Our Test Kitchen’s New Favorite 2-Ingredient Recipe Starts With Pillsbury Dough

Sure, we love homemade cinnamon rolls when our schedules allow, but for all other occasions, it’s Pillsbury Grands to the rescue. Their ready-to-bake convenience makes them a staple in our kitchens—and a surprisingly versatile one at that.

Ever since we first popped open a can of Pillsbury dough, we’ve been fascinated by the many ways you can use it beyond just cinnamon rolls. Chop it up for an effortless monkey bread, roll it out to make a uniquely flaky pie crust, or give it a splash of heavy cream for a soft, homestyle texture. A quick sear on the griddle turns it into a brilliant, one-ingredient cinnamon roll pancake, and if you haven’t tried cinnamon roll bread pudding yet, well, you’re missing out.

But the possibilities don’t stop there. In fact, our Test Kitchen just discovered a new, two-ingredient twist on Pillsbury cinnamon roll dough that’s as simple as it is genius—and it’s already become our latest obsession.

Meet 2-Ingredient Cinnamon Bacon Twists

A recent viral recipe showcases a new way to use the beloved dough: spiraling it around a strip of bacon. Cinna-bacon strips, if you will. The recipe calls for just two ingredients and promises to deliver the ultimate salty-sweet breakfast treat—so of course, we had to put it to the test.

After trying it in the Allrecipes Test Kitchen, we’re officially giving it two thumbs up. The crispy, savory bite of bacon combined with the warm, spiced sweetness of the cinnamon roll makes for a wildly satisfying flavor combo. It’s perfect for holiday breakfasts, indulgent brunch spreads, or even an easy afternoon snack.

But to get that ideal balance of crispy and chewy, we found one small tweak that makes all the difference.

How to Make 2-Ingredient Cinnamon Bacon Twists

First, pop open your cinnamon roll can (arguably the most satisfying part), and separate each dough disc. Unravel each spiral until you have long, cinnamon-coated strands. Some recipe creators suggest slicing the dough in half lengthwise to make thinner ropes, which crisp up even more.

Now, most viral versions call for wrapping the dough around a strip of raw bacon, but here’s the problem: the bacon doesn’t always cook through before the dough finishes baking. Our fix? A quick pre-cook. Sear the bacon in a pan for three to four minutes until it’s partially cooked but still flexible. This ensures every bite is fully cooked and crispy by the end of the bake.

Once your bacon is ready, twist each strip of dough around it, then place the twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cinnamon roll dough is puffed up and golden.

And don’t forget the finishing touch: that sweet, sweet drizzle of cinnamon roll icing. Pour it over the twists right out of the oven for a gooey glaze, or serve it on the side for some decadent dipping.

“Nothing better than a sweet and savory combo,” said Allrecipes recipe tester Natalie Gravois. “Easy grab-and-go breakfast!”

So if you’re looking for an effortless, crowd-pleasing treat, grab a can of Pillsbury dough and a pack of bacon—because once you take a bite, you’ll too wonder how you didn’t think of this sooner.