Grilled Cheese Roll Ups: The Ultimate Comfort Food Reinvented

Grilled cheese: a timeless classic, a comforting staple, a culinary hug in sandwich form. But what if we told you that you could elevate this beloved dish to new heights? Enter the grilled cheese roll up – a fun, easy, and utterly delicious twist on the traditional sandwich. These bite-sized delights are perfect for kids, adults, appetizers, snacks, or even a quick lunch. Get ready to experience grilled cheese like never before!

## Why Grilled Cheese Roll Ups?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why these roll ups are so amazing:

* **Fun and Kid-Friendly:** The roll up shape is inherently more appealing to children than a flat sandwich. They’re easy to hold and eat, making them a perfect after-school snack or party food.
* **Quick and Easy:** With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these roll ups in minutes.
* **Versatile:** The possibilities are endless! You can customize the cheese, bread, and fillings to create a variety of flavor combinations.
* **Perfect for Dipping:** The compact shape makes them ideal for dipping in tomato soup, marinara sauce, or your favorite condiment.
* **Portable:** They’re easy to pack for lunchboxes, picnics, or road trips.

## The Basic Grilled Cheese Roll Up Recipe

This recipe provides a foundation for endless creativity. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, breads, and fillings to create your own signature roll up.

**Yields:** 6-8 roll ups
**Prep time:** 5 minutes
**Cook time:** 10-15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 6-8 slices of bread (white, wheat, or brioche work well)
* 4-6 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, mozzarella, or provolone are good choices)
* 2-3 tablespoons of butter, softened

**Equipment:**

* Rolling pin
* Griddle or frying pan
* Spatula
* Knife

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Bread:** Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread. This will make it easier to roll up later. Don’t press too hard, just enough to make it slightly thinner and more pliable. Removing the crusts is optional, but it will create a neater roll up. If you choose to remove the crusts, use a sharp knife or kitchen shears.

2. **Add the Cheese:** Place a slice of cheese on each flattened piece of bread. If your cheese slices are small, you may need to use more than one to cover the bread adequately. Avoid overfilling, as this can make the roll ups difficult to seal.

3. **Roll Up the Bread:** Carefully roll up each slice of bread, starting from one end. Try to roll them tightly to prevent them from unraveling during cooking. Once rolled, gently press along the seam to seal the roll up.

4. **Butter the Roll Ups:** Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outside of each roll up. This will help them to brown evenly and become nice and crispy.

5. **Cook the Roll Ups:** Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Place the buttered roll ups seam-side down on the hot surface. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

6. **Serve Immediately:** Once the roll ups are cooked to perfection, remove them from the griddle and serve immediately. They’re best enjoyed while they’re still warm and the cheese is melty.

## Tips for Perfect Grilled Cheese Roll Ups

* **Use Softened Butter:** Softened butter is essential for even browning. If you forget to take the butter out of the fridge ahead of time, you can microwave it in short bursts (5-10 seconds) until it’s softened but not melted.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Cook the roll ups in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will ensure that they brown evenly.
* **Use Medium Heat:** Cooking over medium heat will allow the cheese to melt completely without burning the bread. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.
* **Press Gently:** While cooking, you can gently press down on the roll ups with a spatula to help them brown evenly and melt the cheese. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can squeeze out the cheese.
* **Seal the Seam:** Pressing gently along the seam of each roll up after rolling helps to prevent them from unraveling during cooking. You can also use a toothpick to secure the seam if needed.
* **Experiment with Different Cheeses:** Cheddar, American, mozzarella, provolone, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere are all excellent choices for grilled cheese roll ups. Try experimenting with different combinations to find your favorite.
* **Add Fillings:** Take your grilled cheese roll ups to the next level by adding fillings such as ham, bacon, tomato, spinach, or caramelized onions.

## Flavor Variations: Beyond the Basic

Now for the fun part – let’s explore some delicious flavor variations!

* **Ham and Swiss Roll Ups:** Add a slice of ham and Swiss cheese to each roll up for a classic combination.
* **Bacon and Cheddar Roll Ups:** Crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese make a truly irresistible combination.
* **Tomato and Mozzarella Roll Ups:** Add a slice of tomato and mozzarella cheese for a Caprese-inspired roll up. A drizzle of balsamic glaze after cooking adds a touch of sweetness and acidity.
* **Spinach and Feta Roll Ups:** Add a handful of spinach and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired twist. A sprinkle of oregano adds a touch of herbaceousness.
* **Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Roll Ups:** Sweet and savory caramelized onions paired with nutty Gruyere cheese create a sophisticated flavor profile.
* **Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups:** Add pepperoni slices and mozzarella cheese, then dip in marinara sauce for a fun and easy pizza-inspired snack.
* **Jalapeno Popper Roll Ups:** Mix cream cheese with diced jalapenos and shredded cheddar cheese for a spicy and cheesy roll up.
* **Nutella and Banana Roll Ups:** For a sweet treat, spread Nutella on the bread and add sliced bananas before rolling up and grilling. Dust with powdered sugar after cooking.
* **Apple and Brie Roll Ups:** Thin slices of apple and creamy brie cheese create a delightful combination of sweet and savory.

## Serving Suggestions

Grilled cheese roll ups are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Tomato Soup:** The classic pairing! Tomato soup is the perfect dipping sauce for grilled cheese roll ups.
* **Marinara Sauce:** For a pizza-inspired experience, dip your roll ups in marinara sauce.
* **Ranch Dressing:** Ranch dressing adds a cool and creamy element to the roll ups.
* **Guacamole:** For a southwestern twist, serve with guacamole.
* **Salsa:** Add a touch of heat with your favorite salsa.
* **Salad:** A light salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the roll ups.
* **Fruit Salad:** A fruit salad adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the meal.

## Making Grilled Cheese Roll Ups Ahead of Time

While grilled cheese roll ups are best served fresh, you can prepare them ahead of time for convenience. Simply assemble the roll ups (without buttering them) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook them, butter them and grill as directed.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover grilled cheese roll ups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can microwave them for a few seconds, but they’ll be best reheated in a skillet or oven to restore their crispiness.

## Recipe Card

**Grilled Cheese Roll Ups**

**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10-15 minutes
**Yields:** 6-8 roll ups

**Ingredients:**

* 6-8 slices of bread (white, wheat, or brioche)
* 4-6 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, mozzarella, or provolone)
* 2-3 tablespoons of butter, softened

**Instructions:**

1. Flatten each slice of bread with a rolling pin.
2. Place a slice of cheese on each flattened piece of bread.
3. Roll up each slice of bread tightly and press along the seam to seal.
4. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outside of each roll up.
5. Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat.
6. Place the buttered roll ups seam-side down on the hot surface.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Serve immediately.

## Conclusion

Grilled cheese roll ups are a fun, easy, and delicious twist on a classic comfort food. With endless flavor variations and serving options, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your household. So, grab your ingredients, get rolling, and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Enjoy these delightful grilled cheese roll ups. Happy cooking!