Why Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Are the Ultimate Party Snack

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the juicy, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak with the crispy crunch of a golden egg roll, you’re not alone. Cheesesteak egg rolls are the best of both worlds—bold, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a game day bash, prepping for a party, or just craving something indulgent for dinner, these handheld bites are always a hit.

They’re easy to prep ahead, fun to customize, and ridiculously satisfying to eat. Dip them in your favorite sauce and watch them disappear faster than you can say “pass the napkins.” This fusion favorite brings all the savory steakhouse vibes—wrapped in a crispy, dippable shell. Once you make them at home, you’ll never go back to store-bought appetizers again.

Get ready to master this snack that’s as crave-worthy as it is crowd-pleasing.

What Are Cheesesteak Egg Rolls?

Cheesesteak egg rolls are a mouthwatering fusion of two comfort food staples: the classic Philly cheesesteak and the crispy Asian-style egg roll. At their core, they’re stuffed with savory sliced beef, melty cheese, sautéed onions, and peppers—all tightly wrapped in a crunchy golden shell. It’s like eating a cheesesteak… only way more portable and even crispier.

The original Philly cheesesteak dates back to the 1930s in Philadelphia, where thinly sliced ribeye and onions were grilled and piled into hoagie rolls. The sandwich quickly became an East Coast icon.

Now imagine all that steakhouse magic sealed inside an egg roll wrapper. The result? Something dippable, snackable, and perfect for appetizers or casual dinners. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just indulging at home, this twist takes traditional cheesesteak flavor to a whole new level.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To make irresistible cheesesteak egg rolls, you don’t need a long grocery list—but you do need the right ingredients:

Thinly sliced beef: Ribeye is the gold standard for cheesesteaks—juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Sirloin is a leaner, more affordable alternative.
Onions & bell peppers: Classic cheesesteak flavor starts with sautéed yellow onions and green or red bell peppers.
Cheese: Provolone, Cheese Whiz, or American cheese—each brings something unique. Go with your favorite or mix them.
Egg roll wrappers: Find them in the refrigerated produce section of most grocery stores. Look for thick, square wrappers that fry well.

Tips:

For ultra-thin beef slices, freeze the meat for 20 minutes before slicing—it’ll cut more cleanly.
Can’t find egg roll wrappers? Spring roll wrappers or even phyllo dough can be used in a pinch (with tweaks).
Want a dairy-free version? Use vegan cheese shreds and skip the Whiz.

Substitutions:

Add mushrooms for extra umami.
Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers for a celiac-safe option.
Chicken or shaved turkey can be swapped in for a lighter twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Making cheesesteak egg rolls at home is easier than you think—just follow these simple steps:

1. Prep the filling:

Sauté thinly sliced onions and bell peppers in oil until soft and golden.
In the same pan, cook your thinly sliced beef until just browned. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder.
Stir in your cheese of choice (provolone melts beautifully). Let it all meld together, then let it cool slightly.

2. Assemble the egg rolls:

Lay out a wrapper with one corner pointing toward you.
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling into the center.
Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll up tightly.
Seal the edge with a dab of water or egg wash.

3. Choose your cooking method:

Frying: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry 2–3 rolls at a time for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
Baking: Brush with oil, bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer: Spray lightly with oil. Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, turning once.

Tips for success:

Don’t overfill the wrappers—less is more.
Keep the oil hot (but not smoking!) to avoid greasy results.
Let them rest on a wire rack after frying to stay crisp.
Use a thermometer if needed: filling should hit at least 165°F internally.

Best Cheeses for Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Cheese can make or break your cheesesteak egg rolls, so pick one that melts well and complements the steak. Here are the best options:

Provolone: Mild, melty, and slightly smoky—this is a classic go-to for cheesesteak purists.
American Cheese: Creamy and smooth, it gives that nostalgic diner-style flavor.
Cheese Whiz: Ultra-savory and indulgent, this sauce-like cheese adds a bold hit of flavor.

Melting tip: Shred your cheese or chop slices into small pieces so it melts evenly inside the egg roll. If using Cheese Whiz, warm it slightly before mixing it into the filling.

Want to get fancy? Combine cheeses—provolone + Whiz is a dreamy duo.

Pro tip: Always layer the cheese inside the wrapper, not just mixed in with the beef. That way, you get gooey cheese pulls with every bite.

Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic cheesesteak egg roll is tough to beat, there are plenty of fun variations to match your mood or menu:

Buffalo Cheesesteak Egg Rolls: Add shredded chicken or steak tossed in Buffalo sauce with crumbled blue cheese. Serve with ranch for that wing-night vibe.

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Mushroom Swiss Cheesesteak Rolls: For deep umami flavor, sauté mushrooms with onions and use melted Swiss cheese. It’s earthy, savory, and rich.
Chicken Cheesesteak Egg Rolls: Use grilled or rotisserie chicken instead of steak. A great lighter option that’s still packed with flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat altogether and load them with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and vegan cheese. You’ll be surprised how satisfying they are!

Want more heat? Add jalapeños. Craving crunch? Toss in some shredded cabbage. Once you’ve mastered the basic method, the possibilities are endless.

The Best Dipping Sauces

A good cheesesteak egg roll deserves a great dip. These sauces will elevate each bite:

Spicy Ranch: Cool, creamy, and with a kick—this one’s a favorite for Buffalo-style rolls.
Garlic Aioli: A garlicky mayo-based dip that brings out the savory richness of the beef and cheese.
Horseradish Mayo: Tangy and bold—perfect for cutting through richness and adding bite.
Sriracha Ketchup: Sweet, tangy, and spicy. A great match for crispy rolls with bold fillings.
Beer Cheese Dip: Melted cheese + lager = heaven. Great for parties and indulgent dipping.

Pro tip: Serve dips warm or room temp to keep egg rolls crisp. Mix and match for dipping variety on a party tray.

What to Serve with Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Cheesesteak egg rolls are rich and hearty, so it’s smart to pair them with lighter or contrasting sides. Here are some great ideas:

Light salads like arugula or chopped romaine with vinaigrette offer a fresh contrast.
Potato sides like crispy wedges, sweet potato fries, or onion rings complement the egg rolls’ texture.
Pickles or coleslaw bring brightness and acidity to balance the savory filling.

For party spreads, consider a dipping station or serve them alongside sliders and other finger foods for an ultimate appetizer table.

Make-Ahead, Freezing & Reheating Tips

One of the best things about cheesesteak egg rolls? They’re super meal-prep friendly.

To make ahead:

Assemble the egg rolls (uncooked) and store them in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours.
You can also cook the filling in advance and store it separately until ready to roll.

Freezing instructions:

Lay assembled (but uncooked) egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Label with the date—they’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating tips:

For best crispness, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy (about 8–10 minutes).
Avoid microwaving—this makes the wrappers soggy.
If frozen, you can cook them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes.

Pro tip: Brush with oil or spray lightly before baking or air frying to revive that crunchy golden finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though these egg rolls are beginner-friendly, a few key missteps can ruin the magic. Here’s what to watch for:

Overstuffing the wrappers: It’s tempting, but too much filling causes them to burst or fry unevenly. Stick to 2–3 tablespoons per roll.
Skipping the cheese layering: Don’t just mix everything together—layering cheese closer to the center helps it melt perfectly and keeps things moist.
Not sealing the edges tightly: Use water or egg wash to secure the edges. Loose rolls = leaks.
Frying at too low a temperature: Oil that’s not hot enough (under 350°F) makes egg rolls absorb more oil and turn greasy.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have crisp, cheesy, golden rolls every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake cheesesteak egg rolls instead of frying?
Yes! Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. You won’t get the exact same crisp, but it’s a healthier option.

What’s the best meat to use for cheesesteak egg rolls?
Ribeye is classic—tender and flavorful. Sirloin or shaved beef also works well, especially when sliced thinly.

Can I make them in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping once. Spray lightly with oil for even browning.

How do I keep them crispy after cooking?
Let them cool on a wire rack (not paper towels). Avoid stacking them. Reheat in the oven or air fryer—not the microwave.

Can I use spring roll wrappers instead of egg roll wrappers?
You can, but they’re thinner and more delicate. They won’t get as crispy when fried, but they’re still tasty!

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer for best results.

Are they freezer-friendly?
Yes—freeze before or after cooking. For best texture, freeze uncooked and fry or bake when ready.

Can I make these gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free wrappers and dairy-free cheese. Double-check that your dipping sauces are allergen-friendly too.

Final Thoughts: Your Go-To Appetizer Just Got Better

Cheesesteak egg rolls are the kind of recipe you’ll make once—and then make again and again. They’re crowd-pleasing, endlessly customizable, and perfect for nearly every occasion—from holiday spreads to weeknight treats.

Play with different cheeses, meats, or dipping sauces to create your own twist. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and sure to earn you “best appetizer” status at any gathering.

So grab those wrappers, fire up the pan (or air fryer), and get rolling—your new favorite comfort food awaits.