Andy Montoya
Ham and cheese spring rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that can be served as a light meal or appetiser for friends and family. They are a perfect finger food for parties and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including frying, baking, and air frying. The classic combination of ham and cheese can be enhanced with the addition of vegetables such as green peppers, onions, or asparagus. Spring rolls are a popular pastry in East Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines and are typically filled with a variety of ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Preparation time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 16 |
| Calories per serving | 130 kcal |
| Ham | 300 g (10.58 oz.), cut into 16 thin slices |
| Cheese | 16 sticks (1/3 x 1/3 in. thick) |
| Spring roll wrappers | 16 PCs |
| Egg | 1 PC (for pasting) |
| Cooking methods | Frying, baking, air-frying, stovetop cooking, microwaving |
| Frying temperature | 350 °F |
| Baking temperature | 425 °F |
| Air-frying temperature | 350 °F |
| Stovetop temperature | 400 °F |
| Microwaving time | 2 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the ingredients
Next, prepare your fillings by cutting the ham, cheese, and any additional vegetables into uniform, thin strips. This will ensure your spring rolls cook evenly and are easy to bite into. You can also grate your cheese if you prefer a melted cheese texture.
Then, prepare your work area by laying out the spring roll wrappers. Place one wrapper in front of you with the tip pointing downwards, so it resembles a diamond. This orientation will make it easier to roll the wrappers up.
Now, it's time to assemble the ingredients onto the wrappers. Lay a slice of ham on the lower half of the wrapper, followed by a stick of cheese placed horizontally on top of the ham. If you're including additional vegetables, place them on top of the cheese.
Finally, you're ready to roll! Tuck the ingredients into the wrapper, starting from the bottom and rolling upwards. Fold the left and right sides towards the center as you go, ensuring the fillings stay tucked in. Brush the last part of the wrapper with beaten egg and close the roll with a little pressure. Repeat this process until you've used up all your ingredients.
Your ham and cheese spring rolls are now ready to be cooked!
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Assembling the spring rolls
You can also add some extra ingredients to the filling. For example, some recipes suggest adding chopped onion and green pepper to the ham and cheese. If you want to add these ingredients, simply place the strips of ham, cheese, green pepper, and chopped onion in the wrapper and roll it up.
Once you have assembled all your spring rolls, it's time to cook them. The most popular method is to fry them in a deep fryer, which will give them a crispy outer layer. If you're frying them, heat your oil to 350°F and carefully place the spring rolls in the hot oil. Fry them for two to three minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. If you prefer a healthier option, you can also bake the spring rolls in the oven. Place them on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F for 10-12 minutes.
No matter which cooking method you choose, it's important to roll the spring rolls tightly so that the filling doesn't fall out during cooking.
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Frying the rolls
Frying is the most popular method for cooking ham and cheese spring rolls. It gives them a crispy outer layer that is perfect for holding in all the delicious fillings. If you're frying the rolls, heat oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use a frying pan, heating the oil to 400 degrees Fahrenheit if you're cooking frozen spring rolls.
Before frying, ensure that your rolls are properly prepared and tightly rolled, so the filling doesn't fall out. Dip each spring roll in a bowl of water to ensure even cooking and to prevent the oil from sticking to the rolls.
Carefully place the spring rolls in the hot oil, frying for two to three minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You can also fry for up to five minutes to obtain a golden brown crust. Once cooked, drain the rolls on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to prevent sogginess.
Air frying is another option, which gives a similar result to deep frying without the extra calories. Simply air fry the spring rolls until they are crispy and golden.
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Baking the rolls
To bake ham and cheese spring rolls, first prepare the rolls by placing a spring roll wrapper in front of you, tip down, so it resembles a diamond. Lay a slice of ham on the lower half of the wrapper, followed by a stick of cheese placed horizontally on the ham. Tuck in the ham and cheese until only three-quarters of the wrapper remains uncovered. Fold the left and right corners of the wrapper towards the centre, then roll upwards, leaving a small portion of the wrapper uncovered at the top. Brush the last part of the wrapper with beaten egg and seal the roll with a little pressure.
Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F) or, if you prefer a crispier roll, 425 °F. Place the rolls on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the surface is golden.
If you are cooking frozen spring rolls, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Bake frozen spring rolls at 400 °F for 2 minutes.
Baking is a healthier alternative to frying spring rolls, resulting in a crispy outer layer without the grease.
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Serving suggestions
Ham and cheese spring rolls are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Appetizer or Finger Food
Ham and cheese spring rolls make excellent finger food for parties or gatherings. They can be served as an appetizer or starter, offering a tasty and effortless option that is cheap and easy to prepare.
Side Dish
These spring rolls can also be a delicious side dish to accompany a main course. They pair well with a variety of proteins and vegetables, adding a crispy and cheesy element to the meal.
Lunch or Lunch Box
Ham and cheese spring rolls are a convenient option for lunch, whether packed in a lunch box or enjoyed at home. They can be a tasty and satisfying main course or a side dish to complement other lunch items.
Dipping Sauces
When serving ham and cheese spring rolls, consider offering a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the flavour. Traditional options include sweet and sour sauce, Chinese hot mustard, or soy sauce. You can also get creative and experiment with different sauces that complement the ham and cheese filling.
Salad or Vegetables
To round out the meal and add some freshness, consider serving ham and cheese spring rolls with a side salad or roasted vegetables. This can provide a crunchy texture and a healthy contrast to the fried spring rolls.
With their versatility and ease of preparation, ham and cheese spring rolls are a great option for entertaining or simply enjoying a tasty snack. Get creative with your serving suggestions to suit your preferences and the occasion.
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