Looking for a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? This viral cheeseburger onion ring roll checks all the boxes. With a crispy, cheesy exterior and a hearty, flavorful filling, it turns the classic cheeseburger into a low-carb, oven-baked roll you can slice and serve. This recipe has gained serious attention online, not just for how impressive it looks, but also for how good it tastes. It’s a satisfying twist that lets you enjoy everything you love about burgers without the bun. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just want to switch things up, this roll is bound to become a favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheeseburger onion ring roll brings the full burger experience to the table—with a fraction of the carbs. Instead of using bread, you’ll create a base from oven-crisped parmesan cheese and onion slices. Once filled with seasoned ground meat, smoky ham, creamy cheese, and tangy pickles, the sheet is rolled up and baked until everything melds together. The result is a savory, golden-brown roll packed with flavor in every slice.
Perfect for parties, game day, or family dinners, it’s both visually appealing and incredibly tasty. Plus, the whole recipe comes together in under an hour using just a few basic kitchen tools and ingredients you likely already have.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe includes three simple sections: the crispy onion ring base, the seasoned meat, and the final layer of fillings.
For the Onion Ring Base
- 2 small white onions, sliced into 1/4-inch rings
- 7 oz shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, garlic powder, paprika (to taste)
For the Ground Meat
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1/2 teaspoon each: salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
For Assembly
- 6 slices American cheese
- 6 slices ham
- 1/3 cup sliced pickles
Each ingredient contributes to a well-balanced bite—salty cheese, sweet onions, savory meat, and bright acidity from the pickles.
How to Make Viral Cheeseburger Onion Ring Roll
The process is simple but impressive. First, bake a sheet made from parmesan and onion rings until it’s golden and crisp. While that’s in the oven, cook the ground meat with spices and broth for added flavor and moisture. Once the onion base is slightly cooled, flip it, layer on your fillings, and roll it up tightly. After a quick second bake, slice and serve for a show-stopping dish.
Even though it looks gourmet, the method is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require fancy tools. The end result? A cheesy, crispy, protein-packed meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Onion Cheese Base
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle the shredded parmesan in a thin, even layer across the sheet. Arrange the onion rings on top of the cheese without overlapping. Brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until golden brown and bubbly.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Filling
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder. Stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat but keep covered.
Step 3: Cool and Flip the Onion Sheet
Once the onion and cheese sheet comes out of the oven, let it rest for 2 minutes—just long enough to firm up slightly but still be flexible. Carefully flip it over onto a clean surface by placing another tray or board on top and turning it upside down. Remove the parchment.
Step 4: Add the Fillings
Layer the ham slices evenly over the flipped base. Add the American cheese on top of the ham. Spread the cooked meat across the cheese layer and top with pickle slices.
Step 5: Roll and Bake Again
Starting at one short edge, gently but tightly roll the sheet toward the other side. Use your hands or parchment to guide the roll without breaking it. Once rolled, transfer it seam-side down to the baking sheet. Return to the oven for 7 to 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese has melted inside.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Let the roll rest for a minute or two before slicing. Use a sharp knife to cut into even pieces. Serve warm and enjoy the mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
Helpful Tips
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make flipping the onion base easier.
- If your parmesan sheet gets too crispy before flipping, it may crack—cool just briefly before handling.
- A second baking tray makes flipping simple: sandwich the sheet, invert, and peel away the parchment.
- For spicier flavor, add hot sauce or jalapeños to the filling.
- Don’t skip the broth in the meat—it keeps the filling moist and flavorful.
Details
Flavor: Bold, cheesy, and savory with a hint of spice and a pop of acidity from the pickles
Texture: Crispy outer crust, juicy interior, and melty cheese
Occasion: Ideal for casual dinners, entertaining, or a creative weeknight meal
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Notes
This roll is incredibly adaptable. Swap in bacon, use a different type of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar, or go vegetarian with a meat alternative. The roll holds up well in the fridge for leftovers, and it’s best reheated in an oven or air fryer to keep that crisp texture. Avoid microwaving, which softens the outer layer.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 433 kcal |
| Protein | 41 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Cholesterol | 115 mg |
| Sodium | 1199 mg |
| Potassium | 403 mg |
| Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Calcium | 603 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Vitamin A | 574 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.2 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cheeseburger onion ring roll made of?
It includes a baked base of parmesan cheese and onion rings, filled with seasoned ground meat, ham, cheese, and pickles, then rolled and baked again.
Why did the cheeseburger onion ring roll go viral?
Its unique shape, satisfying textures, and low-carb appeal made it an eye-catching and shareable hit on social media platforms.
Can the cheeseburger onion ring roll be baked instead of fried?
Yes. This version is entirely oven-baked, giving you a crisp texture without the mess of deep frying.
How do you keep the onion rings crispy inside the roll?
Bake the cheese-onion base until golden, then roll it while still warm. A second bake locks in crispiness.
Storage Instructions
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to bring back the crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving, which may soften the cheese shell. Freezing isn’t recommended due to texture changes after thawing.
Print
Viral Cheeseburger Onion Ring Roll | Ultimate Low-Carb Cheeseburger Hack
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A viral take on cheeseburgers, this onion ring roll swaps out the bun for a crispy parmesan-onion base, stuffed with seasoned meat, cheese, ham, and pickles. Oven-baked and easy to slice, it’s low-carb and full of flavor.
Ingredients
2 small white onions, sliced into 1/4-inch rings
7 oz shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 tbsp olive oil
Salt, garlic powder, paprika (to taste)
1 tsp olive oil
1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
1/2 tsp each: salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
6 slices American cheese
6 slices ham
1/3 cup sliced pickles
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and sprinkle parmesan in a thin layer.
2. Top with onion rings, brush with olive oil, and season. Bake for 18–20 minutes, rotating halfway.
3. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet. Add ground meat and spices. Cook until browned.
4. Add broth, cover, and simmer 10 minutes. Set aside.
5. Cool the baked onion sheet for 2 minutes, then flip it carefully.
6. Layer with ham, cheese, meat, and pickles.
7. Roll tightly from one end. Place seam-side down on tray.
8. Bake again for 7–10 minutes. Let rest, slice, and serve.
Notes
Swap ham with bacon or turkey for variety.
Use cheddar or mozzarella instead of American cheese.
Add mustard or jalapeños for a kick.
Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 433
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1199mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Conclusion
If you’re in the mood for something different that still delivers the classic comfort of a cheeseburger, this onion ring roll is just the thing. It’s fun to assemble, deeply satisfying, and ideal for anyone avoiding carbs or gluten. Every bite brings together juicy meat, melted cheese, crispy onions, and a hit of tang from the pickles. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy a burger.