Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls: Crispy, Cheesy Appetizer Recipe

Introduction

Philly cheesesteaks are an iconic American dish, known for their tender slices of steak, gooey melted cheese, and sautéed onions and bell peppers, all nestled in a soft hoagie roll. But what if you could take those classic flavors and combine them with the crispy, portable perfection of egg rolls? Enter Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, a fun fusion dish that brings the best of both worlds. By wrapping the hearty, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak inside a crispy egg roll wrapper, you get a handheld, snackable version of the classic, ideal for parties, game days, or even an easy dinner.

This recipe takes the essence of a cheesesteak sandwich and elevates it with the crispiness of deep-fried egg roll wrappers. The juicy steak, sautéed veggies, and creamy melted cheese wrapped in crunchy golden rolls make for a flavor-packed treat that will satisfy any craving. Whether you’re hosting friends or just indulging in a family meal, Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls will undoubtedly be a hit.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, explore creative variations to customize your rolls, and get tips on how to serve and store them. This delicious dish is not only easy to prepare but also highly versatile, making it a must-try for anyone who loves cheesesteaks, egg rolls, or both!

Why Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Work So Well

The magic of Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls lies in the combination of textures and flavors. When you bite into a freshly cooked egg roll, you’re greeted with a crispy, golden wrapper that gives way to a rich, savory filling of thinly sliced steak, gooey cheese, and sautéed onions and bell peppers. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the soft, cheesy interior creates a perfect balance that’s both comforting and exciting.

Unlike a traditional Philly cheesesteak, which is served in a hoagie roll, these egg rolls offer a lighter and crispier alternative while still delivering all the iconic flavors. The egg roll wrappers allow the filling to stay compact and portable, making this dish a great option for appetizers, party snacks, or quick bites. You can easily pick them up, dip them in sauce, and enjoy all the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the mess.

Additionally, the use of egg roll wrappers allows for a different texture than the soft hoagie roll typically used in cheesesteaks. The crunch of the wrapper adds an extra layer of satisfaction, creating a delicious contrast with the tender meat and melted cheese inside. Whether fried or baked, the crispy shell perfectly complements the rich, savory filling.

Philly cheesesteaks and egg rolls are both beloved comfort foods in their own right, and bringing them together in this fun fusion dish only enhances their appeal. By blending these two classics, you get the best of both worlds: the bold flavors of a cheesesteak with the crunch and portability of an egg roll.

The Origins of Philly Cheesesteaks

To understand why Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls work so well, it helps to first appreciate the origins of the classic Philly cheesesteak. The Philly cheesesteak was born in Philadelphia in the 1930s, when Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, decided to try grilling some thinly sliced beef and placing it in a sandwich. The dish quickly gained popularity, and the rest is history. Today, the cheesesteak is synonymous with Philadelphia and is beloved across the country.

The traditional Philly cheesesteak is made with thin slices of beefsteak, typically ribeye or sirloin, which are sautéed and served with melted cheese (usually provolone or American) on a hoagie roll. Some versions also include sautéed onions and bell peppers. The sandwich has become a symbol of hearty, satisfying comfort food.

Now, take those ingredients—steak, cheese, onions, and peppers—and wrap them in a crunchy egg roll wrapper, and you’ve got a new twist on the classic that brings all those great flavors together in a crispy, handheld package.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Making Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls is easy and doesn’t require a lot of time or special ingredients. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to making this delicious fusion dish at home.

Ingredients

1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced (you can substitute with flank steak or sirloin)
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup provolone cheese, shredded (or substitute with American cheese or mozzarella)
12 egg roll wrappers
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Optional: marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce for dipping

Instructions

1 – Step : Prepare the Filling

Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Steak:
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced ribeye steak. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from heat and mix it with the sautéed vegetables.
Add the Cheese:
While the mixture is still warm, stir in the shredded provolone cheese. The heat from the steak and vegetables will help the cheese melt, creating a creamy, gooey filling. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly before assembling the egg rolls.

2 – Step : Assemble the Egg Rolls

Prepare the Egg Roll Wrappers:
Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface, with one corner pointing toward you (in a diamond shape). Place about 2 tablespoons of the steak and cheese mixture into the center of the wrapper.
Fold and Roll:
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the side corners, and roll the egg roll tightly toward the top corner. Use a little water to moisten the top corner and seal the egg roll. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.

3 – Step : Fry the Egg Rolls

Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or pot, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Egg Rolls:
Carefully place the assembled egg rolls into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each egg roll for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

4 – Step : Cool and Serve

Allow the egg rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. These are best served warm, so the cheese remains gooey and the wrapper stays crispy. Pair them with dipping sauces such as marinara, cheese sauce, or ranch dressing for an extra layer of flavor.

Baking or Air-Frying Options

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to frying, you can bake or air-fry your Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. Both methods will still give you a crispy exterior without the added oil from deep-frying.

To Bake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Assemble the egg rolls as directed, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Lightly brush each egg roll with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to help them brown.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the egg rolls are golden and crispy.

To Air-Fry:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with cooking spray.
Air-fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Both baking and air-frying offer a lighter alternative to deep-frying while still achieving that crispy texture we all love.

Variations of Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

The beauty of Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls is that they are highly customizable. You can adapt the ingredients to suit your taste, try new fillings, or experiment with different cheeses and flavors. Here are a few popular variations:

Chicken Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

For a leaner version, substitute the ribeye steak with thinly sliced chicken breast or chicken thighs. Cook the chicken just like the steak, sautéing it with the onions and peppers, then follow the rest of the recipe. This version offers a lighter, yet equally flavorful twist on the classic.

Spicy Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

If you like a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the steak and vegetable mixture. You can also pair the egg rolls with a spicy dipping sauce, such as sriracha mayo or chipotle sauce, to amp up the heat.

Cheesesteak Egg Rolls with Mushrooms

For an extra savory twist, try adding sautéed mushrooms to the filling. Mushrooms add an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the steak and cheese, making the egg rolls even more hearty and satisfying.

Cheese Variations

While provolone is the classic cheese for Philly cheesesteaks, you can experiment with other cheeses as well. American cheese, mozzarella, or even sharp cheddar will work wonderfully in this recipe. Each cheese brings its own texture and flavor to the egg rolls, so feel free to get creative.

Serving Suggestions

Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion. They make an excellent appetizer, party snack, or even a fun dinner option. Here are a few serving ideas:

Dipping Sauces

Dipping sauces can elevate the flavor of your Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls and provide additional variety. Some great options include:

Cheese Sauce: A creamy cheese sauce pairs perfectly with the cheesy filling of the egg rolls, creating a rich and indulgent dip.
Marinara Sauce: For a tangy contrast to the savory filling, serve the egg rolls with marinara sauce.
Ranch Dressing: A cool, creamy ranch dressing offers a nice balance to the warm, crispy egg rolls.
Spicy Mayo: If you like a bit of spice, serve the egg rolls with sriracha mayo or chipotle mayo for a flavorful kick.

Serve with a Side Salad

If you’re serving the egg rolls as part of a meal, consider pairing them with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy egg rolls.

Game Day Appetizer

Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are perfect for game day or any casual gathering with friends. Serve them alongside other finger foods like sliders, wings, or nachos for a crowd-pleasing spread.

Storing and Reheating Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

If you have leftovers (though they tend to disappear quickly!), here’s how you can store and reheat Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls:

Storing

Allow the egg rolls to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

To reheat the egg rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the egg rolls on a baking sheet and heat them for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for each Philly Cheesesteak Egg Roll:

Calories: 250-300 (depending on whether you fry or bake them)
Fat: 15-20 grams
Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
Protein: 10-15 grams

These egg rolls are hearty and filling, making them a great option for a satisfying snack or appetizer.

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are the perfect fusion of two iconic dishes—bringing together the bold flavors of a classic cheesesteak with the crispy, satisfying texture of egg rolls. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for a party, a game day snack, or a fun dinner idea, these egg rolls are guaranteed to impress.

With plenty of options for customization—whether it’s trying a chicken version, adding some heat, or experimenting with different cheeses—Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls offer something for everyone. And with the option to fry, bake, or air-fry, you can choose the method that works best for you.

So, why not give them a try? Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, enjoy them with a fresh salad, or add them to your game day spread. However you serve them, Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls: A Delicious Fusion of Flavors