• White or whole wheat sandwich bread: trimming off the crusts creates a soft even base and using fresh bread makes rolling easier
• Mozzarella cheese: shredded for a melty pull every time look for low moisture whole milk mozzarella for the best stretch
• Cheddar cheese: offers sharpness and color I like a medium or sharp block cheese shredded at home for more flavor
• Parmesan cheese: optional for a tangy salty kick use freshly grated parmesan if possible for a richer taste
• Unsalted butter: melted infuses richness and crisps up the outside choose high quality butter for best flavor
• Garlic cloves: minced fresh garlic delivers loads of aromatic punch
• Garlic powder: gives a double dose of savory garlic depth
• Fresh parsley: chopped for herby brightness choose flat leaf parsley for better flavor or use dried in a pinch
• Salt: enhances every layer of flavor use kosher or sea salt for more control
• Your choice of dipping sauces: marinara garlic herb sauce ranch or spicy ketchup are all fun and tasty

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Begin by setting your oven temperature to three seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one ninety degrees Celsius Place a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone mat on a baking tray for easy clean up and even crisping

Flatten the Bread:

Take each slice of sandwich bread and use a rolling pin to gently press it out into an even thin sheet This step is crucial for easy rolling and helps the bread seal tightly around the filling

Assemble Cheese Filling:

Sprinkle a mixture of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the bottom third of every bread slice Starting at the cheese edge roll the bread into a tight log Press the seam to seal and if it is not sticking brush a little melted butter to help it hold

Mix the Garlic Butter:

In a small bowl combine melted unsalted butter with minced garlic garlic powder parsley and salt Stir thoroughly so the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed through the butter

Brush and Bake:

Arrange the rollups seam side down on your lined tray Brush each generously with the garlic herb butter to coat the entire surface Place tray in oven and bake between twelve and fifteen minutes until golden brown and crispy If using an air fryer heat to three sixty degrees Fahrenheit and cook rollups for about eight to ten minutes flipping them halfway for even color

Serve Hot:

Let your rollups rest for one minute out of the oven before serving so the cheese settles Serve warm with your dipping sauce of choice

My favorite ingredient in these rollups has to be the mozzarella I love the way it melts into strings that stretch with every bite Reminds me of the first time I pulled these out of the oven and my kids actually applauded for a snack I made

Storage Tips

Keep leftover rollups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat place in a toaster oven or conventional oven to bring back crispiness Avoid microwaving for longer than ten seconds or the bread may go tough

Ingredient Substitutions

Try whole grain or even gluten free bread if needed Swap cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for a fun twist Mix in cooked spinach or chopped sun dried tomatoes with the cheese for even more flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve beside tomato soup as a fun alternative to grilled cheese Cut into bite sized pieces for appetizers at parties or offer a double batch for teenagers as movie night treats Dipping sauces are a must for extra flavor

History of Cheesy Rollups

These rollups are inspired by classic garlic bread with cheesy variations popular in diners and Italian American kitchens Over the years families have made similar versions using whatever bread and cheese were on hand making it a nostalgic comfort food across generations

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of bread works best for these rollups?

Soft, white or whole wheat sandwich bread is ideal as it flattens easily and seals well when rolled.

→ Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake fresh for best taste and texture.

→ Are there alternative cheeses I can use?

Mozzarella and cheddar melt beautifully, but you can try provolone, fontina, or pepper jack for a twist.

→ How can I make them extra crispy?

Brush the rollups generously with garlic butter and use an air fryer or bake directly on a hot baking sheet.

→ What dipping sauces pair best?

Marinara, garlic herb sauce, ranch, or spicy ketchup all complement the buttery, cheesy flavors well.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store cooled rollups in an airtight container in the fridge, then reheat in an oven or air fryer to re-crisp.