Pin it
These pull apart rolls happened when I was trying to figure out what to bring to a potluck that wouldn't require serving utensils or plates. Turns out layering chicken, bacon, and ranch between soft potato rolls and baking them all together creates this amazing communal food that people can just grab and eat. The garlic butter that soaks into everything makes them taste way fancier than the effort required.
I brought these to my daughter's soccer team party last spring, and the coach's husband asked three different people who made them before tracking me down. He said his wife had been trying to recreate them at home but couldn't figure out the secret. When I told him it was just garlic butter brushed on top, he looked skeptical until I promised to send the recipe.
What You Need
- Package of potato rolls - Those soft Hawaiian-style rolls work perfectly because they hold together
- Deli chicken - Way easier than cooking and shredding your own, though leftover rotisserie works great too
- Bacon - Cook it crispy because nobody wants chewy bacon in their sandwich
- Colby jack cheese - Melts beautifully and has mild flavor that doesn't compete with everything else
- Ranch dressing - The bottled kind works fine, don't overcomplicate it
Pin it
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the base
- Cut through the entire package of connected rolls horizontally, keeping the bottom half together and setting the top half aside. This creates one big sandwich that you'll cut apart later. Line your baking sheet with parchment to prevent sticking.
- Make garlic butter
- Melt butter with chives, garlic salt, and onion powder in a small saucepan. This mixture is what makes these taste special instead of just like regular sandwiches. Make sure everything melts together smoothly.
- Start layering
- Brush the bottom rolls with some of the garlic butter, then layer half the cheese slices over that. Add all the chicken and crumbled bacon, then drizzle ranch dressing over everything. The order matters because it helps everything stick together.
- Finish building
- Top with remaining cheese slices, then place the top half of rolls over everything. Brush the tops and sides with more garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Don't skip the sides because that's what makes them golden all over.
- Bake covered
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for twenty minutes at 350 degrees. This steams everything together and melts the cheese without browning too fast. Remove foil for the last five to ten minutes to get those golden tops.
- Cut and serve
- Use a sharp knife to cut through the rolls where they naturally separate. Serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and the rolls are soft and warm.
The first time I made these, I forgot to brush the sides with butter and they came out looking pale and boring. Now I make sure to coat every surface because that garlic butter is what transforms them from regular sandwiches into something special that people remember.
Perfect Occasions
These work great for game day parties because people can grab them easily while watching. They're perfect for potlucks since they travel well and don't need serving utensils. I've made them for casual dinners when I want something fun and different that feels like comfort food. Kids love them for lunch when you cut them into individual portions.
Easy Switches
Use turkey and swiss instead of chicken and cheese for different flavors. Ham and cheddar works great too. For spice lovers, add some jalapeño slices with the bacon. Buffalo chicken with blue cheese creates a whole different vibe. During holidays, leftover turkey with cranberry sauce instead of ranch tastes amazing.
Make Ahead Magic
Assemble everything except the final butter brush and Parmesan the night before. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, then add the final touches and bake when ready. This makes them perfect for entertaining because most of the work is already done.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep in the fridge for a few days and reheat well in the oven or air fryer. Don't use the microwave if you can help it because it makes the rolls soggy. These freeze okay for up to a month, though the texture is never quite the same as fresh.
Pin it
These chicken bacon ranch pull apart rolls have become my go-to contribution for any gathering where I need to feed a bunch of people something they'll actually eat. There's something about the combination of familiar flavors in this shareable format that makes everyone happy. They disappear fast wherever I bring them, and I always end up giving out the recipe to at least three people every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different types of rolls?
- Yes! Hawaiian rolls, dinner rolls, or slider buns all work great. Just make sure they come connected so you can slice them as one unit.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble them completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Just add 15 minutes to room temperature before baking and brush with butter right before going in the oven.
- → What can I substitute for the ranch dressing?
- You could use Caesar dressing, honey mustard, or even a garlic aioli. Buffalo sauce would also be delicious if you want some heat!
- → How do I reheat leftovers?
- You can reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat several in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- → Can I freeze these rolls?
- Yes! Wrap them tightly after they cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.