Grilled Cheese Roll Ups: Easy Recipe & Fun Twists

Grilled Cheese Roll Ups: Prepare to experience the ultimate comfort food transformation! Forget everything you thought you knew about the classic grilled cheese sandwich because we’re about to take it to a whole new level of fun and deliciousness. These aren’t your grandma’s grilled cheese – unless your grandma is secretly a culinary genius hiding a penchant for playful, cheesy creations!

While the exact origins of the grilled cheese sandwich are debated, its popularity exploded in the United States during the 1920s, thanks to the invention of sliced bread and processed cheese. It quickly became a staple, a symbol of simple, satisfying goodness. But who says a classic can’t be improved upon? That’s where these Grilled Cheese Roll Ups come in. They offer a delightful twist on a beloved favorite.

What makes these roll ups so irresistible? Well, imagine the warm, gooey, melty cheese of a traditional grilled cheese, but now picture it encased in a crispy, golden-brown, perfectly portable roll. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick lunch, a fun snack, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Kids adore them (and let’s be honest, adults do too!), and they’re endlessly customizable. So, get ready to roll into cheesy bliss!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 10 slices of white bread (or your favorite sandwich bread)
• 5 slices of cheddar cheese (or your cheese of choice), halved
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of black pepper
• Optional: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika for seasoning
• Optional: Marinara sauce or tomato soup for dipping

Preparing the Bread and Cheese:

Alright, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is prep our bread and cheese. This is super simple, but it’s important for getting those perfect roll-ups.

1. Trim the Crusts: Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, carefully trim the crusts off each slice of bread. This is crucial because the crusts will prevent the bread from rolling up nicely. Don’t throw those crusts away! You can save them to make breadcrumbs later.
2. Flatten the Bread: Now, we need to flatten the bread slices. You can use a rolling pin for this. Place a slice of bread on a clean, flat surface. Gently roll the rolling pin back and forth over the bread, applying even pressure. You want to flatten it thin enough so it’s pliable and easy to roll, but not so thin that it tears. Repeat this process for all the bread slices. If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use a clean, empty glass bottle or even your hands to gently press the bread down.
3. Prepare the Cheese: If your cheese slices are large, you might want to cut them in half. We want the cheese to fit nicely inside the rolled-up bread without overflowing too much. For standard cheddar slices, halving them works perfectly.

Assembling the Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups:

Now comes the fun part – assembling our little cheesy delights! This is where the magic happens, and you’ll see those roll-ups start to take shape.

1. Place the Cheese: Take one flattened slice of bread and place a half-slice of cheese at one end. Make sure the cheese is positioned so that when you roll the bread, the cheese will be enclosed inside.
2. Roll it Up: Starting from the end with the cheese, tightly roll up the bread slice. Try to keep the roll as snug as possible to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
3. Secure the Roll-Up: Once you’ve rolled the bread completely, you might want to secure the seam with a toothpick. This isn’t always necessary, but it can help keep the roll-up from unraveling, especially if your bread is a bit dry. If you’re using toothpicks, remember to remove them before serving!
4. Repeat: Repeat steps 1-3 for all the remaining bread and cheese slices.

Preparing the Egg Wash:

The egg wash is what gives our roll-ups that beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crispy texture. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference!

1. Whisk the Egg: In a shallow bowl or dish, crack the egg. Add the milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the egg and milk are well combined and slightly frothy.
2. Add Seasonings (Optional): If you want to add a little extra flavor, now’s the time! You can add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the egg wash. These seasonings will add a subtle but delicious savory note to your roll-ups.

Cooking the Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups:

Time to cook these babies up! We’re going to use a skillet or frying pan to get that perfect golden-brown, melty-cheese goodness.

1. Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the melted butter to the pan and let it melt completely. Make sure the entire surface of the pan is coated with butter. This will prevent the roll-ups from sticking and help them brown evenly.
2. Dip in Egg Wash: One at a time, dip each roll-up into the egg wash, making sure to coat all sides. Don’t soak them for too long, just a quick dip is enough.
3. Place in Skillet: Carefully place the egg-washed roll-ups into the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to cook them in batches. Give them enough space so they can brown properly.
4. Cook Until Golden Brown: Cook the roll-ups for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Keep an eye on them and adjust the heat if necessary to prevent them from burning. You want them to be nicely browned but not charred.
5. Remove and Drain: Once the roll-ups are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess butter and keep them from getting soggy.
6. Repeat: Repeat the cooking process with the remaining roll-ups, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.

Serving and Enjoying:

The best part – eating! These grilled cheese roll-ups are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a dipping sauce.

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the grilled cheese roll-ups immediately while they are still hot and the cheese is melted.
2. Dipping Sauces (Optional): Marinara sauce or tomato soup are classic pairings for grilled cheese. You can also try other dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
3. Garnish (Optional): For a little extra flair, you can garnish the roll-ups with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dusting of paprika.

Tips and Variations:

Want to get creative? Here are some ideas to customize your grilled cheese roll-ups:

• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese! Gruyere, mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack would be delicious.
• Add-Ins: Add some extra ingredients to the cheese filling, such as cooked ham, bacon, spinach, or sliced tomatoes.
• Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Instead of dipping the roll-ups in egg wash, you can roll them in seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
• Sweet Version: For a sweet treat, use Nutella or peanut butter instead of cheese. You can also add sliced bananas or strawberries.
• Air Fryer Option: You can also cook these in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the egg-washed roll-ups in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted, flipping halfway through.

Storage Instructions:

If you have any leftover roll-ups (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can microwave them, but they will be a bit soggy. For best results, reheat them in a skillet or air fryer to restore their crispiness.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious grilled cheese roll-ups! They’re a fun and easy twist on a classic comfort food that’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest – you’re probably already halfway to the kitchen, right? And I don’t blame you! These Grilled Cheese Roll Ups are seriously addictive and a total game-changer when it comes to comfort food. They’re quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making them a perfect weeknight meal, a fun weekend snack, or even a surprisingly delightful addition to your next party spread.

But why are these roll ups a must-try? Well, beyond the obvious cheesy goodness, they offer a unique textural experience that a regular grilled cheese just can’t match. The crispy, golden-brown exterior gives way to a warm, gooey center that’s pure bliss. Plus, the roll-up format makes them perfectly portioned and incredibly fun to eat – especially for kids (and let’s be real, adults too!).

And the best part? You can really make this recipe your own! Feeling adventurous? Try adding a thin layer of pesto or sun-dried tomato paste before rolling for an extra burst of flavor. Want to kick up the heat? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce will do the trick. For a heartier meal, consider adding some cooked ham, turkey, or even crumbled bacon before rolling. The possibilities are truly endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Dipping Sauces: Elevate your roll-up experience with a variety of dipping sauces. Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a creamy sriracha mayo.
* Soup Pairing: These roll ups are the perfect accompaniment to a warm bowl of tomato soup, creamy potato soup, or even a hearty chili.
* Breakfast Roll Ups: Scramble some eggs and add them along with cheese and your favorite breakfast meat (sausage, bacon, or ham) for a delicious and portable breakfast option.
* Dessert Roll Ups: Get creative and try a sweet version! Spread Nutella or peanut butter on the bread, add some sliced bananas or strawberries, and roll them up for a decadent treat.
* Gourmet Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect combination. Gruyere, brie, and fontina all melt beautifully and add a sophisticated touch.

I truly believe that everyone should have this recipe in their back pocket. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a lifesaver on those nights when you just don’t feel like cooking anything complicated. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to experience the magic of Grilled Cheese Roll Ups!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please, please, please come back and leave a comment below letting me know how they turned out. Did you try any variations? What dipping sauce did you choose? Did your family love them as much as mine does? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking! And remember, don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun in the kitchen!