gracie's grilled cheese roll-ups with marinara dipping sauce

I just watered all of my herbs and tomato plants and now I have blackberry stains on my feet from walking around on our deck barefoot. We have blackberry bushes taking over our back yard… and dying the deck a polka-dotted violet hue. At first I didn’t have the heart to trim the bushes back away from the deck, but after the slipping and sliding episode this AM, I’m reconsidering.

Gracie got a bee in her bonnet to make these grilled cheese roll-ups (some people call them grilled cheese rolls) yesterday for our before-dinner appetizers. She saw something similar online, and now she has ideas for a bunch of different fillings and dipping sauces to try next. The classic grilled cheese is where she started, and they really did turn out yummy! This is a great recipe for kids to attempt if they have some experience using the stove, and with parental supervision, of course.

Whether you call them grilled cheese roll-ups or grilled cheese rolls, I think you’ll agree that they taste AMAZING!

for 6 roll-ups:

6 slices very soft, fresh white bread (crusts removed)

6 slices American cheese (such as Kraft singles)

butter for “toasting”

homemade marinara/spaghetti sauce (or your favorite store bought brand)

Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the crusts from the bread slices. Flatten each slice of bread with a rolling pin until very flat. Place a slice of American cheese on each of the flattened bread slices and roll each of these up into a tight roll. Moosh the edge of the bread to the roll to seal (you can use a couple drops of water to do this if needed.)

Heat a couple Tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the roll-ups in the butter once it’s barely sizzling. Using a spatula, roll the roll-ups around in the butter. Gently flip and roll until all sides are golden brown and cheese is melty.

Heat 1/4 cup of your favorite marinara/spaghetti sauce in a microwave-safe cup (covered with a napkin or paper towel) for about 30 seconds or until just warm.

Dip roll-ups in sauce! YUM!

Enjoy!

~ Melissa & Gracie