Crispy Cream Cheese Rollus are golden, crunchy rolls filled with a luscious blend of cream cheese and mozzarella, wrapped in delicate spring roll wrappers and fried to perfection. These bite-sized delights are inspired by a fusion of Thai spring rolls and American cream cheese wontons. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve them with sweet chili sauce, soy dipping sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a flavor-packed experience.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen spring roll wrappers (thawed)
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg (for sealing)
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
- Sweet chili sauce or dipping sauce of choice
Optional Add-ins for the filling:
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon finely diced jalapeño (for heat)
- 2 tablespoons cooked bacon bits
- 1 tablespoon chopped pineapple (for a sweet twist)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Wrappers
- Remove spring roll wrappers from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Once thawed, carefully peel apart each wrapper and keep them covered with a clean, damp kitchen towel to prevent drying out.
2. Make the Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- If using any optional add-ins (like green onions or jalapeños), fold them into the cheese mixture.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash
- Crack the egg into a small bowl and beat until smooth. This will be used to seal the rolls.
4. Assemble the Rolls
- Lay one spring roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape (one corner pointing toward you).
- Dip your finger into the egg wash and lightly brush the top edge of the wrapper.
- Place about 1 heaping tablespoon of the cheese filling near the bottom third of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner up over the filling and gently spread the filling into a tube shape.
- Fold in the left and right corners toward the center, then roll tightly toward the top corner, sealing with the egg wash.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Chill the Rolls
- Place the assembled rolls on a tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This helps firm up the filling and prevents leaks during frying.
6. Fry the Rolls
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy—about 2–3 minutes per batch.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the rolls to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Serve
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Sweet chili sauce is a classic pairing, but soy sauce, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo also work beautifully.
Tips & Variations
- Baking Option: For a lighter version, bake the rolls at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray lightly with oil for extra crispiness.
- Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp.
- Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate the rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Fry just before serving.
- Flavor Twist: Add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the cheese mixture for extra depth.
These Crispy Cream Cheese Rollus are the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy, with endless room for creativity. Want to try a dessert version with sweetened cream cheese and cinnamon sugar? I’ve got a recipe for that too!
📖 Recipe adapted from Thai Caliente’s Crispy Cheese Rolls.