These Lebanese cheese rolls, called Rkakat (or Raat Jibni), are a delightful combination of crispy, golden pastry and a rich, melt-in-your-mouth filling. The gooey mozzarella and savory akawi cheese blend together to create a creamy texture that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy exterior. This balance of textures makes every bite irresistible.
Whether served as an appetizer or enjoyed as a snack, these rolls are sure to impress. The cheesy filling, paired with the crisp outer layer, offers a satisfying and comforting flavor-packed experience.
What makes them even more special is that Rkakat is my favorite appetizer to make during Ramadan. They’re quick to prepare, and my family absolutely loves them. Every year, they request these cheesy rolls, and they’re always the first dish to be added to our Ramadan menu!
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- what makes this Lebanese cheese rolls recipe special
- Lebanese cheese Rolls Ingredients
- How to make Lebanese cheese rolls
- Spring Roll pastry Alternatives
- Different methods for cooking lebanese cheese rolls
- what kind of cheeses I can use in Lebanese cheese rolls
- Frequently Asked Question
- Tips and Tricks
- More recipes to try
- Amazon Finds
what makes this Lebanese cheese rolls recipe special
What makes Rakakat Jibni special is its versatility and the perfect balance of textures. The crispy, golden pastry contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy cheese filling. What’s even better is that you can easily customize the cheese blend to suit your tastes. For a twist, add sharp cheddar for an extra tang, creamy ricotta for smoothness, or a touch of feta for a salty kick. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create your own unique flavor profile.
In addition, these cheese rolls are not only delicious but also adaptable for any occasion. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or snack, they’re guaranteed to impress with their perfect combination of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth filling. With the freedom to experiment and the ideal mix of textures and flavors, Raat Jibni is bound to become a favorite at any gathering!
Lebanese cheese Rolls Ingredients
1. Spring Roll Pastry
Start with spring roll pastry. It forms the crispy outer layer and holds all the fillings inside, giving the spring rolls their signature crunch.
2. Mozzarella Cheese
Add shredded mozzarella cheese. It gives the filling a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and helps bind the mixture together.
3. Akawi Cheese
Include shredded akawi cheese. Its salty, tangy flavor complements the mozzarella, adding depth to the cheese filling.
4. Egg White
Mix in an egg white. The egg white helps to hold the cheese mixture together, giving the filling structure and keeping it intact during rolling.
5. Chopped Parsley
Stir in chopped parsley. It adds a fresh, herbal flavor and a burst of color to the filling.
6. Nigella Seeds (Black Seed)
Add nigella seeds. These seeds bring a peppery, onion-like flavor and a slight crunch, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
7. Flour Mixed with Water
Use flour mixed with water to create a paste. This paste is essential for sealing the spring rolls, ensuring they stay closed while cooking.
How to make Lebanese cheese rolls
1. Prepare the Filling
First, mix the shredded mozzarella cheese and akawi cheese together in a bowl. Then, add the chopped parsley and the egg white. Stir everything until the mixture is well combined. Finally, sprinkle in the nigella seeds for extra flavor and texture.
2. Prepare the Sealing Paste
Next, combine flour and water to create a smooth paste. This will help seal the spring rolls and keep the filling inside while frying or baking.
3. Assemble the Spring Rolls
Now, take a sheet of spring roll pastry and place it flat on a clean surface. Add a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of the pastry sheet. Fold the top of the sheet over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll the pastry tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside. Once you reach the end, use the flour paste to seal the edge of the pastry securely.
4. Freeze for Later (Optional)
If you’re planning to freeze the spring rolls, place them in a single layer on a tray. Freeze them for about 1 hour to ensure they stay firm. After freezing, transfer the rolls to a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer. They will last for up to 3 months.
5. Fry or Bake
Heat oil in a frying pan. Fry the spring rolls until golden and crispy. Remove and place on a cooling rack to drain excess oil. Alternatively, brush with oil and bake at 500°F (260°C) or air fry at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through.
6. Enjoy
Finally, enjoy your freshly made spring rolls while they’re still hot and crispy!
Spring Roll pastry Alternatives
1. Egg Roll Wrappers: To start, egg roll wrappers are thicker than traditional spring roll wrappers and perfect for deep frying. They create a crispy, golden exterior that holds up well to hearty fillings like meat, veggies, and noodles.
2. Wonton Wrappers: Next, if you’re looking for something thinner and delicate, wonton wrappers are a great choice. They crisp up beautifully when fried, making them ideal for small, bite-sized rolls.
3. Phyllo Dough: Alternatively, phyllo dough provides a flakier texture. This dough is thin and delicate, and it creates a crispy, light exterior, especially when baked.
4. Lettuce Leaves: For a lighter and healthier option, large lettuce leavessuch as butter lettuce or romain offer a fresh crunch. These work well for wraps that don’t need frying, providing a crisp, refreshing bite.
5. Dumpling Wrappers: On the other hand, dumpling wrappers offer a thicker, chewier texture. Whether steamed or pan-fried, they add a hearty bite to any filling.
6. Homemade Sambousek Dough: Lastly, homemade sambousek dough is perfect if you’re aiming for a savory pastry with a slightly thicker, doughier texture. After rolling out and filling with your choice of ingredients, these pastries can be fried or baked to achieve a golden, crispy finish.
Different methods for cooking lebanese cheese rolls
1. Baking: If you want a healthier option, brush the spring rolls with a little oil and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. This method gives the rolls a golden, crispy exterior with much less oil.
2. Airfrying: Alternatively, you can air fry the spring rolls for a light, crispy result. Simply brush them lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. This option delivers crispy spring rolls with minimal oil, making it a great choice for a healthier snack.
3. Grilling: For a smoky flavor, you can grill the spring rolls. Place them on a preheated grill over medium heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and slightly charred. This method adds a unique taste and texture.
4. Pan-frying: If you prefer a traditional method, pan-fry the spring rolls in hot oil. Simply heat oil in a skillet, add the spring rolls, and cook them in batches. Turn the rolls until golden and crispy on all sides, creating a satisfying crunch.
While deep frying gives the spring rolls the best and crispiest texture, you can also air fry, bake, grill, or pan fry them for a healthier or different cooking option. Each method still yields delicious results, but deep frying really brings out the perfect crunch and flavor.
what kind of cheeses I can use in Lebanese cheese rolls
When making Rkakat, you can mix and match cheeses to create a flavor profile that suits your taste. Start with mozzarella, which melts beautifully and gives a creamy, gooey texture. Then, add akawi cheese for a savory, slightly salty flavor that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
For a twist, include feta for a sharp, salty bite or ricotta for a smooth, creamy texture. Halloumi brings a unique, firm texture and a slightly tangy taste, perfect for those who enjoy more bite in their filling. Cream cheese offers richness and a velvety smoothness, balancing out the saltier cheeses. Arabic cheeses like Jibneh Arabieh lend a mild, traditional flavor that enhances the filling.
You can also experiment with Twisted Cheese, a soft and tangy option, for an exciting twist. Combining these cheeses lets you tailor the flavor and texture to your liking, making every batch unique and delicious.
Frequently Asked Question
1. Can I freeze these spring rolls?
Yes! After assembling, freeze them on a tray for 1 hour. Then, store them in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
2. Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! You can mix cheeses like cheddar, ricotta, or feta for a unique flavor.
3. Can I use something other than spring roll wrappers?
Yes! You can use egg roll wrappers, dumpling wrappers, wonton wrappers, phyllo dough, or homemade sambousek dough for different textures.
4. How do I cook them from frozen?
Fry, bake at 500°F (260°C), or air fry at 400°F (200°C). If frying, cook until golden and crispy.
5. Can I bake or air fry them?
Yes! Brush with oil and bake or air fry for a healthier option. Make sure to flip halfway through for even crispness.
6. How long do they take to cook?
Frying takes about 1-2 minutes until golden. Baking takes about 15-20 mimutes annd air frying takes around 8-10 mimutes.
Tips and Tricks
1. Use egg white for better binding
Using egg white helps hold the cheese filling together. It prevents the cheese from spilling out during cooking.
2. Don’t overfill
Be careful not to overstuff the spring rolls. A small spoonful of filling is enough for easy rolling and sealing.
3. Seal the edges well
Seal the edges tightly with the flour-water paste. This keeps the filling inside and prevents leaks.
4. Freeze before cooking
Freeze the rolls for an hour before cooking. This helps them hold their shape and ensures even cooking.
5. Cook on high heat
Cook on high heat to crisp the rolls quickly. If you cook on low heat, the cheese may melt and leak out.
6. Try different wrappers
Feel free to use egg roll wrappers, phyllo dough, or homemade sambousek dough for a variety of textures.
7. Brush with oil before baking
Brush the rolls with oil when baking or air frying. This will give them a golden, crispy finish.
8. Use a cooling rack
After frying, place the spring rolls on a cooling rack. This prevents them from getting soggy.
More recipes to try
Amazon Finds
Lebanese cheese rolls
Ingredients
- 1 package of spring roll pastry 50 sheets
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded akawi cheese
- 1 egg white
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp black seed nigella seed
- 2 tbsp flour mixed with water for sealing
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the mozzarella cheese, akawi cheese, parsley, egg white, and black seed.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour with a little water to create a paste. This will be used to seal the spring rolls.
- To assemble the spring rolls, place a sheet of spring roll pastry on a flat surface. Add a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center. Fold the top over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly. Use the flour-water mixture to seal the edge.
- If you’re making these to freeze, place the spring rolls on a tray in a single layer and freeze for 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To cook the spring rolls, heat oil in a frying pan. Fry the rolls until golden and crispy. Remove them from the oil and place them on a cooling rack to prevent sogginess.
- Alternatively, you can brush the spring rolls with oil and bake them at 500°F (260°C), or air fry them at 400°F (200°C). Flip halfway through cooking for even crispness.
- Enjoy while hot!
So good 😍
I love how organised and clear the website, I love your recipes it’s so lebanese and easy to do at home , well done 👏 👏👏
Thank you so much❤️