Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls

This playful recipe combines the comforting richness of creamy macaroni and cheese with the crispy bite of an egg roll wrapper for a snack or appetizer that never fails to surprise and please. Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls are my crowd-pleasing answer whenever a potluck or family game night rolls around—they vanish before anything else on the table

My friends thought I lost my mind the first time I fried pasta in an egg roll but these are now requested at every get-together They make adults grin and kids eat with both hands

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni: brings classic pasta texture plus holds the cheese sauce well Choose a good mid-size noodle that cooks up al dente
• Unsalted butter: gives richness to the cheese sauce Opt for European style for extra flavor
• All-purpose flour: thickens the sauce smoothly Fresh flour avoids lumps
• Whole milk: adds creaminess Choose a full-fat milk for the silkiest texture
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: makes the filling gooey and tangy Grate your own for better melt
• Garlic powder and paprika: add subtle depth Hungarian or Spanish paprika gives a lovely color boost
• Salt and black pepper: finish and balance the flavors Always taste and adjust
• Egg roll wrappers: fry up shatteringly crisp Find them in the refrigerated produce section and choose flexible, moist wrappers
• Egg: brushed on seals each roll tight for clean frying
• Vegetable oil: works best for frying as it handles high heat and keeps the exterior light

For each ingredient, I always trust my senses Look for fresh, soft wrappers and cheddar with a nutty aroma

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta Base:

Cook elbow macaroni in well-salted boiling water to just al dente This prevents sogginess in the finished roll Drain and let cool aside

Build the Cheese Sauce:

Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat Whisk in all-purpose flour Cook for about a minute whisking constantly until it smells nutty This roux is your flavor foundation

Incorporate the Dairy:

Slowly pour in whole milk keeping the whisk moving to prevent lumps Let it cook until your spoon leaves a trail on the bottom of the pan about 2 to 3 minutes

Melt Cheese and Season:

Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese with garlic powder and paprika Keep stirring until the cheese sauce is fully smooth and coats the spoon Taste and add salt and pepper as needed

Combine Filling:

Mix the cooked pasta gently into the hot cheese sauce Make sure every piece is well coated Let this mixture cool to room temperature so the rolls do not tear or leak

Set Up Rolling Station:

Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface at an angle so a corner points toward you Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mac and cheese in the center

Roll Tightly:

Fold the bottom corner over the filling Then fold in each side snugly and roll away from you until just the top corner remains Brush that corner with beaten egg which acts as glue

Repeat Assembly:

Continue rolling all egg rolls the same way Work quickly to avoid wrappers drying out

Heat Oil:

In a heavy skillet or fryer pour vegetable oil to about 2 inches deep Heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Use a thermometer for accuracy which ensures even crisping

Fry to Golden Perfection:

Fry egg rolls in small batches 2 to 3 minutes per side until deep golden brown Avoid overcrowding the pan Drain each on paper towels so they stay crisp

Serve While Hot:

Serve your rolls fresh from the oil with your favorite dipping sauces Ranch or spicy ketchup are always hits in my house

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My favorite thing in this recipe is always the cheddar cheese Melting sharp cheddar and watching it blend with the pasta instantly reminds me of making midnight snacks with my sister as kids We would eat macaroni straight from the pot with the cheesiest grins

Storage Tips

Leftover egg rolls keep best in an airtight container refrigerated up to three days Reheat in an oven or toaster oven for crispness Air fryers also do a wonderful job Freshly fried is always best but a hot oven helps recover that initial crunch

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap out cheddar for smoked gouda or pepper jack for extra flavor or heat Gluten-free wrappers can work if you need to avoid wheat Bacon crumbles jalapeños or even diced cooked broccoli can blend in for a twist Dairy free versions with cashew cream cheese and plant milk make this accessible for many diets

Serving Suggestions

These mac and cheese rolls love to be dipped Marinara spicy ketchup ranch or even buffalo sauce turn them into standout appetizers For game day set up a platter with a variety of dips so everyone can customize

Cultural Context

Egg rolls hail from Chinese-American cuisine but fusing them with macaroni and cheese is pure comfort food innovation Mac and cheese in finger-food form feels right at home on American party tables It is a mashup that invites conversation and plenty of second helpings

Seasonal Adaptations

In spring stir in steamed peas for brightness In autumn crumble cooked bacon or smoked paprika for fall warmth In summer serve alongside a platter of fresh sliced tomatoes or crisp pickles

With every batch I make I jot a quick note about changes The best version yet used a bit of leftover pulled barbecue jackfruit The rolls disappeared in minutes

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Success Stories

At a recent family birthday every generation from my toddler niece to my granddad reached for these rolls first Guests assumed these came from a restaurant and one friend even called the next day for the recipe I never leave leftovers

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can roll these up and freeze them before frying Space them in a single layer on a tray then transfer to a bag once solid Fry from frozen adding a minute to the cook time for party-ready snacks on your schedule

Whether you make them spicy, cheesy, or veggie packed, mac and cheese egg rolls always bring people together in that irresistible first bite.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I bake instead of fry the egg rolls?

Yes, brush them with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, turning once for even crispness.

→ What dipping sauces work best with these egg rolls?

Popular choices include ranch, marinara, spicy ketchup, or your favorite creamy dip.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can assemble the egg rolls up to 8 hours ahead, refrigerate, and fry just before serving.

→ Are there suggested add-ins for more flavor?

Try adding cooked crumbled bacon or diced jalapeños to the macaroni filling for extra flavor.

→ Do these contain common allergens?

These rolls contain wheat, milk, and egg. Always check labels for hidden or cross-contaminating allergens.