Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are such an appetiser that it’s gone in no time from a party platter. They put the classic combo of savoury beef and melted cheese in a crisp wrapper so every bite has a satisfying crunch.
It’s easy to see the appeal. A cheesesteak sandwich is comfort-food royalty as it is, but translating those flavours into smaller, handheld portions makes them especially suited for game day, casual get-togethers and snack-style dinners.
“The biggest challenge is to keep the wrapper crisp.” A filling that is too moist can soften the pastry, while poorly sealed edges can let cheese escape. A good cheesesteak egg roll is crisp on the outside, savoury on the inside, and easy to pick up without crumbling.
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls?
Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are a fusion appetiser inspired by the flavours of a Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich. Instead of bread, you can roll the beef and cheese filling in an egg roll wrapper.
The wrapper is totally different texture than a sandwich. Its crisp outside contrasts with the warm, savoury inside.
There is variation in recipes as to which beef, cheese and vegetables are used. Some keep it simple with the standard cheesesteak taste, while others add extra seasonings.
It’s what defines it, the combination of beef and cheese in a crisp wrapper, and the appetiser is recognisable even without the hoagie roll.
Why You Will Love These Crispy Egg Rolls
These egg rolls are especially nice for entertaining, as they are easy to portion and serve. One or two you can enjoy without the need of a plate and fork.
Another reason they are so effective is the texture. The melted cheese and tender beef bring the richness and the wrapper finishes it with a crunch.
They’re also a fun alternative to your everyday sliders or sandwiches. The flavours are familiar, but the presentation is different enough to make them stand out.
You don’t have to have an elaborate spread to complete the appetiser. A simple dipping sauce will do the trick.
Best Steak, Cheese and Wrappers to Use
Cheesesteaks are almost always made with thinly sliced beef, because it makes a tender filling that is easy to bite. “The cut is very important for flavour and tenderness and the way the filling behaves in the wrapper,”
Ribeye is a classic choice for a cheesesteak, with a rich flavour, but other cuts may be used, depending on the recipe.
The choice of cheese changes the texture. Provolone has a familiar, savoury flavour, but other melting cheeses could give a softer or creamier filling.
Egg roll wrappers should be thick enough to hold the filling and crisp up when fried. They can be different sizes and thicknesses by brand, which will impact the finished appetiser.
Cheesesteak egg rolls do not all have the same combination, so use the beef and cheese called for in the recipe card.
Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
The beef gives it a savoury base, the cheese adds richness and helps to create that classic cheesesteak taste.
Some versions add onions or peppers, but these are not always present. The wrapper texture is also affected by the moisture content of their leaves.
Seasoning should enhance the beef, not drown it out. And with a savoury dipping sauce, a filling that is too salty can be exacerbated.
The wrapper is as important as the filling. It needs to keep everything in place, and to get crispy from the method of cooking in the recipe.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Full filling, wrapping and cooking instructions are in the recipe card below.
The main thing to know is that the filling and wrapper have different needs. The filling must be well cooked and taste good, and the wrapper has to be crunchy but not broken.
When you pick up a successful egg roll, it should stay together and have enough structure to hold the melted cheese.
How to Keep Egg Rolls From Getting Soggy Or Leaking
One of the most common reasons for soggy egg rolls is too much moisture. The beef and vegetables can give off liquid and that moisture can soften the wrapper before or during cooking.
If you don’t keep the wrapper closed, the cheese can escape, too. The result might taste good, but it can make the egg roll hollow or messy.
Both filling quantity and wrapper quality count. The tighter a wrapper is stretched, or if it is damaged, the more likely it is to split.
The finished egg roll should be crispy enough to bite through cleanly, with the filling intact inside, not spilling out.
Best Sauces For Dipping
A creamy dipping sauce is a nice accompaniment to cheesesteak egg rolls, as it complements the savoury beef and cheese. The flavour can be mild or tangy, depending on your preference.
The contrast is different with a spicy sauce, especially when the filling is rich. A touch of acid or heat can make the starter feel lighter.
Another idea is cheese-based dips, but these can make an already cheesy filling seem very rich.
You do not need a complicated sauce. The egg rolls should be tasty enough to eat on their own, with the dipping sauce providing an extra kick.
Air-Frying, Baking or Frying
There are many ways you can make Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, but they’re not going to have the same texture.
The fried versions, often, get crisp, uniformly browned wrapper. The finish on the baked and air-fried versions may differ the wrapper and recipe.
These techniques also require different cooking conditions. But not every fried recipe translates to the oven or air fryer, even if the recipe was designed to be fried.
Cook according to the directions on your recipe card. Do not include alternative methods unless they have been tested with this particular filling and wrapper.
What to Serve with Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Cheesesteak egg rolls are filling enough to be a party appetiser on their own. Maybe all you need is a dipping sauce and some fresh veggies.
These are great paired with wings, sliders and other finger foods for a game-day spread. They are crunchy and can add a contrast to a plate of softer appetisers.
A green salad can make them a casual lunch, particularly if you don’t want a lot of heavy sides.
If you’re serving them for dinner, keep the sides simple. The egg rolls are pretty hearty as it is with the beef and cheese.
Storage and Reheating
Crispiest egg rolls are generally right out of the fryer. Refrigeration can make the wrappers soft, especially if the filling is moist.
Keep leftovers in covered containers at 40 °F (4 °C) or below within two hours. Refrigerated cooked beef egg rolls are usually best eaten within three to four days.
Reheat leftovers to a safe internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C). Reheating methods that let moisture escape may retain more crispness than those that trap in steam.
Freezing may work for some versions, but the wrapper and the cheese filling may change texture after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
What is the Best Cheese for Cheesesteak Egg Rolls?
Provolone is a classic cheesesteak cheese, but you can use other melting cheeses as well. The best choice depends on the flavour and texture the recipe calls for.
Why Are My Egg Rolls Wet?
Excess moisture in filling, trapped steam or long storage can soften the wrapper. How you cook it also affects crispness.
Can You Make Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Ahead?
Some elements can be prepared in advance, but finished egg rolls usually have the best texture when fresh-cooked. Follow the make-ahead directions in the recipe.
Can you make Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls in the air fryer?
Some recipes are made for air frying, but the method and timing need to be right for the wrapper and filling. Don’t guess – try a tried and tested air fryer recipe.
Conclusion
Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are a fun combination of two things people love, savoury cheesesteak flavour and a crispy handheld appetiser. Perfect for parties, game days or just a casual dinner.
Best results will be a tasty filling and a wrapper that stays crisp and intact. Egg rolls are hard to resist when the two are right.
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced beef, onions, and bell peppers.
- Cook until the beef is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the provolone cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with a corner pointing towards you.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly to seal.
- Moisten the top corner with water to seal it completely.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the egg rolls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes each.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
