Flaky Cheesy Roll-Ups That Disappear Before They Cool

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Golden, buttery, and irresistibly cheesy — these Flaky Cheesy Roll-Ups are the kind of snack that vanish almost as quickly as you serve them. Perfect for brunches, casual get-togethers, or even quick dinners, they feature soft shredded chicken and melty cheese wrapped inside crispy, puffed layers of golden dough. Every bite delivers a satisfying contrast of textures: crackly on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside.

These roll-ups are a dream come true when you need something comforting but fuss-free. They require minimal prep, yet look and taste like something from a cozy corner bakery. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want a warm treat with your afternoon tea, this recipe delivers with rich flavor and simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Flaky Cheesy Roll-Ups Recipe

• Incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
• Perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and buttery flavors.
• Ideal for any meal — breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner.
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing every time.
• Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare these roll-ups, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure things go smoothly:

• Baking Sheet: A large, flat surface is key for even baking. Lining it with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Pastry Brush: Great for applying an egg wash or brushing butter on top for that golden crust.
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: Needed to cleanly slice your dough triangles for rolling.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine the cheese and chicken filling evenly.
• Oven: Preheated and reliable temperature ensures the dough bakes properly and puffs up.

Each tool plays a role in streamlining your process and making sure your roll-ups come out crisp, golden, and perfectly filled.

Preparation Tips

Make sure your puff pastry or crescent dough is properly thawed but still cold — this makes it easier to work with and helps it bake up extra flaky. Use pre-cooked shredded chicken (like rotisserie) to save time, and mix it with freshly shredded cheese for the best melt. Avoid overfilling the dough; a modest amount of filling will help seal the edges and prevent leaks. Finally, don’t skip the egg wash — it’s the secret to that deep, golden finish on top.

Ingredients for This Flaky Cheesy Roll-Ups Recipe

• 1 sheet puff pastry or 1 can refrigerated crescent dough (8 triangles)
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works best)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing after baking)
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley, grated parmesan, or paprika

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Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Set aside while you prep your ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, and cream cheese (if using). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed and evenly coated.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

If using puff pastry, roll it out on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 8 equal triangles. If using crescent dough, simply unroll and separate along the perforations.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the chicken-cheese mixture at the wider end of each triangle. Be careful not to overfill to avoid leakage during baking.

Step 5: Roll Them Up

Gently roll each triangle starting from the wide end toward the tip, enclosing the filling. Curve them slightly into crescent shapes if desired, and place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Egg Wash for a Golden Finish

In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat each roll-up with the egg wash. This helps achieve that shiny, golden crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the roll-ups in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until they’re puffed and golden brown. Rotate the tray halfway through if needed for even browning.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Once baked, brush the tops with melted butter for an extra layer of richness. Optionally sprinkle with parsley, parmesan, or paprika for presentation. Let them cool slightly before serving — if they last that long!

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Notes

These flaky cheesy roll-ups are highly adaptable. You can swap in turkey, ham, or even sautéed vegetables for the filling. Cheese options are flexible — think Swiss, pepper jack, or a smoky gouda. For an elevated flavor, a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning mixed into the filling works wonders. Always let them rest for a couple of minutes after baking; this helps the cheese set slightly and makes them easier to handle.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overfilling: Adding too much filling can cause the roll-ups to burst or leak in the oven.
• Skipping the egg wash: This leads to a dull, pale crust instead of that appealing golden brown.
• Using hot filling: If your chicken is still warm, it can steam the dough and make it soggy.
• Improper dough handling: Overworking or letting the dough get too warm can prevent proper puffing.
• Crowding the pan: Give each roll-up space to puff up — too close and they’ll bake unevenly.

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Storage Instructions

Allow leftover roll-ups to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible — it softens the pastry. These also freeze beautifully: wrap each cooled roll tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and store for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for 15–18 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per roll-up, using crescent dough and cheddar cheese)

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Sugars: 2g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 48mg
• Sodium: 340mg
• Fiber: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of dough works best for these roll-ups?

Crescent dough is quick and easy, but puff pastry gives a more flaky, bakery-style finish.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate unbaked roll-ups for up to 24 hours, or freeze them before baking.

What cheeses melt best in these?

Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gouda all work beautifully. Use a combination for more depth.

Can I use canned chicken?

While fresh or rotisserie chicken is ideal for flavor and texture, canned chicken can work in a pinch — just drain it well.

Do these work without meat?

Absolutely! Try sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even scrambled eggs for a vegetarian version.

How do I keep the roll-ups from unrolling?

Make sure you press the dough edges together firmly and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet.

Are these good for kids?

Kids love them! They’re mild, cheesy, and handheld — perfect for little fingers.

What dipping sauces go well with them?

Ranch, honey mustard, marinara, or a simple garlic aioli are great pairings.

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Conclusion

Flaky Cheesy Roll-Ups are the ultimate versatile snack or meal — deliciously gooey inside and satisfyingly crisp outside. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a party, whipping up a fast dinner, or packing a school lunch, these roll-ups deliver every time. Play with fillings, keep a batch in the freezer, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds.”

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