During a summer camping trip by the lake with my college roommate and her kids, we faced the challenge of cooking with limited gear and a picky bunch of kids.
Our food options were slim, and fresh veggies were scarce, but I managed to pack a head of cauliflower and a small jar of dried herbs from my kitchen. Around the campfire, I tossed the cauliflower with olive oil, garlic, and the herbs we had on hand, then wrapped it in foil and set it to roast in the coals.
As the fire crackled and the sun set behind the trees, the smell of roasted garlic and herbs started to fill the campsite. The kids, initially skeptical, were soon digging in and asking for more. It was one of those rare moments when a simple veggie side became the star of the meal, turning an ordinary camping dinner into something memorable.
That night, between stories and laughter under the stars, garlic herb roasted cauliflower earned its spot on our list of go-to easy dishes—perfect for busy families and even outdoor adventures. It’s proof that with a little creativity, humble ingredients can shine anywhere, from a bustling kitchen to a quiet lakeside campsite.
Short Description
Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups are crispy, golden tortillas filled with creamy sweetened cream cheese, fried to perfection, and served with a vibrant strawberry sauce. They offer a delightful combination of crunchy exterior and smooth, tangy filling.
Key Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 24 oz. cream cheese (softened)
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For Frying:
- 3 1/2 cups vegetable or canola oil
- 1 stick butter (melted)
- 15–20 small flour tortillas
For Coating:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Strawberry Sauce:
- 1 lb strawberries (diced)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/8 cup berry-flavored vodka (optional)
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/8 cup water
- 1/8 cup strawberry preserves
Tools Needed
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Medium saucepan
- Potato masher
- Slotted spoon
- Large skillet or deep fryer
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Pastry brush
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine diced strawberries, sugar, vodka, water, and lemon juice. Simmer over low to medium heat for 10 minutes.
Use a potato masher to gently crush the strawberries as they cook. Stir in strawberry preserves and continue simmering for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully combined and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups
On a clean surface, lay out a tortilla. Spoon a heaping 1.5 tablespoons of the cheesecake mixture into the center. Spread it slightly, then roll the tortilla away from you.
Halfway through, fold in the sides to secure the filling, then continue rolling tightly to the end. Repeat until all the cheesecake filling is used.
Step 4: Freeze the Roll-Ups
Place assembled roll-ups on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. This step firms them up for easier frying and helps maintain their shape.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a large skillet or deep fryer, filling about 2 inches deep. Heat to medium heat, approximately 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one—oil that’s too hot burns the tortillas; too cool and they become greasy.
Step 6: Fry the Roll-Ups
Carefully add a few roll-ups seam side up into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for 1 minute per side, turning gently until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels. Repeat until all are cooked.
Step 7: Coat with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Using a pastry brush, coat each roll-up with melted butter. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture while still warm. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Step 8: Serve with Strawberry Sauce
Plate the roll-ups with a side of the warm strawberry sauce for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Fun, interactive finger food perfect for families or parties
– Strawberry sauce adds fresh, tangy contrast
– Freezing step simplifies frying and ensures perfect shape
– Budget-friendly and quick to prepare
– Easily customizable to suit tastes or dietary needs
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Filling too runny: Ensure cream cheese is softened but not melted. Overmixing can cause separation; mix just until smooth.
Roll-ups falling apart during frying: Don’t skip the freezing step—it’s essential for holding shape. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
Oil temperature too high: Use a thermometer; if oil smokes or browns too quickly, lower heat.
Oil too cool: Roll-ups will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Keep temperature steady around 350°F.
Tortillas tearing: Use small, flexible tortillas. If dry, warm them briefly before filling for easier rolling.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups warm as a dessert or sweet snack. They’re great for casual family dinners or party finger food.
Pair with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For drinks, try a sparkling berry lemonade or a light dessert wine to complement the richness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which makes them soggy.
Strawberry sauce keeps refrigerated for up to a week. Warm gently before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! Freeze the assembled roll-ups for up to a week before frying.
2. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden, but they won’t be as crispy as fried.
3. Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Sure! Try adding lemon or strawberry cream cheese for a twist.
4. Is vodka necessary in the sauce?
No, it adds flavor but can be omitted or replaced with a splash of orange juice.
5. Can I substitute fresh strawberries with frozen?
Yes, thaw and drain well before making the sauce to avoid excess liquid.
Tips & Tricks
– Chill the cream cheese for easier mixing and better texture.
– Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer for perfect oil temperature.
– Roll tortillas tightly but gently to avoid cracks.
– Brush with butter immediately after frying for a shiny finish and – flavor boost.
– For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts over the cinnamon sugar.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Lover’s Roll-Ups: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling and serve with a chocolate dipping sauce.
Berry Medley Sauce: Substitute half the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry sauce.
Pumpkin Spice Twist: Mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the cream cheese for a seasonal variation. Serve with caramel sauce.
Lemon Zest Addition: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling and serve with a lemon glaze drizzle for a fresh citrus kick.
Final Thoughts
That camping trip taught me how versatile and forgiving this garlic herb roasted cauliflower can be. Even with minimal tools and the distractions of kids running around, it came together effortlessly and brought everyone to the table. The way the herbs and garlic meld with the smoky heat of the fire adds a unique twist that’s hard to beat.
It’s a dish that’s simple, practical, and surprisingly impressive—ideal for family meals at home or impromptu gatherings outdoors. This recipe is a reminder that sometimes the best meals happen when you keep things uncomplicated and focus on sharing time and flavor with loved ones.
Fried Cheesecake Roll-Ups
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 24 oz. cream cheese softened
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For Frying:
- 3½ cups vegetable or canola oil
- 1 stick butter melted
- 15 –20 small flour tortillas
For Coating:
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Strawberry Sauce:
- 1 lb strawberries diced
- ¼ cup sugar
- ⅛ cup berry-flavored vodka optional
- ½ tbsp lemon juice
- ⅛ cup water
- ⅛ cup strawberry preserves
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine diced strawberries, sugar, vodka, water, and lemon juice. Simmer for 10 minutes, mashing gently. Stir in strawberry preserves and cook 5–7 minutes more until thick. Set aside.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla; mix until creamy.
- Spread 1.5 tbsp filling on each tortilla. Roll tightly, folding in the sides halfway through. Repeat with all tortillas.
- Place roll-ups on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
- Fill a skillet or fryer with 2 inches of oil. Heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry a few at a time, seam side up, about 1 minute per side until golden. Drain on a paper towel-lined rack.
- Brush warm roll-ups with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Serve warm with the strawberry sauce for dipping.
