Crispy Meatball Sub Egg Rolls

These Meatball Sub Egg Rolls bring the comforting flavors of an Italian classic into a fun and crispy handheld form. Packed with savory beef meatballs, gooey mozzarella, and tangy marinara sauce, they make an ideal appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress. They come together quickly and fry up golden and crunchy, perfect for game days or casual dinners.

I first made these for a family party, and they were an instant hit with adults and kids alike. Now they’re a goto recipe when I want to wow a crowd with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Beef meatballs: prefer fully cooked frozen meatballs for convenience and consistent flavor
• Marinara sauce: brings tangy Italian zest fresh jarred varieties work well
• Mozzarella cheese shredded: provides that irresistible melty stretch that pairs perfectly with meatballs
• Egg roll wrappers: thin and crispy shell that crisps quickly in hot oil keep refrigerated until ready to use
• Olive oil: acts as glue when sealing wrappers ensuring the filling stays inside during frying
• Vegetable oil for frying: neutral oil with high smoke point ideal for deep frying to a golden crisp

Instructions

Savor the Filling:

In a medium bowl, chop your thawed meatballs into bite size pieces and combine evenly with the marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. This mixture should be well distributed so every bite has balanced flavor.

Assemble the Egg Rolls:

Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you. Place about 2 tablespoons of the meatball mixture in the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then tuck in the left and right sides snugly before rolling upward tightly. Brush olive oil on the final corner to seal neatly.

Heat the Oil:

Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to reach about 2 inches deep. Heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius for perfect frying temperature.

Fry to Perfection:

Carefully add 2 to 3 egg rolls per batch into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown and become crisp. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to turn as needed.

Drain and Serve:

Remove the egg rolls onto paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning if you like.

Mozzarella is my favorite ingredient here because it melts so perfectly and gives that luscious texture inside every crispy bite. One memorable time I made these for a family gathering, a picky eater who usually avoids anything new asked for seconds. That little moment made me love this recipe even more.

Storage Tips

Store any unfried, assembled egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Fry fresh for best texture. For leftovers, keep fried egg rolls cooled and wrapped tightly in foil. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to revive crispiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap beef meatballs with turkey or chicken meatballs if desired. Use a dairy free cheese to make it vegan friendly or omit cheese altogether for a leaner option. For marinara sauce, try a spicy arrabbiata if you like a little heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these egg rolls alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They also pair well with garlic bread or a light Caesar salad to keep the Italian theme. Perfect for dipping in extra marinara or even ranch dressing for variety.

Enjoy these meatball sub egg rolls hot with extra marinara for dipping. They’re perfect for parties and make ahead meals.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of meatballs work best for these egg rolls?

Fully cooked frozen beef meatballs are ideal as they hold their shape and provide a rich flavor after chopping and mixing.

→ How can I ensure the egg rolls stay crispy after frying?

Make sure the oil is hot enough (about 350°F) before frying and drain egg rolls on paper towels to remove excess oil.

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, mild provolone or fontina can be used for a similar melt and creamy texture with subtle flavor changes.

→ What sauce pairs well with these egg rolls for serving?

A tangy marinara or pizza sauce complements the savory meatball filling perfectly, adding a fresh and zesty contrast.

→ Is it possible to bake these egg rolls instead of frying?

Yes, brushing the rolls with oil and baking at 400°F until golden can create a lighter but still crispy alternative.

→ How should the egg rolls be stored if not eaten immediately?

Allow them to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven for best crispness.