Cheesesteak Egg Rolls: Easy Guide To Crispy Philly Fusion

Cheesesteak Egg Rolls: A Delicious Fusion of Philly and Asian Cuisine

Cheesesteak egg rolls are a brilliant marriage of the

classic Philadelphia cheesesteak

and the universally beloved egg roll. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or anytime you crave something seriously comforting and deeply savory. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make them: from ingredient selection to step-by-step assembly, frying technique, tips for success, variations, and frequently asked questions for flawless results every time.

Why Cheesesteak Egg Rolls?

This dish takes the best parts of both worlds: tender, juicy beef and melty cheese from the Philly cheesesteak, all wrapped in a shatteringly crisp egg roll shell. The result is a handheld snack that’s ideal for dipping, sharing, and impressing guests. The beauty of cheesesteak egg rolls is their versatility—you can tweak the filling to suit your tastes, making them as classic or inventive as you like.

Ingredients for Classic Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

• Beef: Traditionally, ribeye is favored for its tenderness and flavor. You may also use shaved steak or finely chopped sirloin for convenience.
• Cheese: American cheese and provolone are most popular. Both melt smoothly and complement the savory beef.
• Onions: Sweet or yellow onions, finely diced and sautéed for mellow depth.
• Bell Peppers: Optional, but add color and classic Philly flavor.
• Egg Roll Wrappers: Commercially available wrappers provide the best texture and ease of use.
• Oil for Frying: Use neutral oil such as canola or peanut, with a high smoke point.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and optionally Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder for extra punch.

Step-by-Step: Making Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Preparation and Filling Cooking

1. Slice the Beef: Use a very sharp knife or freeze the beef slightly to make thin slicing easier. Chop into 1/4 inch cubes for even cooking and easy filling.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Sauté onions (and bell peppers, if desired) in a skillet with a touch of oil until soft—about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Brown the Beef: Add sliced beef to a very hot pan with a little oil. Cook just until browned; you want it tender, not chewy. Season with salt and black pepper, and stir in sautéed vegetables. Optionally, use Worcestershire for a burst of umami.
4. Add Cheese: Turn off the heat and immediately sprinkle the cheese over the hot filling. Stir gently until just melted and evenly distributed. This ensures gooey, creamy pockets inside each roll.

Assembly: Rolling Egg Rolls Like a Pro

1. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner facing you—so it appears diamond-shaped.
2. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling just below the center, leaving space at the edges.
3. Fold the bottom corner tightly over the filling. Fold in the left and right corners toward the middle, forming a tight envelope.
4. Brush the remaining exposed corner with a bit of beaten egg or water to help it seal.
5. Finish rolling upwards, pressing gently to seal. The egg wash helps the wrapper stick and prevents bursting.
6. Repeat until all filling is used. Place assembled rolls seam-side down on a tray.

How to Fry Cheesesteak Egg Rolls for Maximum Crispiness

1. Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Lower rolls—2 or 3 at a time—into the hot oil. Do not crowd the pan; this keeps oil temperature steady and ensures crispness.
3. Fry until golden brown and bubbly on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or tray lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Dipping Sauces: Ways to Serve and Enjoy

• Cheese Sauce: Melted American or provolone blended with milk for a rich, creamy dip.
• Sriracha Mayo: Mayonnaise mixed with a squeeze of Sriracha for a pleasant kick.
• Spicy Ketchup: Blend ketchup with your choice of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne.
• Classic Ranch: Cooling ranch dressing balances the savory, fried rolls.

Presentation tip: Serve egg rolls on a platter with small bowls of different dips so guests can mix and match.

Tips for Perfect Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

• Don’t Overstuff: Too much filling makes rolls burst during frying.
• Seal Tightly: Ensure every edge is well-sealed to prevent leaks.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Too cold and rolls turn greasy; too hot and outsides burn before interiors cook.
• Freeze for Later: Assembled uncooked rolls can be frozen on a tray, then transferred to a bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a minute to cook time.
• Use Fresh Wrappers: Stale or dry wrappers crack and are hard to roll.

Creative Variations and Customizations

• Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami and moisture.
• Hot Peppers: Dice jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for spicier flavor.
• Steak Substitutes: Thinly sliced chicken or pork for a different texture and taste.
• Vegetarian: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, onions, peppers, and load up on cheese.

Experimenting with fillings allows you to tailor egg rolls to your guests or personal preferences, making them endlessly versatile.

Serving and Storing Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

• Serve Hot: Egg rolls are best straight from the fryer for maximal crispiness. However, leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven or air fryer.
• Make Ahead: Prep filling and roll wrappers up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and fry when ready to serve.
• Freezing: Uncooked rolls freeze well for several months. To cook, fry directly from frozen. Cooked egg rolls may be reheated in oven for best texture.

Nutritional Considerations

Nutrient	Approximate Amount (per roll)
Calories	250-350
Protein	12-16g
Fat	10-18g
Carbohydrates	18-25g

Values are approximate and will vary depending on filling, wrapper size, and frying oil absorbed.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Q: Can I bake cheesesteak egg rolls instead of frying?

A: Yes! While deep frying delivers the crispiest shell, you can brush rolls lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (204°C) for 18-20 minutes, turning once, for a lighter version. The texture will be less crunchy but still delicious.

Q: What’s the best cheese for cheesesteak egg rolls?

A: American and provolone cheeses are classic, melting smoothly into the filling. Pepper jack or mozzarella can be used for a spicy or creamy twist.

Q: Can I prepare the filling in advance?

A: Definitely. Make the filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. When ready, assemble and fry the egg rolls just before serving for best taste and texture.

Q: How do I keep egg roll wrappers from tearing?

A: Work with fresh, room-temperature wrappers. Cover unused wrappers with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying out and cracking while you work.

Q: Can I freeze cooked cheesesteak egg rolls?

A: Yes. Cool egg rolls completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best crispiness, never microwave (as it softens the shell).

Conclusion: The Party Snack Everyone Will Love

Cheesesteak egg rolls are the perfect way to deliver the bold taste of Philly in a fun, crispy format. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a craveable appetizer that’s endlessly customizable and sure to impress. Whether for game day, gatherings, or family dinner, these fusion rolls are guaranteed to steal the show.