Craving a weeknight dinner twist? Try these easy cheesy Philly cheesesteak egg rolls filled with tender beef and melted cheese, perfect for a quick homemade family favorite, save for later

Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the crispy, golden delight of an egg roll. The Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a creative twist on traditional recipes, using everyday ingredients to create something truly unique and mouth-watering. This recipe is perfect for those looking to impress their family and friends with a dish that is both easy to make and packed with flavor. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. Whether you’re a fan of cheesesteaks, egg rolls, or just great food in general, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite! So, let’s dive into the world of Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls and explore what makes them so special.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of tender steak, melted cheese, and crunchy vegetables, all wrapped in a crispy egg roll wrapper, creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that is hard to resist. Plus, the ingredients are easily accessible in most supermarkets, making this dish a practical choice for any occasion.
Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance and taste, the Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are surprisingly easy to prepare. With a few simple steps, you can have a batch ready to go in no time, perfect for a quick dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Impressive results with minimal effort: One of the best things about this recipe is the wow factor it brings to the table without requiring hours of intricate preparation. The combination of familiar flavors in a new and exciting format is sure to impress your guests, making it an excellent choice for special occasions or casual get-togethers.

Key Ingredients

The Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls rely on a few key ingredients to bring their unique flavor and texture to life. These include thinly sliced steak (ribeye or top round work well), cheese (a blend of cheddar and mozzarella provides a nice balance), bell peppers and onions for added flavor and crunch, and of course, egg roll wrappers. For the steak, you can also consider using chicken or pork as a substitute if you prefer. The cheese can be adjusted based on your personal taste preferences, and feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or jalapeños to give it an extra kick. The egg roll wrappers are usually found in the frozen food section or international aisle of the grocery store and can be thawed as needed.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Slice the steak into thin strips and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Chop the bell peppers and onions into small pieces. Shred the cheese and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary, then add the chopped bell peppers and onions. Cook until they are tender and lightly caramelized, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step 3: To assemble the egg rolls, lay a wrapper on a flat surface. Place a few pieces of the cooked steak in the center of the wrapper, leaving a small border around the edges. Add some of the sautéed bell peppers and onions on top of the steak, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Brush the edges of the wrapper with a little water, then fold the bottom half up over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Step 4: To cook the egg rolls, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully place a few of the egg rolls into the hot oil (do not overcrowd the skillet) and fry until they are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove the egg rolls from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Handy Tips

When working with egg roll wrappers, make sure to handle them gently to avoid tearing. If you find that your wrappers are too dry and prone to cracking, you can try covering them with a damp cloth while you work to keep them pliable.
For an extra crispy exterior on your egg rolls, you can try chilling them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before frying. This will help the wrapper firm up and yield a better texture when fried.
Experiment with different types of cheese and vegetables to find your favorite combination. Some other options might include diced ham, chopped spinach, or sliced jalapeños for added spice.

Heat Control

When frying the egg rolls, it’s crucial to maintain the right temperature to achieve the perfect crispiness without burning the exterior. The ideal temperature for frying is between 325°F and 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the egg rolls will burn on the outside before they are fully cooked on the inside. On the other hand, if the oil is not hot enough, the egg rolls will absorb too much oil and be greasy. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, and never leave frying food unattended.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in the Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls comes from the crispy fried exterior of the egg roll wrapper, which provides a satisfying contrast to the soft, cheesy filling inside. To achieve this crunch, make sure the oil is at the right temperature, and do not overcrowd the! skillet when frying. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy or soggy egg rolls instead of crispy ones. Also, pat the egg rolls dry with a paper towel after frying to remove excess oil, which helps maintain their crunchiness.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For an easier frying process, consider using a deep fryer if you have one. Deep fryers allow for more precise temperature control and often come with baskets that make it easy to lower and raise the food into the oil, reducing the risk of splashing hot oil.
To make the recipe more efficient, prepare the filling ingredients ahead of time. You can cook the steak and sauté the vegetables a day in advance, then assemble and fry the egg rolls when you’re ready.
Keep your workspace clean and tidy by having all your ingredients and tools ready before you start assembling the egg rolls. This will make the process less stressful and more enjoyable.

Storage Tips

If you plan to serve the Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls at a later time, you can assemble them up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until frying. However, it’s best to fry them just before serving for the crispiest results.
For leftovers, store the fried egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.
Freezing is also an option for uncooked, assembled egg rolls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they do not touch each other, and put the sheet in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for storage. Fry them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the frying time.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering giving the Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls as a gift, perhaps for a party host or as a unique treat for friends, you can package them in a variety of creative ways. One idea is to place a few egg rolls in a decorative paper cone or a small gift box, accompanied by a side of your favorite dipping sauce. You could also wrap them individually in parchment paper or aluminum foil and place them in a gift basket filled with other snacks and treats. Adding a personal touch, like a handwritten note or a small plant, can make the gift even more special and appreciated.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: Consider adding some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or a bit of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.
🌟 Creative toppings: Serve the egg rolls with a variety of toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole, to let everyone customize their snack.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: For a vegetarian version, you could swap the steak for sautéed mushrooms or tofu. For a spicy twist, add some diced jalapeños to the filling.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your egg rolls turn out too greasy, it might be because the oil wasn’t hot enough. If they’re not crispy, try chilling them before frying or ensuring the oil is at the right temperature.
Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find certain ingredients, don’t be afraid to substitute them with similar alternatives. For example, you could use chicken or pork instead of steak, or different types of cheese.
Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the egg rolls while they’re frying. If they’re getting too dark, they might be overcooking. If they’re not golden after the recommended frying time, they might need a bit more time.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked egg rolls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Is it gluten-free? The egg roll wrappers typically contain gluten, but you can find gluten-free alternatives in some stores or online. Be sure to check the ingredients of any store-bought wrappers or consider making your own gluten-free wrappers from scratch.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and follow the same instructions. Keep in mind that you might need to fry the egg rolls in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a fun and delicious twist on traditional dishes, combining the best of both worlds in a crispy, cheesy, utterly satisfying package. With their ease of preparation, impressive presentation, and versatility in customization, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or a unique gift for friends and family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of creating something truly special and delicious. Happy cooking, and we look forward to hearing about your adventures with the Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls!

Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe