If you are craving a fun, comforting snack that combines gooey cheese with crispy, buttery bread, look no further than this delightful Grilled Cheese Roll Ups Recipe. These roll ups take the classic grilled cheese sandwich to a whole new level with their handheld, bite-sized convenience and golden perfection that’s crisp on the outside but melty inside. Whether you need a quick appetizer, kid-friendly lunch, or cozy snack, the Grilled Cheese Roll Ups Recipe is guaranteed to become your new favorite go-to treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Grilled Cheese Roll Ups Recipe thrives on simplicity and quality. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and rich flavor—soft white bread forms a tender, pliable base, sharp cheddar cheese melts into a bubbly, savory center, and real butter gives these roll ups their irresistible crispy crust and luscious buttery taste.
- Soft white bread: Choose fresh, pillowy slices for easy rolling and a tender final texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: A classic choice that melts beautifully to bring cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Butter: Divided use allows some to melt in the pan and some for dipping, ensuring a perfectly rich, golden crust.
- Marinara sauce, tomato soup, or ranch dressing: Optional but highly recommended for dipping, adding a flavorful contrast to the buttery, cheesy roll ups.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Grilled Cheese Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Cheese Rolls
Begin by carefully trimming the crusts from each slice of soft white bread—this makes rolling much easier and results in a more uniform, crispy roll up. Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice to about one-eighth of an inch thickness. Sprinkle approximately two tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each flattened slice. Then roll the bread tightly around the cheese, creating neat little cylinders packed with melty goodness.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Heat Your Pan
Place two tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick sauté pan and warm it over medium heat. This butter will create the initial golden, buttery crust on the roll ups as they cook. The pan should be hot enough to sizzle when the rolls are added but not so hot that the butter smokes or burns.
Step 3: Dip and Cook the Roll Ups
In a separate shallow bowl, melt the remaining four tablespoons of butter in the microwave. One at a time, dip each roll up in this melted butter to coat thoroughly, giving them an extra dose of richness and helping them crisp beautifully. Transfer each butter-coated roll to the sauté pan and let them cook for one to two minutes per side. You are aiming for a deeply golden, crispy exterior while ensuring the cheese inside melts perfectly.
Step 4: Serve Warm with Dips
Once all the roll ups are golden and crispy, transfer them to a serving platter. They are wonderful on their own but also fantastic dipped in marinara sauce, warm tomato soup, or ranch dressing for an added burst of flavor and moisture. This step takes the Grilled Cheese Roll Ups Recipe from delicious to downright irresistible.
How to Serve Grilled Cheese Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your roll ups with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a little freshness that balances out the richness. You can also dust them lightly with smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a hint of warmth and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair the roll ups with a crisp side salad, such as a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette, to cut through the fattiness of the cheese and butter. For a heartier meal, creamy tomato soup or a bowl of your favorite chili complements the roll ups perfectly, creating a delightful combo of cozy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Grilled Cheese Roll Ups Recipe into a fun party appetizer by slicing the roll ups into bite-sized pinwheels and arranging them on a platter with small forks or toothpicks. For a kid-friendly twist, let little ones choose their own dipping sauces or add different shredded cheeses inside the rolls for a flavor-packed surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They taste great the next day when reheated and maintain their buttery crispness if warmed carefully.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked roll ups before frying. After preparing the rolls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, cook from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet on medium-low heat to preserve the crispness of the exterior. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy and chewy, taking away from the perfect texture of your Grilled Cheese Roll Ups Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than white bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While soft white bread works best for rolling and crisping, you can use sandwich bread like whole wheat or brioche for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure it’s soft enough to roll without cracking.
What cheeses work well besides cheddar?
Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for extra stretch, Monterey Jack for mild creaminess, or even a mix of cheeses for a richer roll up experience.
Are these suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love these roll ups because they are fun to eat and packed with gooey cheese. Plus, serving with kid-friendly dips like ranch dressing makes them a surefire hit.
Can I add extra fillings inside the roll ups?
Yes! Small additions like cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or a smear of pesto can add exciting flavor twists. Just be careful not to overstuff to maintain the roll’s shape.
Is this recipe gluten-free or can it be adapted?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free sandwich bread. The rest of the recipe remains the same and yields wonderfully crispy, cheesy roll ups that everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
The Grilled Cheese Roll Ups Recipe is pure comfort food magic in a perfectly crispy, buttery package. Whether you’re making a quick snack, feeding a crowd, or looking for a nostalgic treat with a twist, this recipe delivers on flavor and ease without any fuss. Give it a try—you just might find yourself reaching for these golden, cheesy delights over and over again!
PrintGrilled Cheese Roll Ups Recipe
Grilled Cheese Roll Ups are a fun and easy twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Soft white bread is rolled out thin, filled with cheddar cheese, and then pan-fried in butter until golden and crispy. These cheesy roll ups make a perfect snack or appetizer served with marinara sauce, tomato soup, or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 slices soft white bread
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
- marinara sauce, tomato soup or ranch dressing, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Trim the crusts from each slice of bread. Using a rolling pin, roll one slice out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Sprinkle approximately 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the rolled-out slice. Roll up the bread tightly into a log shape. Repeat this process with the remaining slices of bread and shredded cheese.
- Heat butter in pan: Place 2 tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick sauté pan and melt it over medium heat until it starts to bubble gently.
- Butter the roll ups and sauté: Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a shallow bowl in the microwave. One at a time, dip each cheese-filled bread roll in the melted butter, coating the outside completely. Transfer the roll ups to the sauté pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and develop a buttery crisp exterior. Remove the cooked roll ups to a serving platter.
- Serve: Serve the grilled cheese roll ups immediately while warm, accompanied by your choice of marinara sauce, tomato soup, or ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to firmly roll the bread to prevent the cheese from spilling out during cooking.
- You can use different types of cheese like mozzarella or a cheese blend for variety.
- For easier rolling, use soft white bread without crusts trimmed off very evenly.
- Butter dipping before sautéing helps achieve a crispy and golden outer texture.
- Serve immediately for the best creamy and crispy contrast.
