I love turning classic comfort foods into fun little bites, and these grilled cheese roll ups are one of my favorite quick creations. They are crispy on the outside, perfectly golden, and filled with warm, melty cheddar cheese on the inside. I often make them when I want something simple, satisfying, and ready in just minutes. Whether I serve them as a quick lunch, a snack, or an appetizer for gatherings, they always disappear fast.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 slices soft white sandwich bread
8 slices cheddar cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Directions
I start by trimming the crusts from each slice of bread. After that, I use a rolling pin to gently flatten the bread until it becomes thin and flexible.
Next, I place one slice of cheddar cheese on top of each flattened slice of bread. If the cheese is slightly larger than the bread, I trim it so it fits neatly inside.
Then I tightly roll the bread around the cheese to create a compact roll. I press the seam lightly so the roll stays sealed.
I heat a large skillet over medium heat. While the pan warms up, I spread a thin layer of softened butter on all sides of each roll up.
I place the roll ups seam-side down in the skillet and cook them, turning frequently so every side becomes evenly golden brown and crispy. I keep cooking until the cheese inside is fully melted.
Finally, I remove them from the skillet and serve them warm while the cheese is still gooey.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Calories: Approximately 210 kcal per serving
Variations
I like experimenting with different cheeses to change the flavor. Sometimes I swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack when I want a little spice.
I also enjoy adding thin slices of turkey before rolling the bread. This turns the roll ups into a heartier snack that feels more like a full meal.
Another variation I make includes spreading a very thin layer of mustard, garlic butter, or cream cheese inside the bread before adding the cheese. This gives the roll ups an extra burst of flavor.
For a crispier texture, I occasionally cook them in a panini press instead of a skillet.
Storage/Reheating
When I have leftovers, I store the roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat them, I prefer using a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes so the outside becomes crispy again while the cheese melts inside. I sometimes reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes.
I avoid reheating them in the microwave whenever possible because the bread can become soft instead of crispy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
I often use soft white sandwich bread because it rolls easily, but I can also use whole wheat bread or thin sandwich bread. The key is flattening it so it rolls without tearing.
Can I make these ahead of time?
I sometimes assemble the roll ups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. When I am ready to serve, I simply cook them in the skillet.
What sauces go well with grilled cheese roll ups?
I enjoy serving them with tomato soup, marinara sauce, ketchup, or even ranch dressing for dipping.
Can I cook them in an air fryer?
Yes, I can cook them in an air fryer at about 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes, turning them halfway through so they crisp evenly.
How do I keep the roll ups from unrolling?
I make sure to roll them tightly and place them seam-side down in the pan first. The heat seals the bread as it cooks.
Conclusion
I enjoy making these grilled cheese roll ups whenever I want something quick, cheesy, and comforting. The crispy buttery exterior and gooey melted cheese create the perfect bite every time. With simple ingredients and endless variations, this recipe has become one of my favorite easy snacks to prepare and share.
📖 Recipe:
Grilled Cheese Roll Ups
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, buttery grilled cheese roll ups filled with warm, melty cheddar cheese. These fun bite-sized twists on the classic grilled cheese sandwich are quick to make and perfect for snacks, lunches, or easy appetizers.
Ingredients
8 slices soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed
8 slices cheddar cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Trim the crusts from each slice of bread. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten each slice until thin and flexible.
- Place one slice of cheddar cheese on top of each flattened slice of bread, trimming the cheese if needed so it fits inside.
- Tightly roll the bread around the cheese to create a compact roll and lightly press the seam to seal.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter on all sides of each roll up.
- Place the roll ups seam-side down in the skillet and cook, turning frequently, until all sides are golden brown and crispy and the cheese inside is melted.
- Remove from the skillet and serve warm while the cheese is still gooey.
Notes
You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavors.
Add thin slices of turkey or deli meat before rolling for a heartier variation.
Spread a thin layer of mustard, garlic butter, or cream cheese inside the bread for extra flavor.
These roll ups can also be cooked in a panini press or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5–7 minutes, turning halfway.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to keep them crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 roll ups
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
