I’ve mastered countless Filipino recipes over the years, but these cheese sticks hold a special place in my heart. As someone who grew up loving traditional lumpiang shanghai, discovering this cheese-filled version was a delightful revelation that changed my approach to Filipino snack-making.
The genius lies in its simplicity: transforming basic lumpia wrappers and cheese into golden-brown rolls that achieve that perfect balance of crispiness and gooey center.
This recipe has become my go-to party preparation secret, consistently earning rave reviews at gatherings and potlucks. What makes it truly special is its versatility, equally at home at children’s parties as it is alongside ice-cold drinks at evening gatherings.
This foolproof recipe delivers restaurant-quality cheese sticks that capture the authentic taste of Filipino street food in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentically Filipino: A true taste of home using traditional techniques
- Perfectly Crispy: Guaranteed crunch with our tested temperature control method
- Fail-Proof Method: Step-by-step instructions ensure success every time
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for party prep and batch cooking
- Family-Approved: Time-tested recipe from Filipino households
- Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients with maximum impact
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
- Begin by cutting the cheese into uniform strips measuring ½ inch thick by 3 inches length (1.27cm x 7.62cm). For easier cutting, slightly freeze the cheese for 15 minutes first. Keep your lumpia wrappers covered with a damp cloth (takpan ng basang tela ang mga balat ng lumpia) to prevent them from drying out.
- For assembly (pagbabalot), position a wrapper like a diamond on your work surface (ilagay ang balat na padiagonal). Place a cheese strip in the center, then fold the bottom corner over the cheese. Fold both sides inward, then roll tightly upward. Seal the edges with water. The tight rolling (mahigpit na pagbalot) is crucial to prevent cheese from leaking.
- Heat canola oil in a deep frying pan or kawali to 350°F (175°C), using enough oil for deep frying (about 2 inches deep). Maintain consistent oil temperature (initin ang langis sa tamang temperatura) throughout cooking.
- Fry the cheese sticks in small batches (3-4 pieces at a time) for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown (hanggang maging golden brown). Don’t overcrowd the pan as this will lower the oil temperature. Remove with tongs (sipit) and drain on a wire rack, not paper towels, to maintain crispiness.
- Let cool slightly before serving with your choice of dipping sauce like sweet and sour sauce (suka at asukal) or banana ketchup. For storage, ensure cheese sticks are completely cooled before placing in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. CopyRetry
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.
Filipino Cheese Sticks (Cheese Springs Rolls)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.
