Crispy Cheese Sambousek are golden, crunchy Middle Eastern cheese rolls filled with a savory blend of mozzarella, Akkawi cheese, olives, and fragrant dried mint. Wrapped in delicate wonton wrappers and quickly fried to perfection, they turn irresistibly crispy on the outside while staying melty and flavorful inside. These bite-sized pastries are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party treat that’s both simple to prepare and packed with rich, cheesy flavor.
Components
- Egg roll wonton wrappers
- Mozzarella cheeseÂ
- Akkawi cheese
- Green olives
- Dried mintÂ
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Frying oil (vegetable oil)
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Sambousek
- Heat the oil properly: Make sure the oil is hot (medium-high heat) before frying so the wrappers crisp up quickly and don’t absorb excess oil.
- Seal the edges well: Lightly brush the edges of the wonton wrappers with water and press firmly to prevent the cheese from leaking while frying.
- Don’t overfill the wrappers: Use a moderate amount of filling so the sambousek close easily and stay sealed during cooking.
- Fry in small batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy rolls.
- Drain after frying: Place the fried sambousek on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crisp.
- Serve immediately: Sambousek taste best when served hot and freshly fried, while the exterior is still crunchy and the cheese is perfectly melted.
How to Store Leftover Sambousek
If you have leftover sambousek, allow them to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To keep them from becoming soggy, line the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Proper storage helps maintain their flavor and makes it easy to enjoy them again later as a quick snack or appetizer.
Can You Freeze Cheese Sambousek?
Yes, cheese sambousek freeze very well, making them a great make-ahead appetizer. Arrange the uncooked filled sambousek in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together and allows you to cook only as many as you need. Frozen sambousek can be stored for up to three months and can be fried directly from frozen with just a slightly longer cooking time.
How to Reheat Sambousek and Keep Them Crispy
To reheat sambousek while keeping them crispy, the oven or air fryer works best. Place them on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. An air fryer can reheat them even faster, usually in about 4–5 minutes. Avoid reheating them in the microwave if possible, as it can make the wrappers soft instead of crispy.
Crispy Cheese Sambousek (Middle Eastern Cheese Rolls)
These Crispy Cheese Sambousek are golden, crunchy rolls filled with a savory blend of mozzarella, Akkawi cheese, olives, and dried mint. Wrapped in wonton wrappers and fried until perfectly crisp, they’re a quick and delicious Middle Eastern appetizer. Perfect for parties, snacks, or part of a mezze platter.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella, akkawi cheese, chopped olives, dried mint, and a pinch of black pepper until evenly blended
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Place about 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling in the center of each egg roll wrapper, fold in the sides, and roll up firmly to seal
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Lay the filled rolls on a wire rack or wooden cutting board and let sit for 20–30 minutes to allow the outer layer to dry slightly for maximum crispiness
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 375°F (190°C)
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Carefully fry the cheese rolls for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy
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Transfer the fried sambousek to a wire rack or paper towel–lined plate and immediately sprinkle lightly with salt
