Meatball Sub Egg Rolls

Meatball sub egg rolls combine the irresistible flavors of a classic meatball sandwich with the crunch of a golden egg roll, making them the perfect quick fix for cravings in under 30 minutes. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 15 to 20 minutes of cooking, this craveable snack or appetizer is easy enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough for parties and game day spreads. Each bite delivers gooey cheese, savory meatballs, and bold Italian spices wrapped in a shatteringly crisp shell that begs to be dunked in tangy marinara sauce.

I first made these meatball sub egg rolls when my kids requested something new and exciting for movie night, and they have quickly become the most requested treat when friends come over. Watching the cheese ooze out of the crunchy wrapper—and hearing the satisfying crunch—are just part of what makes them such a standout. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food that always disappears fast, whether I serve them as appetizers or as a playful main course with salad.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Frozen fully cooked beef meatballs (thawed and chopped): Packed with classic Italian seasoning, these are a speedy shortcut, but homemade meatballs or turkey and plant based options also work for flavor variation.
• Marinara or pizza sauce: Thick, rich sauce prevents soggy wrappers and delivers signature zest; try homemade for a deeper flavor or use jarred for convenience.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Using freshly shredded cheese helps achieve those iconic gooey cheese pulls; provolone or Parmesan can be mixed in for extra richness.
• Egg roll wrappers: Find these in the refrigerated section; keep extras covered under a damp towel so they stay flexible for easy rolling.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Brushing this on wrapper edges secures the rolls and adds a subtle flavor boost; avocado oil also works as a substitute.
• Vegetable oil for frying: High heat oils like canola or peanut ensure crispiness and even golden color, but air frying or baking are great lighter alternatives.
• Marinara sauce for dipping: Essential for the authentic meatball sub experience; serve extra on the side along with optional ranch or garlic aioli for variety.
• Garnishes (shaved Parmesan, Italian seasoning): Add finishing touches that mimic a sub shop presentation and amplify the savory factor.

How to Make Meatball Sub Egg Rolls

Mix the Filling for Superior Texture and Taste:

In a mixing bowl, toss chopped, thawed meatballs with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella so every bite has a blend of savory, cheesy, and tangy flavors. Coat fully to avoid dry spots and add a splash more sauce if the mixture looks dry. Proper mixing ensures the mozzarella melts evenly throughout the filling.

Set Up Your Wrapping Station:

Lay out one egg roll wrapper with a corner pointing toward you, making a diamond pattern, and keep the rest covered with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. This prevents the wrappers from cracking or tearing as you work through them.

Fill and Roll for Even Cooking:

Spoon about two tablespoons of the filling in the center, then fold up the bottom corner, tuck in both sides, and roll tightly toward the top corner, pressing gently as you go. Don’t overfill or the rolls may burst during cooking; keeping the filling away from edges results in a crispy, sealed exterior.

Seal with Olive Oil for Perfect Crunch:

Dab or brush a little olive oil on the final corner before sealing the roll, ensuring it adheres perfectly and doesn’t unravel during fry or bake. This step delivers a crisp, golden finish and keeps the cheese inside.

Heat Oil to the Right Temperature:

Bring about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350 degrees Fahrenheit—use a thermometer for accuracy. If the oil is too hot, rolls burn quickly; too cool, they’ll soak up moisture and get greasy. Even heat is key for crispy, cooked-through egg rolls.

Fry Egg Rolls in Small Batches for Crisp Perfection:

Fry two or three egg rolls at a time for about three minutes per side, turning for even browning. Don’t crowd the pan or the temperature will drop, and always drain finished rolls on paper towels for the lightest, crunchiest texture.

Serve Hot with Dipping Sauce:

Transfer hot egg rolls to a platter and offer with extra marinara, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or Italian seasoning. For a festive look, garnish with chopped parsley and pair with warm dipping sauces for maximum flavor and crowd appeal.

Whenever I make a batch with extra cheese folded into the meatball mixture, the insides get extra gooey and rich—my family always asks for more. Doubling the recipe is the norm in our house, as the crispy shell and juicy filling make these rolls disappear twice as fast as I expect, especially when served alongside a crunchy salad or tomato soup.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This recipe is endlessly flexible, so you can tailor it for dietary needs, flavor preferences, or using up leftovers. Substitute beef meatballs with turkey or plant based versions for a lighter or vegetarian twist, or use a blend of provolone and mozzarella for more depth. If you want to avoid frying, bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or air fry at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes, flipping once, for a healthier crunch. You can even add chopped spinach, roasted peppers, or swap in pesto or Alfredo sauce for creative riffs that keep things fun and fresh.

How to Store and Reheat Meatball Sub Egg Rolls

For best results, let cooked egg rolls cool fully before storing in a single layer in an airtight container lined with parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to four days. To freeze, arrange assembled or cooked egg rolls on a parchment lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer bags for up to three months. When ready to eat, bake at 350 degrees or air fry until hot and crisp, heating straight from frozen if needed for ultimate convenience. For maximum crunch, always reheat on a wire rack set over a baking sheet so the bottoms stay crisp and avoid steaming.

What to Serve with Meatball Sub Egg Rolls

These egg rolls shine as both a stand-alone main and a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Pair with classic sides like Caesar salad, Italian chopped salad, or roasted broccoli for a balanced meal, or offer with garlic bread and antipasto skewers at parties. For presentation, cut rolls in halves and arrange with fresh marinara dip, adding mini forks or toothpicks for easy serving. They’re rich and satisfying, so plan for one or two per guest as snacks, or serve three or four as an entrée for bigger appetites.

Nutritional Benefits

Meatball sub egg rolls offer a fun way to enjoy protein packed comfort food with extra nutrition if you use lean turkey meatballs or add veggies. Mozzarella brings calcium and delicious creaminess, while using egg roll wrappers instead of bread means less fat and carbs per serving. This recipe is naturally nut free and easily modified to fit gluten free or dairy free needs, making it an inclusive option for families and parties with multiple dietary concerns.

Recipe Success Tips

If wrappers crack while rolling, keep them covered with a damp towel to maintain pliability and always fill just before rolling. Seal each roll thoroughly with oil on the edge to prevent leaks, and never overfill to avoid tearing or bursting during fry or bake. Using a thermometer ensures oil is at the optimal 350 degrees for crispy, golden rolls—too much heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside cold, so watch the temperature closely and adjust heat as needed.

Bring a little comfort and excitement to your table with these meatball sub egg rolls, packed with gooey cheese and satisfying flavor. They are sure to be a hit for family nights, parties, or anytime you crave a new twist on classic favorites.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, homemade meatballs that are cooked and chopped work wonderfully for a fresher taste.

→ What sauce pairs best for dipping?

Classic marinara or pizza sauce is ideal for dipping, enhancing the savory flavors.

→ Can these egg rolls be baked instead of fried?

Absolutely! Brush with oil and bake at 400°F until crispy and golden, about 15–18 minutes.

→ Is it possible to make these in advance?

Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate the rolls ahead of time. Fry or bake just before serving.

→ Can other cheeses be substituted for mozzarella?

Shredded provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses can provide a similar melty texture and flavor.