Get ready to meet your new favorite party snack and weeknight dinner hero: these incredible Cheeseburger Rollups! Imagine all the savory, cheesy, and tangy flavors of a classic cheeseburger bundled into a warm, golden-brown crescent roll. They’re irresistibly delicious, ridiculously easy to make, and guaranteed to disappear in minutes. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day or a fun meal the whole family will love, this recipe is a certified winner.
We’ve perfected this recipe to ensure every bite is packed with flavor and the texture is absolutely perfect. Forget about complicated steps or a long list of ingredients. With simple pantry staples, you can whip up these tasty bites in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Rollups Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute snack or a quick dinner.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Combining seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and tangy pickles, it’s a flavor profile that both kids and adults adore.
- Super Versatile: You can easily customize the filling with your favorite burger toppings, from bacon to jalapeños.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as a party appetizer, a fun lunch, or an easy weeknight meal. They’re always a hit!
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of common ingredients to create these savory, satisfying rollups. We’re also whipping up a classic “special sauce” that takes them over the top.
For the Rollups:
- Ground Beef: We recommend an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Crescent Roll Dough: A can of refrigerated crescent roll dough is the secret to the flaky, buttery crust.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but American cheese or a Colby Jack blend also works great.
- Yellow Onion: Finely diced onion adds a foundational savory flavor.
- Dill Pickles: Chopped dill pickles give that essential tangy crunch you expect in a cheeseburger.
- Seasonings: A simple mix of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper is all you need.
- Egg: For an egg wash to create that beautiful golden-brown, shiny crust.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkled on top to mimic a classic burger bun.
For the “Special Sauce” Dip:
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of our sauce.
- Ketchup: For that classic burger sauce sweetness and tang.
- Dill Relish: Adds texture and a zesty punch.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A dash for depth and umami flavor.
How to Make Cheeseburger Rollups Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to achieve cheesy, golden-brown perfection. This process is straightforward and fun—a great recipe to get the kids involved in!
Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling
Start by browning the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the beef apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, drain off any excess grease. This is the most crucial step for preventing a soggy bottom! Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into rectangles, pressing the diagonal perforations together to seal them. You should have four rectangles.
Step 3: Assemble the Rollups
Spread a quarter of the cooked beef mixture over each dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped dill pickles. Tightly roll up each rectangle from the long side to create a log. Pinch the seam to seal it securely. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 4-5 one-inch rollups.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the rollups cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops and sides of each rollup with the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is a deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 5: Mix the Dipping Sauce
While the rollups are baking, prepare the special sauce. In a small bowl, simply whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, dill relish, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Serve it alongside the warm rollups for the ultimate dipping experience.
The Secret to No-Soggy-Bottoms
The number one enemy of any stuffed dough recipe is a soggy bottom. Our top tip is to drain the ground beef thoroughly after cooking. Any excess fat will turn the delicate crescent dough greasy and prevent it from getting crisp. Let it sit in a colander for a few minutes to ensure all the fat has rendered out before adding it to the dough.
Pro-Tips for the Best Results
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best gooey cheese pull, shred a block of sharp cheddar yourself.
- Don’t Overfill: It can be tempting to pack the rollups with filling, but this can cause them to burst open while baking. A thin, even layer is all you need.
- Seal the Seams: Make sure to firmly pinch the seams of the dough logs before slicing. This keeps all the delicious filling inside where it belongs.
- Serve Immediately: These Cheeseburger Rollups are at their absolute best when served warm and fresh from the oven.
Delicious Cheeseburger Rollups Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups
Add 4-5 strips of crispy, crumbled bacon to the ground beef mixture for a smoky, salty kick. It’s a classic for a reason!
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Rollups
Mix in some finely diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) with the beef and swap the cheddar for a pepper jack or Colby Jack cheese for a spicy twist.
Different Doughs? (Pizza Dough vs. Puff Pastry)
While crescent dough gives a wonderfully buttery and flaky texture, you can absolutely experiment. Pizza dough will result in a chewier, more bread-like rollup. Puff pastry will make them extra light and airy. Adjust baking times as needed based on the package directions.
What to Serve with Your Rollups
These rollups are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with classic burger sides like french fries, tater tots, or a simple side salad. They make a great addition to an appetizer spread alongside other favorites like our Southern Cornbread Poppers or these incredible Ranch Chicken Bombs. For a more substantial meal, you could even pair them with a comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover rollups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I Freeze Cheeseburger Rollups?
Yes! For best results, freeze them before baking. Assemble the rollups as directed, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. You can bake them directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
How to Reheat
For the best texture, reheat leftover rollups in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can assemble the rollups, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked rollups for up to 3 months and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Yes! This recipe is very versatile. You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. Just be sure to season it well.
The key to preventing sogginess is to drain the cooked ground beef very thoroughly. Any excess grease will make the dough wet. Let the cooked beef sit in a colander for a few minutes to ensure all the fat has been removed before adding it to the dough.
We love using refrigerated crescent roll dough for a buttery, flaky texture. However, you can also use pizza dough for a chewier, more bread-like result or puff pastry for an extra light and airy crust. Adjust baking times according to the package directions.
They are fantastic with a classic burger dipping sauce (like the one in our recipe!), ketchup, or mustard. For sides, consider serving them with french fries, tater tots, or a simple green salad.
More Crowd-Pleasing Recipes to Try
These Cheeseburger Rollups are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. They are the perfect, versatile bite for any occasion that will have everyone asking for the recipe. We hope you love them as much as we do! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!
Cheeseburger Rollups
Cheeseburger Rollups: The Ultimate Easy Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain the excess grease thoroughly. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the crescent dough, separate into 4 rectangles, and press the perforations to seal.
- Divide the beef mixture evenly among the 4 dough rectangles. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped pickles. Roll up each rectangle into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Slice each log into 4-5 rollups.
- Place rollups on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
- While the rollups bake, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, dill relish, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl until smooth.
- Serve the cheeseburger rollups warm with the special sauce for dipping.
Notes
Tip 2: Ensure the ground beef is drained very well to prevent the bottoms of the rollups from becoming soggy.
Tip 3: For a spicy kick, add finely diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
