Crispy Meatball Sub Egg Rolls

These crispy egg rolls filled with savory meatballs, melted mozzarella, and tangy marinara capture the essence of a classic meatball sub in a fun, handheld form. Perfect for game day or a hearty snack, they bring together familiar flavors in a new and exciting way.

I first made these for a casual friend gathering and they disappeared in minutes. Now they are a requested treat whenever we want something comforting and a bit different.

Ingredients

• Frozen fully cooked beef meatballs: Chopped into bite-sized pieces for quick reheating and perfect texture
• Marinara sauce: Adds a tart and savory depth that ties everything together
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Essential for that gooey, cheesy pull everyone loves
• Egg roll wrappers: Crisp beautifully when fried, choose fresh and not dried out for easy folding
• Olive oil for sealing: Keeps the rolls intact during frying
• Vegetable oil for deep frying: Pick a neutral oil with a high smoke point so your rolls cook crisp without burning

Instructions

Savor the Filling:

Mix the chopped meatballs with half a cup of marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese in a medium bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated, creating the perfect filling that is melty and flavorful.

Prepare the Wrapper:

Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you, forming a diamond shape. This orientation makes folding simpler and neater.

Fill and Fold:

Spoon approximately two tablespoons of the meatball mixture onto the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in both side corners snugly to encase the filling.

Roll and Seal:

Continue rolling the wrapper tightly toward the top corner. Brush a little olive oil on the final corner to act as glue and press firmly to seal the egg roll completely.

Heat the Oil:

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to about two inches depth and heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer if possible to maintain the right temperature for frying.

Fry Until Golden:

Fry the egg rolls two or three at a time, turning occasionally so they brown evenly on all sides. This usually takes two to three minutes per side until crispy and golden.

Drain and Serve:

Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the egg rolls and place them on a paper towel lined plate to soak up excess oil. Serve hot with additional marinara sauce for dipping and a sprinkle of Parmesan or Italian seasoning if you like.

The mozzarella cheese is my favorite part because it melts perfectly inside the savory filling creating that irresistible chewy texture. I remember making these with my kids who loved helping stuff the wrappers and popping them into the hot oil safely under my watchful eye. They now associate this dish with fun family time and get excited whenever I bring it up.

Storage Tips

Store any unfried assembled egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to twenty four hours. Fried egg rolls can be refrigerated for two to three days but are best crisped up in the oven before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version swap meatballs for seasoned cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms. You can use provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses instead of mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatball sub egg rolls with a light side salad or some garlic roasted vegetables. Marinara dipping sauce is essential but a creamy ranch or spicy aioli can add interesting contrast.

These meatball sub egg rolls are a great party snack that are crispy and full of melty cheese. Make a batch ahead and fry just before serving for best results.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ How do I prevent egg rolls from becoming soggy?

Make sure the oil is heated to 350°F before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crispiness.

→ Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, brush the egg rolls with oil and bake at 425°F until golden and crispy, about 15-20 minutes.

→ What cheese works best in this filling?

Shredded mozzarella melts well and complements the meatballs and marinara perfectly.

→ How should I store leftover egg rolls?

Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ What oils are recommended for frying?

Vegetable oil is ideal due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, ensuring even frying.