Pin My friend brought lumpia wrappers to a potluck one night, and I found myself staring at them on the counter, wondering what would happen if I broke every rule of Filipino cooking tradition and stuffed them with creamy mac and cheese. The result was unexpectedly brilliant, and now whenever I make them, people always ask for the recipe before they've even finished chewing. It's that perfect collision of two comfort foods that somehow makes both of them taste better.
I made a batch of these for my coworkers one Friday, and watching them disappear in under five minutes was pure satisfaction. Someone asked if I'd catered them from a restaurant, which is when I knew I'd stumbled onto something worth keeping in regular rotation.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni (200g): Smaller shapes hold sauce better than large tubes, and cooking it just to al dente matters more than you'd think.
- Unsalted butter (1 tbsp): The foundation of your cheese sauce, so don't skip it or substitute with oil.
- All-purpose flour (1 tbsp): Creates the roux that thickens everything into something you can actually roll without it leaking everywhere.
- Whole milk (240 ml): The higher fat content makes a creamier filling than low-fat alternatives.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (120g): Sharp has the flavor punch you need since it's competing with the wrappers and air frying.
- Mozzarella cheese (50g): Adds stretch and helps everything stay creamy rather than becoming a dry chunk.
- Salt and black pepper (½ tsp and ¼ tsp): Season as you taste, because cheeses vary in saltiness.
- Smoked paprika (¼ tsp, optional): A tiny bit adds depth without announcing itself.
- Lumpia wrappers (16): The thin Filipino spring roll wrappers are key—thicker wrappers won't crisp the same way.
- Egg (1, beaten): Your sealing agent, and it also helps them brown beautifully.
- Cooking spray or neutral oil: Just a light coating prevents sticking without making them greasy.
Instructions
- Build your cheese sauce foundation:
- Melt butter over medium heat, stir in flour, and cook for exactly one minute—you're creating a roux that will thicken your sauce without lumps. Whisk in milk slowly, letting it warm and thicken for 2 to 3 minutes while you stir.
- Melt in the cheeses:
- Remove from heat and add both cheeses, stirring until completely smooth and creamy. This is where your sauce transforms from hot milk to something luxurious.
- Season and combine:
- Taste it as you add salt, pepper, and smoked paprika—you're seasoning pasta, so don't be timid. Fold in your cooked macaroni until every piece is coated, then set it aside to cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Fill and seal your rolls:
- Lay a wrapper flat, spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling near the bottom third, fold the sides inward, then roll tightly upward. Brush the sealed edge with beaten egg so it stays closed during air frying.
- Crisp them golden:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F), give each roll a light spray of oil, arrange them without touching, and air-fry for 8 to 10 minutes while turning halfway through. They should sound crispy when you tap them.
Pin There's a moment when you pull these rolls out of the air fryer and the smell hits you—buttery, cheesy, toasted—and suddenly you understand why fusion food works. It's not about being fancy; it's about making something that makes people happy to eat it.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
Once you nail the basic version, you can push it in different directions depending on what you're hungry for. Crispy bacon bits stirred into the filling add a smoky saltiness that pairs perfectly with the cheese, and chopped scallions bring a sharp, fresh note that cuts through the richness. A spoonful of sriracha mixed into the sauce creates heat without overwhelming, and fresh garlic powder (just a pinch) deepens everything.
Storage and Reheating
These rolls are best eaten warm and crispy, but they'll keep in an airtight container for about three days and reheat beautifully in a 180°C oven for 5 to 7 minutes. You can also freeze unbaked rolls on a sheet pan for up to a month, then air-fry them straight from frozen, adding just a couple extra minutes to the cooking time. Don't microwave them unless you want a soggy disappointment.
Dipping Sauces That Make It Complete
Serve these with whatever makes your mouth happy—ketchup is traditional and works, but you unlock something special when you add sriracha to mayo, or blend together cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a dash of hot sauce for a cheese dipping situation. A simple garlic aioli elevates them instantly, and I've even seen people mix a little honey with sriracha for something sweet and spicy that shouldn't work but absolutely does.
- Keep dipping sauces in small bowls so you're not double-dipping from one container.
- Make sauces while the rolls air-fry so everything comes together at once.
- If you're serving at a party, set out three options and watch which one disappears first—that's your crowd's preference.
Pin These rolls prove that the best food happens when you stop worrying about authenticity and start worrying about deliciousness. Make them, watch people's faces when they bite into that melty center, and trust that you've created something worth repeating.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of cheese works best for the filling?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses create a creamy, flavorful blend that's perfect for coating the macaroni and providing a smooth texture inside the lumpia.
- → Can I bake the lumpia rolls instead of air-frying?
Yes, baking at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp is a good alternative to air-frying if you don't have an air fryer.
- → How do I prevent the lumpia wrappers from bursting during cooking?
Ensure the filling is cool and thick before wrapping, and seal the edges properly with beaten egg to keep them intact during cooking.
- → Are there any vegetarian ingredient considerations?
Yes, this version uses cheese and butter but no meat, making it suitable for vegetarians. For added flavor, avoid bacon or use vegetarian substitutes.
- → What dips pair well with these lumpia rolls?
Ketchup, sriracha, or a cheese dipping sauce complement the creamy filling and crispy wrapper very well, adding a touch of zest or richness.