There are egg rolls, and then there are Philly cheesesteak egg rolls—a brilliant fusion of two beloved comfort foods. Imagine all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak: thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey melted provolone cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden-brown egg roll wrapper and fried to perfection. These are the ultimate party appetizer, game day snack, or anytime indulgence.
This recipe takes the best elements of a Philly cheesesteak—tender, seasoned steak, sweet caramelized onions and peppers, and plenty of melted cheese—and stuffs them into a crunchy egg roll wrapper. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the warm, savory, cheesy filling is nothing short of addictive. Serve them with a side of au jus, cheese sauce, or spicy mayo for dipping, and watch them disappear.
These Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are easier to make than you might think. With a few simple techniques—using thinly sliced steak (or shaved beef from the deli), pre-cooking the filling, and rolling the egg rolls tightly—you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home. They are perfect for parties, game day, or a fun twist on dinner night.
Why You Will Love These Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
· All the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak: In a crispy, portable egg roll.
· Crispy, golden exterior: Deep-fried or air-fried to perfection.
· Gooey, cheesy filling: Provolone, mozzarella, or Cheez Whiz.
· Great for parties and game day: Easy to make ahead and reheat.
· Customizable: Add mushrooms, use different cheeses, or make them spicy.
· Better than takeout: Fresh, hot, and made exactly how you like them.
· Kid-approved and adult-pleasing: Everyone loves these.
Ingredients
Here is everything you need for Philly cheesesteak egg rolls:
For the Cheesesteak Filling:
· 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye steak or shaved beef (from the deli)
· 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
· 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
· 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
· 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· ½ teaspoon garlic powder
· ½ teaspoon onion powder
· 4 slices provolone cheese (or ½ cup shredded provolone/mozzarella)
For the Egg Rolls:
· 1 package (12 to 15) egg roll wrappers
· 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
· Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for air frying)
For Dipping Sauces (Optional):
· Au jus
· Cheese sauce (warm)
· Spicy mayo (mayonnaise + sriracha)
· Ranch dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
If using a whole ribeye steak, place it in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up, then slice it as thinly as possible against the grain. Alternatively, buy shaved beef from the deli counter.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Transfer the vegetables to a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Add the thinly sliced steak to the same skillet. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the steak is browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Combine Filling
Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the steak. Stir to combine. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Place the provolone slices over the hot steak mixture (or sprinkle shredded cheese). Let it melt slightly, then stir to incorporate.
Step 6: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Set up a workstation: egg roll wrappers, a small bowl of egg wash, and the cheesesteak filling. Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond position (one corner pointing toward you). Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling just below the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners. Roll tightly toward the top corner, brushing the top corner with egg wash to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 7: Fry the Egg Rolls
Deep-frying method: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the egg rolls in batches (do not overcrowd) for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Air fryer method: Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Oven method: Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the Philly cheesesteak egg rolls hot, with your choice of dipping sauces.
Cooking Tips and Pro Tips for Best Results
· Use shaved beef for convenience: Shaved beef from the deli is already thin and cooks in seconds.
· Do not overfill the egg rolls: Too much filling makes them difficult to seal and may cause bursting during frying.
· Seal tightly: Use egg wash on the final corner to ensure the egg roll stays closed.
· Do not overcrowd the pot: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, making the egg rolls greasy.
· Keep the filling warm but not hot: Hot filling can steam the wrappers and make them soggy before frying.
· Make ahead: Assemble the egg rolls and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before frying.
· Freeze for later: Freeze uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry from frozen, adding 2 to 3 minutes to the cooking time.
Variations and Substitutions
· Chicken cheesesteak egg rolls: Substitute thinly sliced chicken breast for the beef.
· Mushroom cheesesteak egg rolls: Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms with the peppers and onions.
· Spicy cheesesteak egg rolls: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the filling.
· Cheese sauce version: Omit the provolone inside and serve with warm cheese sauce for dipping.
· Philly cheesesteak egg roll bowls: Skip the wrapper and serve the filling over rice or lettuce.
· Low-carb or keto: Use low-carb egg roll wrappers (if available) or serve the filling in lettuce cups.
Serving Suggestions
These Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are delicious on their own, but they shine with dipping sauces:
· Au jus: Classic beef dipping sauce.
· Cheese sauce: Warm, creamy, and indulgent.
· Spicy mayo: Mayonnaise mixed with sriracha.
· Ranch dressing: Cool and creamy.
· Honey mustard: Sweet and tangy.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer Storage
Freeze uncooked egg rolls for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen, adding 2 to 3 minutes to the cooking time. Cooked egg rolls can also be frozen, but the texture will be softer upon reheating.
Reheating Instructions
· Air fryer method (best): Reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes.
· Oven method: Reheat at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes.
· Microwave method (not recommended): The egg rolls will become soft and chewy.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per egg roll (based on 12 egg rolls, deep-fried):
· Calories: 210
· Protein: 12g
· Fat: 10g
· Saturated Fat: 3g
· Carbohydrates: 18g
· Fiber: 1g
· Sugar: 2g
· Sodium: 380mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and cooking method.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best beef for Philly cheesesteaks?
Ribeye is the traditional choice for its marbling and flavor. Shaved beef from the deli counter is a convenient substitute. Avoid pre-ground beef.
Can I use Cheez Whiz instead of provolone?
Yes. Cheez Whiz is a classic Philly cheesesteak topping. Add a spoonful to the filling or serve it as a dipping sauce.
How do I keep egg rolls from opening while frying?
Make sure to seal the final corner with egg wash. Do not overfill. Place the egg rolls seam-side down in the oil.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush or spray with oil for a crispy exterior.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes. Assemble the egg rolls up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Fry just before serving for the crispiest results.
Are these egg rolls gluten-free?
Not as written. Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers to make them gluten-free.
What dipping sauce goes best with Philly cheesesteak egg rolls?
Au jus, cheese sauce, spicy mayo, and ranch are all excellent choices.
Can I add mushrooms to the filling?
Absolutely. Sauté 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms with the peppers and onions.
Final Thoughts
Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are the perfect marriage of two iconic comfort foods. The crispy, golden wrapper gives way to a warm, savory, cheesy filling of tender steak, sweet peppers and onions, and melted provolone. They are a guaranteed hit at parties, game day gatherings, or any time you crave something indulgent.
This recipe is easier than you think. With thinly sliced steak, a few simple vegetables, and egg roll wrappers, you can create a restaurant-quality appetizer in your own kitchen. Serve them with au jus, cheese sauce, or spicy mayo, and watch them disappear.
So slice that steak, sauté those peppers and onions, and roll up these crispy, cheesy bundles of joy. In about 30 minutes, you will have an appetizer that will earn rave reviews. That is the beauty of fusion cooking—big flavor, crispy texture, and a whole lot of deliciousness. Enjoy.