Crispy Ham and Cheese Egg Rolls
Introduction
Crispy Ham and Cheese Egg Rolls are a fun and indulgent snack that turns a classic deli sandwich into a golden, deep-fried delight. With a bubbly, crunchy exterior and a gooey, savory center, they’re perfect for appetizers, parties, or anytime you want a satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Egg roll wrappers – 10–12 large (refrigerated section)
Deli-sliced ham – ½ lb, chopped or julienned (honey or black forest)
Shredded cheese – 2 cups (Swiss, Gruyère, or Mozzarella)
Egg wash – 1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water
Vegetable or canola oil – for deep frying
Fresh parsley – for garnish
Toasted sesame seeds – for garnish
Dipping sauce – honey mustard, spicy mayo, or sweet soy glaze
Instructions
Toss the chopped ham and shredded cheese together in a medium bowl.
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape.
Place 2–3 tablespoons of the ham and cheese mixture in the center of the wrapper.
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then tuck in the side corners.
Brush the top corner with egg wash and roll tightly to seal completely.
Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet to 175°C (350°F).
Fry the rolls in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and bubbly.
Drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
Garnish immediately with parsley and sesame seeds while still warm.
How to Make
Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature; too cool will make the rolls greasy, too hot will burn the wrappers before the cheese melts.
Seal the edges tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
Sprinkle garnish immediately after frying so it sticks to the light coating of oil.
Use a damp paper towel to cover unused wrappers and prevent them from drying out.
Air fryer option: spray rolls generously with oil and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Variations
Cordon Bleu Style: Add cooked shredded chicken with ham and Swiss cheese.
Spicy Hawaiian: Include small pineapple pieces and thin jalapeño slices for sweet and spicy flavor.
Breakfast Roll: Replace ham with cooked breakfast sausage or bacon and add scrambled eggs.
Cheese Lovers: Use a mix of three cheeses for extra gooey centers.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute ham with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
Tips
Don’t overfill wrappers; too much cheese can burst the roll during frying.
Keep wrappers covered under a damp paper towel to prevent cracking.
Seal all folds tightly to avoid leakage.
Test oil temperature before frying each batch for even cooking.
Use a large piping tip or spoon to evenly distribute filling if making in bulk.
Conclusion
Crispy Ham and Cheese Egg Rolls are a crowd-pleasing, gourmet-style snack that’s fun to make and even more satisfying to eat. With golden, bubbly shells and rich, melted centers, they’re perfect with a variety of dipping sauces and ideal for parties or casual gatherings.