Crispy Cheesy Roll Ups

The smell of these frying always brings me back to late night study sessions in college when my roommate and I would whip up something, anything, that felt like comfort food but didnt require actual cooking skills. We discovered flattening bread was basically gourmet hacking.

Last summer I made these for a backyard barbecue and watched them disappear in under four minutes. My brother in law stood by the stove eating them straight from the paper towel lined plate, claiming quality control was necessary.

Ingredients

• 8 slices white or whole wheat sandwich bread: Stale bread actually works better here since it flattens without tearing, so dont worry about using fresh loaf
• 8 sticks mozzarella cheese: String cheese is perfect but cutting blocks into strips works too and lets you control exactly how much cheese goes inside
• 2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs create better adhesion for the coating
• 2 tbsp milk: This thins the egg wash just enough for even coverage without making it soggy
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Panko creates that restaurant style crunch that regular breadcrumbs just cant achieve
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The saltiness here balances everything beautifully
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Dont substitute fresh garlic here, it will burn during frying
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano: This gives them that classic pizza shop flavor profile
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds just enough warmth to cut through the richness
• 1/4 tsp salt: The Parmesan is already salty, so a little goes a long way
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil: You need enough oil to come halfway up the sides of the roll ups for even frying

Instructions

Flatten the bread:

Use a rolling pin to gently press each slice until thin and flattened, working from the center outward to avoid tearing the edges

Roll them up:

Place a cheese stick at one end and roll tightly, pressing the seam gently to seal so the cheese doesnt escape during frying

Set up your stations:

Whisk eggs with milk in one shallow bowl and mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, pepper, and salt in another

Coat each roll:

Dip each roll up in the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the crumb mixture to coat all sides evenly

Get frying:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and fry roll ups in batches, turning until golden brown on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per batch

Drain and serve:

Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil and serve immediately while the cheese is still molten

Pin It

These became my go to whenever my kids had friends over after school. Something about watching them pull apart to reveal the stretchy cheese inside made everyone pause mid conversation.

Make Them Your Own

Ive learned that spreading a thin layer of softened butter mixed with garlic powder and parsley on the bread before adding cheese takes these to another level. The butter melts into the bread creating extra richness.

Dipping Sauces That Work

While marinara is classic, my family fights over the last of the spicy ranch dip I make by stirring sriracha and a pinch of garlic powder into bottled ranch. Pizza sauce is also fantastic.

Make Ahead Strategy

You can assemble these completely through the coating step and refrigerate them on a baking sheet for up to 6 hours before frying. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to take the chill off.

• Freeze uncooked roll ups on a tray, then transfer to bags for up to 2 months
• Fry from frozen, adding an extra minute to cooking time
• Never skip draining on paper towels or theyll get soggy fast

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These cheesy roll ups have that magical quality of making any ordinary Tuesday feel like a mini celebration.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What cheese works best for these roll ups?

Mozzarella and cheddar are excellent choices due to their melting properties. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while gouda offers a rich, smoky flavor profile.

→ Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with oil before baking for better crunch, though the texture will differ slightly from pan-fried versions.

→ How far ahead can I prepare these?

Assemble the roll ups and refrigerate unfried for up to 6 hours. Coat with breadcrumbs just before frying to maintain optimal crispiness.

→ What dipping sauces pair well?

Marinara sauce provides classic Italian flavors, while ranch dressing offers cool contrast. Garlic butter also complements the cheesy interior beautifully.

→ Why remove bread crusts?

Removing crusts allows for easier flattening and rolling without tearing. It also creates uniform roll ups that cook evenly and achieve consistent golden color.

→ Can I use gluten-free bread?

Yes, gluten-free bread works well. Ensure the bread is fresh and pliable enough to roll without cracking. Use certified gluten-free panko for coating.