If you love the nostalgia of a gooey grilled cheese and the bold flavors of classic pizza, Grilled Cheese Pizza Roll Ups are about to be your new obsession. These irresistible snacks unite melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and buttery, golden-fried bread in a fun, dippable roll that’s perfect for kids, parties, or late-night cravings. With minimal ingredients and a quick stovetop method, you can whip up Grilled Cheese Pizza Roll Ups in just 20 minutes. Prepare to fall in love with this playful, crave-worthy mashup that never fails to please!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Grilled Cheese Pizza Roll Ups lies in their simplicity; each ingredient brings something delicious to the table—whether it’s melty cheese, crispy bread, or a punch of classic pizza flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these cheesy roll ups to life.
- Sandwich bread: Pick a soft, squishy bread that rolls easily; removing the crusts ensures a seamless, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Mozzarella cheese sticks or shredded mozzarella: Both options yield super-stretchy, melty cheese; sticks offer neat rolls, while shredded cheese gives gooey pizzazz.
- Pepperoni or mini pepperoni: Classic, salty, and bold, these pack each roll with pizza flavor; feel free to swap for cooked sausage or a sprinkle of veggies for a twist.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter guarantees rich flavor and a perfectly golden, crisp exterior when seared in the skillet.
- Garlic powder: This crowd-pleaser amps up the buttery coating with irresistible, savory warmth.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs brings those unmistakable pizza aromas and authentic taste to every bite.
- Pizza sauce (for dipping): Tangy, tomatoey sauce takes these roll ups from snack to full-blown pizza experience; serve warm for ultimate dipping delight.
How to Make Grilled Cheese Pizza Roll Ups
Step 1: Flatten the Bread
Start by laying all your slices of sandwich bread on a clean surface. With a rolling pin, gently flatten each piece until it’s nice and thin—this makes them easy to roll and helps them crisp up beautifully later. Removing the crusts really helps the bread stick together and keeps the roll ups tidy.
Step 2: Fill and Roll
Now for the fun part! Place a mozzarella cheese stick or a small pile of shredded mozzarella along one end of each bread slice. Top with two slices of pepperoni (or a sprinkle of your favorite toppings). Roll from the cheese-filled end, keeping things tight, and press gently to seal the bread at the end so everything stays put while cooking.
Step 3: Season the Butter
In a small bowl, mix together your softened unsalted butter, fragrant garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning. This seasoned butter will coat every roll up, infusing them with classic pizza flavors and ensuring they cook to golden-crisp perfection.
Step 4: Sear Until Golden
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. While it warms up, brush each Grilled Cheese Pizza Roll Up generously with the seasoned butter on all sides. Place them seam side down in the skillet. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes per side, rotating until you’ve got a gorgeous crust and the cheese inside is melty and irresistible.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let your roll ups cool for just a minute—they’ll be piping hot and smell amazing! Serve them warm, alongside a bowl of pizza sauce for dipping. Watch how fast they disappear—the cheese pull alone is enough to make everyone smile.
How to Serve Grilled Cheese Pizza Roll Ups
Garnishes
Brighten up your Grilled Cheese Pizza Roll Ups with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of green and freshness. A dusting of grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish. For spice lovers, a dash of red pepper flakes gives a zippy kick that pairs perfectly with the gooey cheese inside.
Side Dishes
While these roll ups are a star snack on their own, they also shine with classic sides: think a crisp Caesar salad, some crunchy veggies and ranch dip, or even a handful of kettle chips. If you want a heartier meal, serve them with a bowl of tomato soup and turn snack time into a cozy lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties and gatherings, slice the roll ups in half on the bias and stand them upright on a platter. Add toothpicks for easy, mess-free grabbing. Arrange a “pizza dipping bar” with bowls of ranch, spicy marinara, and garlic butter. Kids love these just as much as adults, so don’t hesitate to get playful with the presentation—you can even cut them into bite-sized pieces for irresistible pizza “bites.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have some Grilled Cheese Pizza Roll Ups left after your snack attack? Let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The bread will soak up some of that lovely garlic butter, so they’ll be just as flavorful when reheated.
Freezing
If you’re prepping ahead, these roll ups freeze like a dream. Place cooled roll ups in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, making them an easy grab-and-go snack from the freezer.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat Grilled Cheese Pizza Roll Ups in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and the crust is crunchy again. In a pinch, use the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. The microwave works too, but the bread may soften a bit—it’s still delicious, just not quite as crisp.
FAQs
Can I make Grilled Cheese Pizza Roll Ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the roll ups a few hours ahead (just cover and chill), then cook them right before serving. If you’re freezing, follow the cooking instructions, freeze, and simply reheat when ready to eat.
What are some good vegetarian substitutes for pepperoni?
You can use vegetarian pepperoni slices, sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or a bundle of fresh spinach inside each roll up. These swaps keep things tasty and true to the pizza spirit.
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes, gluten-free sandwich bread works perfectly well for Grilled Cheese Pizza Roll Ups! Just handle gently when rolling to avoid tearing, and choose a brand that holds together when flattened.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Rolling the bread tightly and pressing to seal the edge is key. Also, don’t overfill—let the bread wrap snuggly around the cheese. Cooking seam side down first helps “seal” the roll ups while they crisp.
What’s the best way to keep these warm for a party?
After frying, keep Grilled Cheese Pizza Roll Ups warm on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F) until ready to serve. This way, the cheese stays melty and the bread stays crisp without getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic comfort food, Grilled Cheese Pizza Roll Ups are simply irresistible. Whether you’re making snacks for a party, an after-school treat, or a movie-night feast, they’re sure to vanish in a flash. Give them a try and watch everyone light up with delight—this mashup is one you’ll want to make again and again!
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Grilled Cheese Pizza Roll Ups Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 roll ups 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Grilled Cheese Pizza Roll Ups are a fun twist on classic grilled cheese sandwiches, filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, savory pepperoni, and seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. Perfect for a quick snack or a party appetizer!
Ingredients
Bread:
- 8 slices sandwich bread, crusts removed
Cheese:
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks or 2 cups shredded mozzarella
Pepperoni:
- 16 slices pepperoni or mini pepperoni
Seasoned Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Roll Ups: Flatten each slice of bread with a rolling pin. Place cheese and pepperoni at one end of each slice. Roll up tightly and press gently to seal.
- Season and Cook: Mix softened butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush the roll ups with seasoned butter. Cook in a skillet until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or veggies for a twist.
- These roll ups are kid-friendly and make a great party snack!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
