Growing up in a Filipino household, these homemade cheese sticks were our ultimate “baon” treat – the kind that made my classmates crowd around during recess, begging for a taste! This authentic recipe comes straight from countless afternoons of watching my Lola perfect these crispy rolls in her busy kitchen, where the sizzling sound of fresh-from-the-kawali cheese sticks would have all my cousins running in from their afternoon play.
Today, I’m sharing our traditional family recipe that’s been tested in thousands of Filipino homes, making it one of the best and easiest Filipino recipes you’ll master. Whether you’re preparing for a kiddie party, looking for the perfect pulutan, or just craving that nostalgic merienda, these cheese sticks will transport you back to those sweet childhood moments of sharing food with loved ones.
The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or chef-level skills – just follow my Lola’s tried-and-tested techniques, and you’ll have party-favorite cheese sticks that’ll have everyone asking for your secret!
Filipino Cheese Sticks (Cheese Springs Rolls)
Equipment
- Large cutting board (sangkalan)
- Sharp knife (kutsilyo)
- Deep frying pan or kawali
- Kitchen tongs (Sipit)
- Wire rack (cooling rack)
- Paper towels
- Thermometer (optional but recommended)
Ingredients
- 1 pound Eden Cheese or quick-melt cheese 450g
- 24 pieces spring roll wrappers lumpia wrapper
- Canola oil for frying
- Water for sealing
Instructions
Preparation (Paghahanda)
Cut the cheese into thin strips:
- Size: ½ inch thick x 3 inches length (1.27cm x 7.62cm)
- Tip: Slightly freeze cheese for 15 minutes for easier cutting
Assembly (Pagbabalot)
Prepare your workspace:
- Keep wrappers covered with damp cloth to prevent drying
- Takpan ng basang tela ang mga balat ng lumpia
Position wrapper:
- Place wrapper like a diamond
- Ilagay ang balat na padiagonal
Wrap the cheese:
- Place cheese strip in the center
- Fold bottom corner over cheese
- Fold sides inward
- Roll tightly upward
- Seal with water
- Mahigpit na pagbalot para hindi tumulo ang keso
Cooking (Pagluluto)
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C)
- Use enough oil for deep frying (about 2 inches deep)
- Initin ang langis sa tamang temperatura
Fry in batches:
- 3-4 pieces at a time
- 2-3 minutes per batch
- Until golden brown
- Iprito hanggang maging golden brown
Tips from Lola’s Kitchen
- Always use fresh lumpia wrappers
- Double-wrap if using thin wrappers
- Seal edges well with water
- Never overcrowd the pan
- Keep oil temperature consistent
- Pat dry excess oil with paper towels
Traditional Serving Suggestions
- Sweet and sour sauce (Suka at asukal)
- Banana ketchup
- Vinegar with chilies (Suka at sili)
- As pulutan (beer match)
- For merienda (afternoon snack)
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Cheese Leaking:
- Solution: Freeze cheese slightly before wrapping
- Wrap tighter
- Double-check seals
- Wrapper Breaking:
- Solution: Handle wrappers gently
- Keep covered when not using
- Use fresh wrappers
- Not Crispy:
- Solution: Ensure oil is hot enough
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Drain properly
Ingredient Alternatives
- Cheese Options:
- Eden Cheese (traditional)
- Quickmelt cheese
- Mozzarella
- Cheddar
- Velveeta
- Cheese strings
- Wrapper Options:
- Spring roll wrappers (best)
- Lumpia wrappers
- Rice paper (for baked version)
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Refrigerator: 3 days
- Freezer: 2 months
- Store uncooked in airtight container
Reheating:
- Air fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes
- Oven: 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes
- Avoid microwave (makes wrapper soggy)
Variations
- Spicy Cheese Sticks:
- Add siling haba (finger chilies)
- Cheese and Ham:
- Add thin ham strips
- Three-Cheese:
- Mix different cheese varieties
- Garlic Cheese:
- Add garlic powder to wrapper
FAQs
Q: Can these be baked instead of fried? A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, brush with oil. Q: Can I make them ahead? A: Yes, freeze uncooked sticks for up to 2 months. Q: Why did my cheese leak? A: Likely due to loose wrapping or oil temperature too high. Q: How do I keep them crispy? A: Cool on wire rack, don’t stack while hot.Nutrition
The Story Behind Filipino Cheese Sticks
The beloved Filipino cheese sticks, known in every corner sari-sari store and present at countless Filipino celebrations, represent the incredible creativity of Filipino street food culture. While traditional lumpia has Chinese origins, these best homemade cheese sticks showcase how Filipinos brilliantly adapted the spring roll wrapper to create something uniquely Pinoy.
In the 1970s, as Eden cheese became a household name in the Philippines, innovative street vendors and creative home cooks began experimenting with this affordable dairy product. They discovered that wrapping cheese in lumpia wrappers and deep-frying them created an irresistible snack that would soon become a national favorite. This authentic Filipino recipe quickly spread from Manila’s busy streets to become a staple at children’s parties, family gatherings, and even upscale events.
What makes these easy Filipino cheese sticks truly special is their versatility. From humble carinderias to modern cafes, from simple merienda to elaborate party spreads, they’ve earned their place in Filipino food culture. The combination of crispy wrapper and melted cheese perfectly embodies the Filipino knack for creating delicious treats from simple ingredients – a hallmark of traditional Filipino cooking.
Today, while many variations exist, the classic homemade version remains unbeatable. Whether served in schools as baon, offered as pulutan during drinking sessions, or featured at family celebrations, these cheese sticks continue to bring Filipinos together. The sound of that first crispy bite, followed by the sight of stretchy melted cheese, has become synonymous with comfort food in Filipino households.
As more international food blogs and cooking shows discover Filipino cuisine, our traditional cheese sticks are gaining recognition worldwide. Yet, the best cheese sticks are still found in Filipino homes, where recipes are passed down through generations, each family adding their own special touch to this beloved classic. This recipe preserves those time-tested techniques while making it easy for modern home cooks to recreate the authentic taste they remember from their childhood.
From simple family merienda to go-to party finger food, these homemade cheese sticks represent the heart of Filipino snack culture – affordable, delicious, and always served with love. Whether you’re craving a taste of home or discovering Filipino cuisine for the first time, this recipe captures the true essence of what makes Filipino food special: the perfect blend of simplicity, creativity, and heartwarming flavors.