Fried Cream Cheese Rolls are pure comfort food magic: crisp on the outside, creamy and just a little tangy on the inside, and incredibly versatile for both sweet and savory cravings. Whether you serve them at your next party, plate them for an after-school snack, or surprise someone with a quick treat, these rolls have a way of disappearing as quickly as you can fry them! What makes them truly irresistible is how simple they are to whip up, with just a few staple ingredients and endless opportunities to customize. If you’re looking for a craveable recipe that dazzles every time, this is the one to try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long grocery list to make these dreamy Fried Cream Cheese Rolls—just a handful of kitchen essentials. Each ingredient plays a role in adding flavor, creaminess, or that all-important golden crunch!
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The rich, creamy filling that makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Powdered Sugar (2 tablespoons, optional): Add for a sweet version; it blends smoothly and gives a bit of subtle sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon, optional): Use if you’re making the sweet version, it brings warmth and rounds out the flavor.
- Egg Roll Wrappers (10): These fry up to a shatteringly crisp shell—don’t swap with spring roll wrappers, which are too thin!
- Egg (1, beaten): Just a little brushed on the wrapper edge acts as culinary glue, so the rolls hold tight during frying.
- Oil for Frying (vegetable or canola): Both work beautifully; go for something neutral with a high smoke point.
- Powdered Sugar or Cinnamon Sugar for Dusting (optional): A final dusting adds a hint of sweetness and a polished bakery look.
How to Make Fried Cream Cheese Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Start by beating the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until it’s completely smooth and creamy. If you’re craving a sweet treat, blend in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract now. For a savory twist, feel free to swap in minced green onions, fresh herbs, or even a pinch of garlic powder instead—this recipe loves personalization!
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Lay out an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, positioning it so one corner points toward you (like a diamond). Scoop 1–2 tablespoons of your cream cheese filling into the very center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck in both sides, then gently but tightly roll up toward the final corner. Brush a bit of beaten egg on that last corner so it sticks securely. Don’t be afraid to get a little hands-on—this step is surprisingly fun!
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or heavy saucepan, pour enough oil so there’s at least 1½ to 2 inches deep—enough for the rolls to float a bit. Heat the oil to 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, toss in a teensy scrap of wrapper; it should sizzle immediately but not burn.
Step 4: Fry the Rolls
Working in batches to avoid crowding, gently slip the filled rolls into the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until both sides are golden brown and delightfully crisp. Remove each roll with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels. The aroma will make it hard to wait, but let them cool just a bit—they’re molten inside!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
While the rolls are still warm, dust them with plenty of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar if you wish. Serve them straight away for maximum crunch and creamy center bliss. You’ll want to have napkins handy—these are the definition of finger food fun.
How to Serve Fried Cream Cheese Rolls
Garnishes
A pretty flourish goes a long way! Try a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snow-capped effect or use cinnamon sugar for extra warmth. Fresh berries, a mint sprig, or a zigzag of chocolate sauce add a festive touch that makes each plate irresistible. A drizzle of honey is also amazing if you’re craving extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair Fried Cream Cheese Rolls with small bowls of fruit preserves (think raspberry, blueberry, or apricot), chocolate ganache, or even a quick homemade berry coulis for dipping. For savory versions, set out sweet chili sauce, spicy mayo, or a soy-ginger dip. Fresh fruit like grapes or sliced kiwi makes a beautiful, bright contrast to the rich rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the rolls pyramid-style on a beautiful platter, or stand them upright in a mason jar lined with parchment for a playfully rustic look. For a dessert board, nestle them among bite-sized fruits, chocolates, or candied nuts. For parties, cut them in half on the bias and spear with mini skewers—they instantly become ready-to-eat cocktail bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have extra Fried Cream Cheese Rolls, cool them completely before storing. Pop them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel (to absorb any excess moisture), and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rolls will lose a bit of their crispness, but they’re still totally delicious!
Freezing
For longer storage, assemble the rolls and freeze them before frying—just lay them in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Fry straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or so to the cook time, and you get fresh-from-the-fryer flavor in a flash.
Reheating
To bring leftover Fried Cream Cheese Rolls back to life, pop them in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes. This method keeps the outsides crisp and the filling dreamy. Avoid the microwave—it softens the wrappers and can make the cheese ooze out.
FAQs
Can I make Fried Cream Cheese Rolls gluten-free?
Absolutely! Look for gluten-free egg roll wrappers at specialty or health food stores, or try making your own. The texture will be a little different, but the results are still incredibly tasty and allergy-friendly.
What’s the best way to prevent the wrappers from tearing?
Don’t overfill the wrappers and keep them covered with a slightly damp towel while assembling, so they don’t dry out and crack. Make sure to roll them snugly, but not too tight, and always seal well with egg wash.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can bake Fried Cream Cheese Rolls at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush or spray them lightly with oil for maximum golden crunch. While they won’t be quite as shatteringly crisp as deep fried, they’re still yummy and just a bit lighter.
How do I make a savory version?
Skip the sugar and vanilla, and stir in sliced green onions, fresh chives, garlic, or your favorite herbs and spices. Serve alongside spicy or tangy dips for a totally different (but just as addictive) appetizer twist!
Can I make Fried Cream Cheese Rolls ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble and refrigerate the uncooked rolls a few hours ahead, or freeze them days in advance. Fry just before serving so your guests get to experience that irresistible crunch and creamy filling at its best.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a seriously crowd-pleasing treat, you can’t go wrong with Fried Cream Cheese Rolls. They’re quick, wildly satisfying, and open to so many delicious tweaks. I hope you’re as excited as I am to fry up a batch and share them—the hardest part is stopping at just one!
Print
Fried Cream Cheese Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 rolls
- Category: Dessert or Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fried Cream Cheese Rolls are a delightful treat, perfect for either a sweet dessert or a savory appetizer. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they are easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for sweet version)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Rolls:
- 10 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. For a sweet version, mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Assemble Rolls: Lay out an egg roll wrapper with one corner facing you. Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of cream cheese mixture into the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Brush the final corner with beaten egg to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Fry the Rolls: In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat oil to 350°F. Fry the rolls in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar if desired.
Notes
- For a savory version, skip the sugar and add green onions, garlic, or herbs.
- These rolls can be prepped ahead and fried just before serving.
- Serve with fruit sauce, chocolate drizzle, or dipping sauces depending on flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
