Cheeseburger Spring Rolls

If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of a juicy cheeseburger wrapped in crispy golden perfection, these cheeseburger spring rolls are the recipe for you. Imagine biting into a crispy, deep-fried spring roll packed with minced beef, two kinds of cheese, and a touch of pickled gherkins, all paired with a tangy special sauce for dipping. These delicious spring rolls are a unique take on your classic cheeseburger and make for an excellent snack or appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cheeseburger spring rolls combine the best of both worlds: the comfort of a cheeseburger and the crunch of a spring roll. The savory, juicy minced beef is complemented by sharp cheddar and tangy red Leicestershire cheese, with the subtle bite of pickles adding the perfect contrast. Wrapped in a crispy shell and fried to golden perfection, these spring rolls are bound to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, they are served with a zesty special sauce that takes the flavor experience to the next level.

Ingredients

• 500 g (1.1 lb) minced beef (12-15% fat, ideally, for juicy meat)

• 1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 75 g (¾ packed cup) strong cheddar cheese, grated

• 75 g (¾ packed cup) red Leicestershire cheese, grated

• 2 tbsp finely chopped pickled gherkins (dill pickles, cornichons, or burger pickle slices work well)

• 12 spring roll wrappers

• Oil for deep frying

Special sauce:

• 6 tbsp mayonnaise

• 6 tbsp tomato ketchup

• 1 tbsp mild yellow mustard (French’s yellow mustard is a great choice)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add the minced beef, onion, salt, and pepper, then fry for 6-7 minutes, stirring regularly to break up any chunks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onion softens.

3. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for 20-30 minutes. You can transfer it to a bowl to help it cool faster. The beef mixture should be at room temperature before moving on.

4. While the beef cools, prepare the special sauce by mixing the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard together in a small bowl. Set it aside.

5. Once the beef mixture has cooled, stir in the grated cheddar, red Leicestershire cheese, and chopped pickles.

6. Heat oil in a heavy-based pan to about 190°C (375°F) for deep frying.

7. Lay a spring roll wrapper on your work surface with a corner pointing towards you. Cover the rest of the wrappers with a damp tea towel to prevent them from drying out.

8. Place a heaped tablespoon of the beef mixture near the bottom corner of the wrapper, leaving about an inch of space from the corner. Shape the filling into a horizontal sausage shape.

9. Roll the spring roll tightly, tucking in the outer edges before you finish rolling. Seal the edges with a bit of water on your fingers.

10. Repeat this process for the remaining spring rolls.

11. Carefully add 6 spring rolls to the hot oil at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.

12. Remove the spring rolls and place them on a plate lined with kitchen roll to absorb excess oil.

13. Serve the spring rolls hot with the special sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12 spring rolls

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Cheeseburger Spring Rolls: Add some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture to give these spring rolls a spicy kick.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the minced beef for a plant-based alternative or finely chopped mushrooms for a meatless option.

• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or American cheese, to give the spring rolls a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerating: Store any leftover spring rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in an air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for about 5 minutes, turning halfway through. Alternatively, use a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for 10 minutes.

• Freezing: You can freeze the spring rolls either before or after frying. If freezing un-fried spring rolls, freeze them on a baking tray, then transfer to an airtight container once solid. To cook, fry from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time. If freezing already fried spring rolls, reheat from frozen in an air fryer or oven as directed above.

FAQs

1. Can I make the spring rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead, make the spring rolls up to step 10, or even make them entirely, refrigerating them until ready to cook.

2. How can I prevent my spring rolls from becoming soggy?

Ensure that the beef mixture cools completely before wrapping the spring rolls. Also, avoid overfilling the wrappers.

3. What oil is best for frying the spring rolls?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoking point, such as vegetable oil or sunflower oil, for the best results.

4. Can I bake the spring rolls instead of frying them?

While these spring rolls are best fried for maximum crunch, you can bake them at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes. Brush them with a little oil to help them crisp up.

5. How do I stop the spring roll wrappers from tearing?

Make sure the wrappers stay covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out. Use enough water to seal the edges securely.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gouda to suit your preference.

7. What should I serve these with?

These spring rolls go great with a side of fries, a crisp salad, or even some coleslaw.

8. How do I store leftover spring rolls?

Store any leftover spring rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for best results.

9. Can I make these spring rolls vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the minced beef with a plant-based alternative like lentils, quinoa, or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.

10. Can I freeze these spring rolls?

Absolutely! You can freeze them either before or after frying. Be sure to follow the freezing and reheating instructions to keep them crispy and delicious.

Conclusion

These cheeseburger spring rolls are an inventive twist on a classic favorite, offering all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a crispy, handheld snack. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, family meal, or snack, they’re guaranteed to impress. Plus, with the option to make them ahead, freeze, or reheat, you can enjoy this irresistible treat any time you like. So grab your ingredients, and get ready to dive into this cheesy, crispy delight!