Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are a modern fusion of two comfort food classics. They combine the gooey, savory richness of the traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich with the crisp, golden exterior of a deep-fried egg roll. This pairing results in a handheld, party-friendly snack or meal that satisfies cravings for both crunch and cheesiness in every bite.
Perfect as an appetizer, party platter item, or a creative take on dinner, these egg rolls have become a favorite at game day gatherings, food trucks, and modern American diners. While traditional cheesesteaks are served on hoagie rolls, these egg rolls offer a convenient twist that keeps the messy goodness neatly wrapped up in a crispy shell.
Whether you use ribeye steak for authenticity or opt for a budget-friendly ground beef version, the result is always crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 pound ribeye steak, finely chopped or shaved (can substitute with ground beef or thin-sliced sirloin)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced (optional for color and sweetness)
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (optional for added depth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 6 to 8 slices provolone cheese or 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
For Assembly
- 12 to 14 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing the wrappers)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, peanut, or canola)
Optional Dipping Sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Dijon mustard or horseradish
- Worcestershire sauce
Combine to taste for a creamy, tangy cheesesteak-inspired dip.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about three to four minutes.
- Add the bell peppers and mushrooms if using. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the liquid has evaporated, around five minutes.
- Move the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the chopped steak or ground beef to the empty side. Cook the meat thoroughly, breaking it up and seasoning it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Once the meat is browned and fully cooked, mix everything together in the pan. Drain off any excess grease.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Stir in the shredded cheese or layer provolone slices over the mixture and allow it to melt from the residual heat. Stir until well incorporated.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface in a diamond shape (one point facing you).
- Place two to three tablespoons of the cheesesteak filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the left and right sides tightly.
- Brush the top corner with the beaten egg and roll the wrapper tightly to seal it.
- Repeat the process with the remaining filling and wrappers. Keep the rolled egg rolls covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out before frying.
Step 3: Fry the Egg Rolls
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (175 to 190 degrees Celsius). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the egg rolls.
- Carefully place the egg rolls in the oil, a few at a time, without overcrowding.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, about three to five minutes, turning occasionally for even browning.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Alternatively, for a lighter version, you can bake the egg rolls at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 18 to 22 minutes, turning halfway through, or air fry them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 10 to 12 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
- As a party appetizer with dipping sauces on the side.
- As a main dish alongside a green salad or coleslaw.
- As a snack for movie nights, game days, or casual gatherings.
For dipping, popular sauces include:
- Classic cheese sauce
- Spicy ketchup or sriracha-mayo
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic aioli
- Barbecue sauce
Serve the egg rolls hot and fresh for the best flavor and texture. The filling should be melty, and the wrapper should be crisp and golden.
Tips for Best Results
- For the most authentic flavor, use ribeye steak. It has enough fat to stay tender and juicy when chopped and cooked.
- If using ground beef, choose one with some fat (around 80/20) for moisture and flavor.
- Allow the filling to cool slightly before wrapping to prevent the wrappers from tearing or becoming soggy.
- Seal the wrappers well using the beaten egg to avoid filling leakage during frying.
- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. Too hot, and the egg rolls may burn before cooking through. Too cool, and they may absorb excess oil.
- Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even crispness.
Storage and Reheating
Philly cheesesteak egg rolls store well and can be made ahead of time.
- Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 10 to 12 minutes or until crisp and heated through. Reheating in an air fryer is another excellent option.
- Do not microwave if you want to maintain crispness, as this can make the wrappers soft or rubbery.
To freeze:
- Assemble the egg rolls but do not fry them.
- Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra one to two minutes to the cooking time.
Variations
The basic concept of the Philly cheesesteak egg roll can be modified in many creative ways.
- Use a blend of cheeses such as provolone, white American, mozzarella, or cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
- Add hot peppers or jalapenos to the filling for a spicy twist.
- Substitute the beef with grilled chicken for a chicken cheesesteak version.
- Incorporate caramelized onions for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
- Add a layer of cream cheese or cheese spread to make the interior extra creamy.
- Try using thinly sliced deli roast beef for a shortcut version.
The egg roll wrapper itself can also be swapped out for spring roll wrappers or even large wonton wrappers for mini bites.
Cultural Fusion and Appeal
These egg rolls represent a perfect example of American fusion cuisine. They take elements from different food cultures—classic American steak sandwiches and East Asian frying techniques—and marry them into one cohesive and mouth-watering result.
The cheesesteak, with its origins in Philadelphia in the 1930s, was traditionally served in a hoagie roll with grilled onions and thinly sliced steak, usually topped with cheese like provolone or Cheez Whiz. Over time, the sandwich has taken on many variations and become a regional favorite throughout the United States.
By wrapping that same filling in a crispy egg roll wrapper, this recipe gives the traditional sandwich a portable, dippable, and deeply satisfying new identity. It brings out new textures and highlights the same flavor combinations in a different format. This makes it perfect for modern dining where portability, shareability, and creativity are often just as important as tradition.
Final Thoughts
Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are a bold, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines the best of both worlds—tender steak and melted cheese inside a crispy golden wrapper. Whether you make them as an appetizer, a party snack, or a main course, they are bound to be a hit. They are adaptable, freezer-friendly, and perfect for occasions where you want something fun but familiar.
This recipe is easy enough for home cooks but impressive enough to serve at gatherings or events. With just a bit of preparation and attention to detail, you can recreate this restaurant-style favorite right in your own kitchen.
If you are looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in something rich and satisfying, these cheesesteak egg rolls deliver comfort, crunch, and crave-worthy flavor in every bite.