives you control over the salt level.

Garlic powder: Infuses each roll up with that irresistible garlic aroma.
Chopped parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and color.

Not sure which herbs work best with garlic? Read about parsley and its complementary role in buttery sauces.

These ingredients combine to form a dish that’s not only delicious but also adaptable. Feel free to customize the seasonings or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. If you’re searching for flavor pairings or visual inspiration, browse Pinterest for garlic butter inspiration that complements this recipe perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions with Tips

Prepping the Beef Filling

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent—this mellows the onion’s sharpness and brings out natural sweetness. Add ground beef to the skillet, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Cook the mixture until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spatula.

Let the beef mixture cool for a few minutes. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy or tearing when assembling the roll ups. You can explore easy ground beef recipes for additional ideas on how to repurpose any extra beef mixture.

Rolling Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a rectangular shape. If you prefer a lighter texture, crescent roll dough works just as well. Try to keep the dough an even thickness throughout for uniform baking.

If you’re new to working with dough, consider reviewing crescent roll recipes for beginner tips on handling and rolling.

Assembling the Roll Ups

Once the dough is rolled out, evenly spread the cooled beef mixture over the surface. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Then, starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into even slices, each about 1 inch thick.

Place the slices flat-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow room for rising and crisping.

Baking Tips

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the roll ups for 15–18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top. Use the middle rack for even heat distribution.

For best results, check halfway through and rotate the baking sheet if needed. Want your roll ups extra crispy? Brush with butter again halfway through baking.

Garlic Butter Brushing

In a small bowl, mix melted unsalted butter with garlic powder and freshly chopped parsley. Once the roll ups are out of the oven, immediately brush the tops with this garlic butter mixture.

This not only enhances the flavor but also gives them a glossy, mouthwatering finish. Browse garlic butter inspiration if you want to experiment with infused butter variations or herb blends.

Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips

These cheeseburger roll ups are great for prepping ahead of time. Here’s how to plan, store, and reheat them for later enjoyment:

Make ahead: Prepare the beef mixture and roll up the dough, then refrigerate uncooked roll ups for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing: Freeze raw or baked roll ups in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Label with date and contents.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. If reheating from frozen, bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough chewy.

Pair them with other game day appetizers for a delicious spread—check out game day appetizers for ideas on building the perfect party platter.

Nutrition Information (Estimated)

Each roll up (assuming 12 servings from the recipe) contains approximately:

Calories: 180–220
Protein: 10–12g

Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 12–15g

Values will vary depending on dough and cheese types used. Use a nutrition calculator for precise numbers based on your ingredients.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Cheeseburger Roll Ups

Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a kick. You can also use pepper jack cheese for heat.

Bacon Cheeseburger Style

Mix in crumbled cooked bacon with the ground beef before rolling. This adds a salty, smoky layer of flavor that mimics a classic bacon cheeseburger.

Vegetarian Option

Swap ground beef for a plant-based alternative. Brands like Beyond or Impossible work well and hold texture. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly version.

Mini or Jumbo Versions

Cut the dough log into thinner slices for bite-sized roll ups, or make thicker cuts for a more filling version. Adjust bake time accordingly—shorter for minis, longer for jumbo.

What to Serve with Cheeseburger Roll Ups

Elevate your appetizer spread by pairing these roll ups with delicious sides and dips:

Dipping sauces: Ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or homemade burger sauce.

Side dishes: Potato wedges, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad.
Beverages: Iced tea, soda, or beer for adults on game day.

Looking for more ideas? Scroll through cheeseburger roll up ideas to see how others present and pair this versatile snack.

Game Day Serving Tips

Make your party stress-free with these serving hacks:

Keep warm: Use a slow cooker set to “warm” or a low oven setting with foil to keep roll ups hot during your event.
Serve with dipping stations: Offer small bowls of sauces so guests can pick their favorites.
Build a roll up bar: Prepare a variety of fillings and dough options so everyone can create their own combo.

Explore more game day appetizers to create a full game day menu alongside your cheeseburger roll ups.

FAQs

Can I make cheeseburger roll ups ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare and assemble them up to a day in advance, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. You can also freeze unbaked roll ups and bake straight from frozen.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

Absolutely. Crescent roll dough yields a lighter, fluffier texture, while pizza dough gives a chewier, more substantial bite. Both options work well depending on your preference.

How do I prevent the roll ups from getting soggy?

Let the beef cool before spreading it on the dough, and avoid overstuffing. Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef, and bake on parchment to keep the bottoms crisp.

What cheese melts best in these roll ups?

Cheddar cheese is the classic choice, but mozzarella, gouda, and American cheese also melt well and offer different flavor profiles. Visit cheddar cheese for insight into cheese melting behavior.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes. Place roll ups in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Keep in mind that size and dough thickness may affect cook time.

Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Roll Ups Recipe with Ground Beef

Cheeseburger Roll Ups

Why You’ll Love This Recipe