These crispy fried roll-ups are golden, crunchy, and filled with warm melted cheese and savory slices of ham. Each piece is wrapped in a thin wrapper, fried to a perfect crisp, and served with a flavorful dipping sauce. The texture is incredibly satisfying: crunchy on the outside, gooey and rich on the inside. They make a fantastic appetizer, snack, party finger food, or even a quick lunch.
The picture shows beautifully fried rolls with small blistered bubbles on the surface—an indication of a perfectly hot oil temperature and well-wrapped rolls. Their rich color and the dipping sauce in the background make them look even more tempting.
Ingredients
For the Roll-Ups
- Egg roll wrappers or spring roll wrappers
- Sliced ham
- Sliced cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, or Swiss)
- 1 beaten egg (for sealing)
- Oil for frying
Optional Add-Ins
- Thin tomato slices
- Caramelized onions
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Jalapeños
- Herbs like parsley or chives
For the Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
1. Prepare the Wrappers
Lay one wrapper flat on a cutting board. Place a slice of ham in the center, followed by a slice of cheese. Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly into a small log.
Brush the edge with beaten egg to seal the roll completely. A tight seal prevents cheese from leaking out during frying.
Repeat with the remaining wrappers.
2. Heat the Oil
Pour enough oil into a deep pan to submerge at least half of the roll’s height. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature ensures an even golden color without absorbing too much oil.
3. Fry the Roll-Ups
Place the roll-ups into the hot oil seam-side down. Fry for two to three minutes per side or until they turn deep golden brown with crisp, bubbly edges.
Remove them from the pan and place on a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Dipping Sauce
Mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and green onions in a small bowl. Stir well until the honey dissolves.
This sauce adds a sweet-salty balance that pairs beautifully with the rich rolls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crispy roll-ups hot. Their melted cheese center is best enjoyed right after frying. Pair with the dipping sauce or any of these alternatives:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Honey mustard
- Ranch dressing
- Barbecue sauce
These roll-ups make excellent snacks for gatherings, football nights, potlucks, or family dinners. They’re also fun to prepare with kids since the wrapping is simple and interactive.
Flavor and Texture
Every bite combines:
- A crunchy, blistered exterior
- Warm, melted cheese
- Savory slices of ham
- A touch of saltiness
- A satisfying mouthfeel that keeps you reaching for more
The contrast between the crispy wrapper and the creamy filling makes these roll-ups irresistible.
Tips for Success
- Make sure wrappers are sealed tightly to avoid cheese leakage.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches.
- Rotate the rolls gently for even frying on all sides.
- Keep the oil hot but not smoking.
- Use a metal slotted spoon or tongs for easy handling.
- If you want less oil, air-fry them at 380°F (193°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Variations
Here are a few fun ways to change the flavor:
- Spicy Version: Add thin jalapeño slices inside.
- Breakfast Version: Add scrambled eggs and bacon.
- Pizza Style: Add pepperoni and mozzarella.
- Veggie Style: Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms.
You can also replace ham with turkey, chicken, or even salami.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
Reheating
- Air fryer: Five minutes at 380°F for crispiness.
- Oven: 10 minutes at 350°F.
- Avoid microwaving; it makes the wrappers soft.
Why These Roll-Ups Are a Crowd Favorite
These roll-ups are everything people love in a snack: crunchy, cheesy, savory, portable, and fun to eat. They look impressive despite being incredibly simple. The ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find, making this recipe perfect for feeding a group without much effort.
They’re also easy to customize, allowing you to tailor the filling to any occasion or preference. Whether served as a quick appetizer or added to a larger meal, these golden rolls always disappear fast.