Although I still can’t get my kids to eat tomato soup, they are HUGE fans of grilled cheese sandwiches — actually, they love anything with a lot of cheese!
So, in an effort to mix things up a bit from the traditional cheese + bread, I decided to try using crescent roll dough and baking the grilled cheese in the oven.
It was SO fast and was SO much easier than buttering 10 slices of bread, monitoring and flipping 5 sandwiches, and trying to serve them before they get cold, but also before they get too brown for my kids’ liking.
If you are looking for a super quick weeknight meal, a fun appetizer for an upcoming party, or just a really easy way to make grilled cheese for a crowd, this recipe should work well for you!
Recipe for Grilled Cheese for a Crowd
serves 8 — I made a half batch for our family and for the pictures in this post
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 T. softened butter
- 2 packages (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 10-15 oz. cheese — I used medium cheddar and colby jack but any flavor should work (sliced or shredded work best)
- 1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese
- a sprinkle of garlic powder (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375ºF.
Put 1 T. of butter in the bottom of a 9″ x 13″ pan and put in the oven as it preheats to melt the butter.
Once the butter is melted, press 1 package of crescent roll dough in the bottom of the pan — making sure to seal any seams.
Layer cheese on top of dough, and then top with the 2nd package of dough.
Spread 1 T. of butter over the top layer of dough and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until dough is browned and cheese is gooey.
Serve and enjoy!
NOTE: as I mentioned above, I only made a half batch for our family and made it in a 9″ x 9″ pan — so the pictures in this post show a half batch.
See… SO easy!
If you’re planning to serve it as an appetizer, I would cut the “sandwiches” into breadstick-like strips and serve with marinara sauce. In fact, you could even put pepperoni inside with the cheese for a pizza/breadstick appetizer. YUM!
It’s so soft, cheesy, gooey, and delicious — not to mention it takes less than 30 minutes from the time I pull the ingredients out of the fridge until food is on the table!
Do you have a favorite grilled cheese “recipe”?
Visit my virtual recipe box for more simple, delicious, family friendly recipes!
Melissa says
You should write a post that shows all of the recipes you use crescent rolls for 🙂
maren says
Looks good–will have to try this! I also do them i the oven, when I make them. 450 degrees, flip once, 7ish minutes both sides. You’ll never go back! http://allrecipes.com/recipe/32089/awesome-grilled-cheese-sandwiches/
Lorrie says
These look delicious! I’m sure they’re the absolute best when enjoyed right out of the oven, but how would they be to take to a potluck or as part of a meal for someone & eaten much later?
Shelly Smith says
I have also made grilled cheese sandwiches for a crowd (or just my hungry teenage boys!) by assembling the sandwiches “traditional” style but placing them all side by side on a baking sheet and heating them in the oven. You can even brown both sides of the sandwich if you flip them over about half way through cooking (approx. 10 min on each side!) 🙂
Andrea says
good idea — of course, then I’d have to remember to flip them, but they are probably more filling with the bread versus the crescent dough
Kristen says
Yum! Also a good way to use up some leftover meat, like shredded BBQ chicken!
Andrea says
oh yeah — I never thought of that. Thanks for the great idea!
Mandy says
Awesome idea!!! Standing around the stove waiting for grilled cheese to brown perfectly just isn’t realistic for a family with little kids. Will be trying this.
Andrea says
yeah, one kid is always hanging on my leg while I’m at the stove, so shoving a pan in the oven is much preferred these days 🙂
JoAnn C. says
When I was working as a nanny some of my charges wanted grilled cheese with peanut butter and jelly. An interesting combination, but I just couldn’t eat along with them. I was all for the peanut butter–not the jelly. And growing up, Mom used to make triple decker grilled cheese sandwiches.Three slices bread, double the cheese and dill pickles. Soooo good.
Happy Monday, Andrea.
Andrea says
wow — that is a crazy combo (in my opinion). My kids would probably like the pickle addition — might have to try that!!
Sara says
My husband introduced me to pickles with grilled cheese sandwiches after we got married. I thought it sounded like such a strange combination but they are so good together! I keep forgetting to buy pickles but now I start craving them every time we have grilled cheese. We have ours on the side but may just have to try the triple decker idea.
Chris says
Oooohh yum! This sounds so good! I know this sounds selfish, but I’m glad you’re not taking a 100% blogging break! 🙂
Andrea says
haha — it’s not selfish 🙂
myka says
Simple and easy! Thanks for this dinner idea, Andrea!
http://www.supersimpleways.com
Elise says
These not only sound good, they taste good! My husband can’t stop talking about how great they tasted. Another great recipe from you, Andrea. Thanks so much. Can’t wait to make them again.
Andrea says
yay — glad you and your hubby approve!