Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups are a fun twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich! These easy-to-make finger foods are perfect for parties, game days, or a fun meal for the kids. The combination of melty cheese and optional ham rolled up in soft, crustless bread makes for a delicious and satisfying snack. You can also dip them in homemade tomato soup for an extra treat!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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6 slices of bread
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1 cup thinly shredded cheese (jack, colby, cheddar, or American)
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6 thin slices of ham (optional)
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2 tbsp butter
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Toothpicks (optional)
Directions
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Prepare the Bread: Trim the crust off each slice of bread. Then, roll the bread flat using a rolling pin.
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Assemble the Roll-Ups: Place cheese on top of the flattened bread. If desired, add a slice of thin deli ham. Roll the bread tightly and secure with toothpicks, if necessary.
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Cook the Roll-Ups: Heat butter in a skillet over medium-low to medium heat (about 325°F or 162°C). Place the roll-ups in the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, for about 5-8 minutes until evenly browned and the cheese is melted.
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Serve: Remove the toothpicks (if used) and slice the roll-ups in half for easier eating. Serve with tomato soup or enjoy them as is!
Nutrients (per serving, approximate for 4 roll-ups)
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Calories: ~321 kcal
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Fat: ~21 g
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Saturated Fat: ~9 g
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Carbohydrates: ~29 g
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Protein: ~12 g
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Sodium: ~600 mg
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Sugars: ~4 g
Why Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups Are a Perfect Snack
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food, adored for their gooey cheese and crispy golden bread. While the traditional sandwich format is timeless, Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups take this beloved dish to a whole new level by turning it into a fun, bite-sized snack. The roll-up shape makes these treats ideal for snacking and sharing, especially for parties, gatherings, or a quick meal on-the-go.
One of the main reasons Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups are so popular is their convenience. Unlike a traditional grilled cheese, which requires careful flipping and can sometimes be tricky to manage, these roll-ups are simple to assemble and cook. With minimal preparation, you can quickly make a batch of these satisfying snacks that everyone will love. They are also perfect for kids, who will enjoy both the novelty of the roll-up shape and the classic flavors.
The fact that they are easy to pick up and dip into tomato soup or any other dip of your choice makes them an interactive and enjoyable food experience. The crispy golden exterior and melty cheese interior provide the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making these roll-ups both delicious and fun to eat.
The Versatility of Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups
Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups are incredibly versatile and can easily be customized to suit your preferences. While the classic combination of cheese and bread is delicious on its own, adding extras like ham or even vegetables can take the flavor profile to the next level. Ham, for example, adds a savory, salty element that complements the gooey cheese and soft bread, creating a more substantial snack or meal.
For those who prefer vegetarian options, the roll-ups can be made without ham, allowing the cheese to shine as the main ingredient. You can also experiment with different types of cheese. Whether it’s sharp cheddar, creamy American, or a blend of different cheeses like mozzarella and colby jack, each variety will bring its own unique flavor and meltability to the dish.
Another fun twist is adding seasonings to the bread before grilling. A sprinkle of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even a dash of cayenne pepper can introduce new flavors, giving the roll-ups a personalized touch. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to get creative and make these roll-ups to fit your taste preferences.
Why the Bread Matters: Soft and Crustless
The type of bread used in Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups is crucial to achieving the perfect texture. By trimming the crust off the bread, you create a soft, pliable base that can be easily rolled up. This crustless bread ensures that the roll-ups are delicate and tender, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly inside without any distraction from a tough or crispy crust.
The bread is then flattened using a rolling pin, making it even easier to roll up with the cheese and any fillings. Flattening the bread not only helps with the texture but also ensures that each bite of the roll-up has an equal amount of cheese and filling. The result is a uniform snack that’s easy to eat and full of flavor.
The bread also serves as the perfect vehicle for the melted cheese. When the bread is grilled, it becomes golden and crispy on the outside, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey, melted cheese inside. This balance of textures is one of the reasons why Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups are so delightful.
The Cheese: Gooey and Melty
The cheese in Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups is, of course, the star of the dish. To achieve the perfect melt, it’s important to use cheeses that are known for their melting qualities. Jack, colby, cheddar, and American are all excellent choices because they melt smoothly and become gooey inside the roll-ups.
As the cheese melts during cooking, it creates a luscious, creamy filling that oozes out when you bite into the roll-up. The cheese is the core of the flavor and texture of these roll-ups, providing that classic grilled cheese experience but in a bite-sized form. For an extra cheesy treat, you can always add more cheese to the rolls or even use a cheese blend to give the roll-ups a richer flavor.
In addition to the cheese’s creamy texture, the saltiness of the cheese enhances the overall flavor profile of the roll-ups. Whether you’re using a mild cheese like American or a sharp cheese like cheddar, the cheese adds the perfect amount of richness to complement the bread and any fillings you may choose to add.
Ham: An Optional But Delicious Addition
While Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups are delicious on their own, adding a slice of thin deli ham can take them to the next level. The savory, salty ham adds a layer of flavor that complements the rich cheese, creating a more balanced and filling snack. The ham also provides additional protein, turning the roll-ups into a more substantial meal or snack.
When adding ham, it’s important to use thinly sliced deli ham to ensure that it melds easily with the cheese and bread. The ham should be spread evenly over the cheese to create a consistent filling in every roll-up. This optional addition is perfect for those who enjoy the classic combination of ham and cheese, or for anyone who wants to make the roll-ups a little heartier.
For those who prefer vegetarian options, the roll-ups can easily be made without ham, allowing the cheese to be the main focus. The absence of meat doesn’t detract from the flavor; instead, it lets the gooey cheese and crispy bread shine as the main components of the dish.
Perfect Pairing: Dipping in Tomato Soup
One of the best ways to enjoy Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups is by dipping them in a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup. The creamy, slightly tangy soup complements the richness of the cheese and adds a comforting, familiar flavor. The roll-ups, with their crispy exteriors and gooey interiors, are perfect for dipping, providing an interactive and enjoyable eating experience.
The tomato soup’s acidity and warmth cut through the richness of the cheese, providing a refreshing contrast that enhances the flavor of the roll-ups. The combination of the two is a nostalgic pairing that brings together the best of both worlds: the creamy comfort of grilled cheese and the tangy goodness of tomato soup.
For a twist, you can experiment with different soups or dips, such as a creamy ranch dip, a spicy buffalo sauce, or even a tangy barbecue sauce. The versatility of Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups makes them perfect for pairing with a variety of dips to suit your taste.
Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups for Any Occasion
These Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups are incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, preparing snacks for a party, or serving them at a game day event, these roll-ups are a hit. They are easy to make, portable, and fun to eat, making them an ideal choice for gatherings.
The bite-sized format makes them perfect for appetizers or finger foods, and the ability to dip them in various sauces adds an interactive element that’s sure to entertain your guests. The simplicity of the recipe also allows you to customize the roll-ups to your liking, adding extras like vegetables, different types of cheese, or seasoning to create a variety of flavors.
Conclusion: A Fun and Delicious Twist on a Classic
Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups offer a fresh, fun twist on a beloved classic. With their melty cheese filling, soft, crustless bread, and optional ham, these roll-ups are a delicious, easy-to-make snack that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a snack, or as part of a casual meal, Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups are a versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
The combination of crispy bread, gooey cheese, and savory ham makes these roll-ups both satisfying and fun to eat. Their easy preparation and customizable ingredients make them a great choice for busy days, gatherings, or any time you crave a comforting snack. Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups bring the flavors of a classic grilled cheese sandwich into a fun, bite-sized form that will delight your taste buds and bring a smile to your face.