If you’re a fan of Philly cheesesteaks and you love a crispy snack, there’s a recipe out there that perfectly blends both cravings into one mouthwatering bite: Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. Think about it—juicy, tender slices of steak, sautéed peppers and onions, gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy, golden-brown egg roll shell. It’s the ultimate fusion of American comfort food and classic Asian street eats.
But why are these particular egg rolls becoming such a favorite at parties, game days, and casual get-togethers? Let’s break down the appeal, step-by-step, and show you how you can bring this snack to life in your own kitchen.
What Makes Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls So Irresistible?
The charm lies in the contrast of textures and flavors. On one hand, you get the richness of savory steak, slightly sweet and caramelized onions, crunchy bell peppers, and smooth, melty cheese. On the other hand, there’s the unbeatable crispiness of a perfectly fried egg roll wrapper that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.
One bite, and you’ll understand why people keep coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity and versatility. You’ll need:
- Thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin for tenderness)
- Bell peppers (a mix of green and red adds flavor and color)
- Onions
- Provolone cheese (for authenticity) or cheddar (for a sharper taste)
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola works best)
Optional: Dipping sauces like ranch, spicy ketchup, or a creamy cheese dip.
Step-By-Step: How to Make Them
1. Prepare the Steak
Start with thinly sliced steak—ribeye or sirloin are recommended cuts thanks to their flavor and tenderness. Season the steak with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to elevate its natural taste.
2. Cook the Steak
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a dash of oil. Cook the steak slices for about 2-3 minutes until they’re browned and just cooked through. Once done, set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, toss in diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté until soft and slightly caramelized, which usually takes 3-5 minutes. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Combine and Melt Cheese
Add the steak back to the pan and stir well. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the mixture, allowing it to melt and bind everything together into a gooey, delicious filling. Let the mixture cool slightly before you move on.
5. Roll Up
Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, oriented like a diamond. Add a generous spoonful of filling in the center. Fold the bottom corner up, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly. Use a bit of water to seal the edge.
6. Fry to Perfection
Heat oil in a pot to about 350°F (175°C). Fry a few egg rolls at a time, about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden and crisp. Drain them on paper towels.
7. Serve Hot
Arrange your egg rolls on a platter. Garnish with parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Egg Roll)
Each egg roll clocks in at approximately:
- 220 calories
- 12g fat (5g saturated)
- 10g protein
- 18g carbs
- 1g fiber
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
- Meat Matters: Ribeye is the traditional choice due to its marbling and tenderness, but sirloin works well if you want something leaner.
- Cheese Choices: Provolone keeps things classic, but if you like bold flavor, cheddar or even mozzarella can be swapped in.
- Veggie Variety: Bell peppers and onions are the stars, but feel free to experiment with mushrooms or even jalapeños for a spicier twist.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to load up, but too much filling makes rolling tricky and can cause them to burst during frying.
Serving Ideas
While these egg rolls make a phenomenal appetizer, they can easily take center stage as a main course. Serve alongside a fresh salad or some fries for a full meal. They’re also fantastic for parties, game days, or movie nights—easy to grab, dip, and devour.
Want to elevate them further? Offer a dipping sauce bar! Options like classic ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, creamy cheese sauce, or even a tangy barbecue sauce will please everyone.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
These Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls hit all the right notes—comforting yet exciting, familiar yet unique. The crisp exterior gives way to a warm, cheesy, savory filling that feels indulgent without being overly complicated to make.
They also lend themselves perfectly to customization. Whether you’re adding extra spice, different cheeses, or swapping in alternative meats (like chicken or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version), you’ll find countless ways to make this recipe your own.
As one fan put it, “It’s like getting the best of a cheesesteak and your favorite fried snack rolled into one delicious bite.”
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been on the hunt for a new crowd-pleaser or simply want to switch up your appetizer game, Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a must-try. They’re simple enough for weeknight experimentation but impressive enough for special occasions. Once you make them, you’ll understand why they’re quickly becoming a staple in kitchens everywhere.