Rolled Sandwiches are a vintage American dish that emerged during the early 20th century when creative homemakers sought innovative ways to serve cheese and bread beyond the standard sandwich. Particularly popular in church cookbooks and mid-century home kitchens, these sandwiches use a creamy cheese filling spread on soft, thinly sliced bread that’s rolled, rested, then brushed with butter and baked. This method creates a comforting, warm, and slightly crisped bite-sized treat, perfect for gatherings, luncheons, or afternoon teas. The recipe, handwritten and passed down, reflects a time of frugality and resourcefulness blended with culinary warmth.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp corn starch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup thin cream or top milk
- 1/2 tsp mustard
- 1/2 lb grated cheese
- Thinly sliced bread
- melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Combine melted butter, corn starch, salt, thin cream (or top milk), and mustard in a saucepan or double boiler.
- Heat and stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 2: Add Cheese
- Stir in 1/2 lb of grated cheese.
- Continue cooking until the cheese melts and the mixture is fully blended.
Step 3: Prepare Bread Rolls
- Spread the warm cheese mixture onto thinly sliced bread.
- Roll each slice tightly.
- Wrap rolls in a damp cloth and let them rest for about 20 minutes.
Step 4: Bake
- Remove cloth.
- Brush each roll with melted butter.
- Place in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake until golden brown.
Tips
- Add finely chopped green onions or pimentos to the cheese mix for added flavor.
- Use whole grain or sourdough bread for a more robust taste.
- Serve with tomato soup for a comforting meal.
- Substitute mustard with a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Nutrition
Calories: 336kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 14gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 407mgPotassium: 77mgFiber: 0.03gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1006IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 421mgIron: 0.1mg
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