If you’re looking to turn everyone’s favorite comfort food into the ultimate finger food, these Grilled Cheese Roll Ups are about to steal the show! Imagine golden, buttery bread gently wrapped around gooey melted cheddar, all made for easy dunking in your favorite dipping sauce. It’s a quick and playful twist that packs all the nostalgia (and crispy edges!) of a classic grilled cheese into a bite-sized treat you’ll want again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun & Dippable: They’re made for dunking, perfect for parties, snacks, or even a playful dinner with the family.
- Crispy Outside, Melty Inside: Each roll up gets deliciously golden and crunchy on the outside, while staying irresistibly cheesy in the center.
- Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and just 20 minutes, you’ll be enjoying gooey Grilled Cheese Roll Ups in no time.
- Loved by All Ages: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or indulging your own inner child, everyone snaps these up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about just how straightforward the ingredients are in these Grilled Cheese Roll Ups. Each one is carefully chosen for maximum melty flavor and that signature golden crunch, and you probably already have them in your kitchen!
- Soft white bread: The classic choice—easy to roll and crisps up beautifully for that irresistible bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to ooey-gooey perfection and gives that sharp, comforting flavor we all crave.
- Butter: Using plenty of butter ensures every roll up is golden brown and deliciously rich.
- Marinara sauce, tomato soup, or ranch dressing (for dipping): The ultimate finishing touch for added flavor and fun.
Variations
One of the joys of Grilled Cheese Roll Ups is how simple they are to adapt—so feel free to get creative and cater to everyone at your table. Here are a few exciting ways to switch things up based on what you love or have on hand!
- Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups: Tuck a slice or two of pepperoni inside with the cheese for a pizza-inspired twist that kids (and big kids) love.
- Herb & Garlic: Spread a thin layer of garlic butter or sprinkle in Italian seasoning before rolling up for an extra flavor boost.
- Tex-Mex Style: Use a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheese, and dip into salsa or guacamole for a zesty variation.
- Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread so everyone can enjoy these cheesy bites.
How to Make Grilled Cheese Roll Ups
Step 1: Trim & Flatten the Bread
Start by trimming the crusts from your soft white bread. This helps everything roll up seamlessly, giving you a perfect edge-to-edge cheesy layer. Use a rolling pin (or a sturdy glass in a pinch!) to flatten each slice to about 1/8-inch thick—this is the secret to that crisp, delicate bite.
Step 2: Add the Cheese & Roll Up
Sprinkle a generous two tablespoons of shredded cheddar onto each flattened slice. Then, roll up the bread tightly from one end to the other, pressing gently so everything sticks together. A snug roll means melty cheese in every bite!
Step 3: Butter & Toast
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter in a shallow bowl. Dip each roll up into the melted butter and place them into the hot pan. Let each one cook for 1-2 minutes per side—watch as the outsides turn golden and crisp while the cheese inside gets all bubbly and gooey.
Step 4: Serve with Dipping Sauce
Once all the Grilled Cheese Roll Ups are gorgeously toasted and oozing cheese, move them to a platter. Serve immediately with your pick of marinara sauce, tomato soup, or cool ranch for dipping—trust me, this is where the magic happens!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Cheese Roll Ups
- Bread Matters: Soft, fresh sandwich bread works best—if it’s too dry, it will crack when you roll.
- Don’t Overfill: A level two tablespoons of cheese per roll up is perfect; too much and the cheese will ooze out as they cook.
- Butter Dip Technique: Dipping the roll ups in melted butter before toasting gives an unbeatable crispy, flavorful crust.
- Watch the Pan: Keep your heat on medium—too hot and they’ll brown before the cheese melts inside.
How to Serve Grilled Cheese Roll Ups
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives over your platter adds a burst of color and freshness that looks just as good as it tastes. For a little extra zing, a light dusting of grated Parmesan before serving is always a crowd-pleaser, too!
Side Dishes
Pair these Grilled Cheese Roll Ups with a steaming bowl of tomato soup for that classic combo, or toss together a crisp green salad to balance out the cheesy richness. They’re also perfect alongside cut veggies and extra dipping sauces for a family movie night spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your roll ups in a spiral on a round platter with multiple dipping sauces in the center for a party-friendly snack board. Or serve in little paper cones for easy, on-the-go enjoyment—kids (and guests) will love grabbing them just like french fries!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made extra Grilled Cheese Roll Ups (go you!), store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’ll soften a bit, but the flavor stays completely irresistible.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these! Let the roll ups cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and keep for up to 2 months. This is perfect for quick snacks or last-minute lunches.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-pan crunch, reheat Grilled Cheese Roll Ups in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crisp again. You can also use a toaster oven or bake at 350ºF for about 8 minutes. Microwave if you’re in a pinch, but they’ll be much softer.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of bread for Grilled Cheese Roll Ups?
Absolutely! While classic white bread rolls up perfectly, feel free to use whole wheat, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread. Just make sure it’s soft and fresh so it doesn’t crack when rolling.
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What cheese works best in these roll ups?
Shredded cheddar is my go-to for flavor and meltiness, but you can experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of cheeses. Any cheese that melts smoothly will make delicious Grilled Cheese Roll Ups.
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Can I prepare Grilled Cheese Roll Ups ahead of time?
You can roll up the bread with cheese and store them (unbuttered) in the fridge a few hours in advance. When it’s time to eat, just dip in butter and cook so they’re piping hot and perfectly crisp.
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How do I keep the roll ups from unrolling in the pan?
Roll each piece tightly and lay them seam-side down in the pan first. The buttery crust will quickly set, helping them keep their shape as they cook.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing how something this easy can taste so special—Grilled Cheese Roll Ups never fail to bring a little joy to the table. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or just for yourself, you’ll love every crunchy, cheesy bite. Grab your bread and cheese and make some today—happy dunking!
Print
Grilled Cheese Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Saute
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Grilled Cheese Roll Ups are a fun twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Perfectly crispy on the outside and oozing with melted cheddar cheese on the inside, these roll ups are a delicious snack or appetizer that both kids and adults will love.
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, if desired
Instructions
- Trim and Roll: Trim the crusts from each slice of bread. Roll one slice out to about 1/8-inch thickness with a rolling pin. Sprinkle each slice with shredded cheese and roll up tightly.
- Saute: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a saute pan. Dip each roll up in melted butter, then saute in the pan for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Transfer the roll ups to a serving platter and serve with marinara sauce, tomato soup, or ranch dressing for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
