Easy Broccoli & Bacon Roll Ups

Struggling to find lunch ideas for kids that include vegetables without the mealtime battles? These Broccoli & Bacon Roll Ups are your secret weapon. They transform nutritious broccoli into fun, handheld pinwheels that kids can’t resist.

Wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough and loaded with crispy bacon and melty cheese, these roll ups make veggies disappear faster than you can say “lunchbox win.” They’re perfect for busy parents who want to sneak in some green goodness without the drama.

Why You’ll Love These Broccoli & Bacon Roll Ups

These savory pinwheels check all the boxes for stress-free family meals:

• Kid Friendly: The crescent roll dough makes veggies fun to eat—kids love the spiral shape and can’t resist the cheesy filling.
• Finger Food: Perfect size for little hands and lunchboxes, making them ideal lunch ideas for toddlers who are learning to feed themselves.
• Hidden Veggies: The broccoli is chopped small and covered in cheese and bacon, so even picky eaters won’t notice they’re eating something green.

Broccoli & Bacon Roll Ups Ingredients

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to make these crowd-pleasing roll ups:

• Crescent Roll Dough: Refrigerated tube dough works perfectly—use either sheet or triangle style.
• Broccoli: Steamed and finely chopped so it blends seamlessly into every bite.
• Bacon: Cooked crispy and crumbled for that irresistible smoky flavor kids (and adults) love.
• Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature, it acts as the glue that holds everything together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded for extra cheesiness and that perfect melty texture.

How to Make Broccoli & Bacon Roll Ups

Follow these easy steps for picture-perfect pinwheels:

1. Prep Filling: Mix softened cream cheese, chopped broccoli, bacon bits, and cheddar in a bowl until well combined.
2. Spread: Unroll the dough into a large rectangle on your work surface (pinch seams together if using triangles). Spread mixture evenly across the entire surface.
3. Roll: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log—keep it snug for beautiful spirals.
4. Slice: Use a sharp knife to cut into 8-10 even pinwheels, about 1 inch thick each.
5. Bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Tips for the Best Broccoli & Bacon Roll Ups

These pro tips ensure your roll ups turn out perfect every time:

• Finely Chop: Big chunks of broccoli make it hard to roll and might tear the dough. Chop it tiny for the best results!
• Chill the Log: If the dough gets too warm and soft, chill the log for 10 minutes before slicing to keep circles perfectly round.
• Dry Broccoli: Squeeze excess water out of steamed broccoli with paper towels so the dough doesn’t get gummy or soggy.

Broccoli & Bacon Roll Ups Variations

These lunch ideas easy swaps let you customize the roll ups for different tastes and dietary needs:

• Chicken: Swap bacon for shredded rotisserie chicken for a protein-packed twist.
• Ham & Swiss: Use diced deli ham and Swiss cheese for a classic flavor combination.
• Vegetarian: Skip the bacon entirely and add diced red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for color and flavor.

What to Serve with Broccoli & Bacon Roll Ups

Round out the meal with these simple, kid-approved sides:

• Carrot sticks and ranch: Fresh veggies with a creamy dip are always a hit.
• Fresh fruit slices: Apple wedges, grapes, or berries add natural sweetness.
• Yogurt tube: A frozen yogurt tube doubles as both a snack and a lunchbox ice pack.

Broccoli & Bacon Roll Ups FAQs

Can I send these cold in a lunchbox?
Absolutely! These Broccoli & Bacon Roll Ups taste great at room temperature, making them perfect lunch ideas school friendly options. Just pack them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh until lunchtime.

Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze baked roll ups in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

Can I use raw broccoli?
It’s best to steam the broccoli first—raw broccoli won’t soften during the short baking time and will be too crunchy. Plus, steaming makes it easier to chop finely.

Final Thoughts on Broccoli & Bacon Roll Ups

These Broccoli & Bacon Roll Ups are savory, flaky, and packed with flavor—a true lunchbox win! They prove that getting kids to eat vegetables doesn’t have to be a battle when you make it fun.