If you want a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer made with just a few pantry staples, try these Bacon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups. The classic retro recipe calls for three ingredients, but here the cream cheese is seasoned with garlic powder and parsley for extra flavor.
These Cream Cheese Rolls were the hit of a before-dinner cocktail hour—guests kept asking for the recipe. They’re fast to assemble and bake, and the finished bites disappear quickly. If you like variations on cream cheese appetizers, you might also enjoy other simple stuffed-roll recipes.
Why You’ll Love these Bacon and Cheese Rolls
- Made with only a handful of common ingredients.
- Everything is easy to find at any supermarket: bacon, cream cheese, and sliced bread.
- Despite the simplicity, the combination of crispy bacon, tender toasted bread, and creamy seasoned cheese is irresistible.
Ingredient Notes
- Sliced white bread – I used Pepperidge Farm Butter Bread for a soft texture, but regular white bread works fine.
- Sliced bacon – Choose a leaner cut if you want a neater presentation.
- Cream cheese – Bring to room temperature so it spreads easily.
- Garlic powder – Adds a gentle savory note; adjust to taste.
- Fresh parsley – Finely minced for color and brightness.
Expert Tips
- If you prefer the original three-ingredient version, skip the garlic and parsley. Other options: paprika, onion powder, chives, or thyme.
- Cut each bread slice into three strips so the strips are about the same width as the bacon.
- You can remove crusts first, spread the cream cheese, then slice into strips—this is usually easiest.
- Par-cook the bacon in the microwave for a minute or two to render some fat and reduce oven time.
- Use toothpicks to secure the rolls; knotted or decorative picks are nice for entertaining.
- Line the baking sheet with non-stick foil for simple cleanup.
How to Make
- Trim the crusts from each slice of bread.
- Spread the seasoned cream cheese over the bread slices.
- Cut each slice of bread into three even strips.
- Top each strip with a partially cooked bacon piece.
- Roll each bread strip into a spiral with the cream cheese inside, place it on a bacon strip, roll up and secure with a toothpick.
- Bake at 375°F until the bacon is crisp and the bread is toasted, turning once for even browning. Serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cream cheese rolls vary: some use tortillas or puff pastry and can include cheese, deli meats, or olives. This version uses bread, bacon, and cream cheese, with optional seasonings like garlic powder and parsley.
Yes. Assemble the roll-ups, cover, and refrigerate overnight. They may need a few extra minutes in the oven since they’ll be cold.
Store refrigerated in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Don’t leave them at room temperature for more than two hours for food safety. Rewarm gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Bacon renders flavorful fat that toasts the bread as the rolls bake. The contrast between crispy bacon, slightly crisped bread, and creamy cheese creates a satisfying balance of textures and flavors.
You May Also Like:
- Bacon-wrapped smokies and other bite-sized bacon appetizers.
- Jalapeño poppers wrapped in bacon for a spicy option.
- Prosciutto and cheese pinwheels for an elegant twist.
- Sweet and savory dips and stuffed dates wrapped in bacon.
- Explore easy appetizer recipes for more crowd-pleasing ideas.
Share your results on social media and tag the person who inspired the recipe. If you enjoy the appetizer, consider leaving a rating where you found the recipe.
Bacon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe
20 minutes
26 minutes
46 minutes
12 servings
A simple five-ingredient bacon and cream cheese appetizer that disappears fast at parties.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf sliced white bread (or similar)
- 16-oz package sliced bacon
- 12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (1½ 8-oz packages)
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1½ teaspoons minced fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil or foil sprayed with cooking spray.
- Separate the bacon slices and cut each piece in half. Par-cook the bacon in the microwave on a paper-towel-lined plate for a minute or two to render some fat; set aside.
- Mix the cream cheese with garlic powder and parsley until smooth.
- Remove crusts from nine slices of bread and spread each slice with the cream cheese mixture. Cut each slice into three strips.
- Roll each strip into a tight spiral with the cream cheese inside. Place the spiral on a strip of par-cooked bacon, roll up, and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange the roll-ups on the prepared baking sheet and bake about 25 minutes, turning once, until the bacon is crisp and the bread is toasted. Serve warm.
Notes
The final number of roll-ups depends on the count of bacon slices in your package; one pack may yield more or fewer than the example above.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12
Serving Size:
2 rollups
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 444Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 1034mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 20g