One Hour Ranch Bacon Cheddar Dinner Rolls
These quick-rising dinner rolls are loaded with savory ranch seasoning, crispy bacon pieces, and melted cheddar cheese. The dough comes together in a stand mixer and rises in just 15-20 minutes per rise, making fresh homemade rolls achievable in about an hour total. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals when you want impressive bread without the all-day commitment. The ranch butter brushed on top creates a golden, flavorful crust while the bacon and cheese make every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon yeast, rapid yeast preferred
- 1 ½ cups warm water, 115-125 degrees
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, more or less as needed plus more for kneadingbread flour1:1
chewier texture
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoninggarlic powder1:2gluten-free
different flavor profile
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup bacon pieces, crumbled, not imitation bacon bitsvegetarian bacon bits1:1vegetarian
slightly different texture
- 1 tablespoons parsley or minced chives, for garnish(optional)
- sea salt flakes, for sprinkling on top(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water and let stand for five minutes until foamy
- 2
Add butter, salt and 3 cups flour, mix until combined
- 3
Add additional flour 1/4 cup at a time until dough pulls away from sides and is slightly sticky
- 4
Let mixer knead for 3-5 minutes until smooth
- 5
Cover with plastic, place in warm spot and let rise 15-20 minutes
- 6
Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray
- 7
Punch down dough and divide into 20 equal pieces
- 8
Roll each piece into a ball and space evenly in prepared pan
- 9
Melt butter in small bowl and whisk in ranch seasoning
- 10
Brush melted butter ranch mixture over tops of rolls
- 11
Top with shredded cheese and bacon crumbles then sprinkle with sea salt
- 12
Set aside in warm place and let rise for additional 15-20 minutes
- 13
Bake 13-15 minutes until golden brown
- 14
Remove and brush with more melted butter if desired
- 15
Let cool slightly before serving
Tips
If your bowl is chilled or room is cool, the yeast foaming may take longer than 5 minutes
Don't add too much flour - the dough should be slightly sticky to the touch
You can turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end for a more golden top, but watch carefully to avoid burning
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or freeze up to 3 months
Can prepare through step 10, cover and refrigerate overnight, then bring to room temperature before final rise and baking
Best served warm, can reheat in 300F oven for 5 minutes
Common Mistakes
Don't add too much flour to avoid dense rolls
Don't skip the foaming step to ensure active yeast
Watch broiler carefully to avoid burning cheese and bacon
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
slightly different texture
FAQ
Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until smooth, though a mixer makes the process much easier.
What if my yeast doesn't foam?
Your yeast may be expired or the water too hot/cold. Start over with fresh yeast and properly tempered water.
How long do these keep?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.