Of course! The Crispy Mozzarella Cheese Roll is a fantastic and crowd-pleasing appetizer. It features a crispy, golden-brown exterior that gives way to a spectacular, stretchy, molten mozzarella center.
Here is a complete guide, including a classic recipe, expert tips for success, and serving suggestions.
The Classic Recipe: Crispy Mozzarella Cheese Rolls
This recipe uses spring roll wrappers for an ultra-crispy and flaky result.
Yields: 8-10 rolls Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
· 8-10 sticks low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella string cheese (This is key! See tips below.)
· 8-10 spring roll wrappers (or egg roll wrappers)
· 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 2 tablespoons water
· 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
· 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
· 1 large egg, beaten (can be used instead of flour/water paste)
· Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Station: Take the mozzarella sticks out of the refrigerator. In a small bowl, make a sealing paste by mixing the flour and water together until smooth. If using, add the Italian seasoning and garlic powder to this paste. Have your spring roll wrappers covered with a slightly damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
- Wrap the Cheese: Place one spring roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond orientation (a point facing you). Place one mozzarella stick near the bottom corner.
- Fold and Roll:
· Fold the bottom corner up and over the cheese, tucking it tightly.
· Fold the left and right corners inward towards the center, forming an envelope shape.
· Brush the top triangle of the wrapper with your flour paste (or beaten egg).
· Roll it up tightly towards the top point, sealing the edge firmly. Ensure there are no holes for cheese to leak out. Repeat with remaining cheese and wrappers. - Heat the Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, heat about 1.5 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy; this is crucial.
- Fry to Perfection: Working in batches of 2-3 to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the rolls into the hot oil. Fry for 2-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve Immediately: Use a slotted spoon to remove the rolls from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or on a plate lined with paper towels. Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and molten.
🧀 Pro Tips for Guaranteed Success (The Cheese-Saver!)
- The Right Cheese is EVERYTHING: Do not use fresh, high-moisture mozzarella. It will create too much steam and cause the rolls to burst, creating a mess in your oil. Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella (like string cheese or block cheese cut into sticks) has a higher melting point and holds its shape better during the brief frying time.
- Keep it Cold: Work with cold cheese straight from the fridge. A colder center takes slightly longer to melt, giving the wrapper time to crisp up before the cheese oozes out.
- Seal Tightly: This is the most important step. Make sure your final seal is secure and there are no tears or holes in the wrapper. The flour/water paste or egg wash acts like a glue.
- Oil Temperature is Key: If the oil is too cool, the rolls will absorb oil and become greasy before they crisp up. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside even gets warm. 350°F (175°C) is the perfect temperature.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Adding too many rolls at once will cause the oil temperature to plummet, leading to soggy, greasy, and leaky rolls.
- Air Fryer Option: For a lighter version, you can air fry. Spray or brush the rolls generously with oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown. Note: The results are good but not quite as blisteringly crisp as deep-frying.
🍅 Serving Suggestions
· Dipping Sauces: This is mandatory! Serve with a variety of dips:
· Marinara Sauce (the classic choice)
· Pesto
· Ranch Dressing
· Spicy Marinara or Arrabbiata sauce
· Balsamic Glaze
· As Part of a Spread: Serve alongside other Italian-inspired appetizers like meatballs, fried calamari, or a fresh salad to cut through the richness.
Enjoy your delicious, crispy, cheesy creation