If you love the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, these Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a delicious twist on the original. They combine tender beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and melted provolone cheese inside a crispy golden egg roll wrapper.
Perfect for game-day snacks, family gatherings, parties, or an easy weekend appetizer, these homemade egg rolls deliver the rich flavor of a cheesesteak in every crunchy bite. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time and pair beautifully with creamy dipping sauces.
Whether you’re looking for an easy party appetizer, a crispy beef snack, or a creative way to enjoy your favorite sandwich flavors, this recipe is sure to become a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love These Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
- Crispy outside, cheesy inside: Golden wrappers surround a savory beef and cheese filling.
- Classic cheesesteak flavor: Beef, onions, peppers, and provolone create a familiar combination.
- Great for entertaining: These bite-sized appetizers are easy to serve and share.
- Customizable: Use your favorite cheese, adjust the vegetables, or choose an air fryer for a lighter cooking method.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the filling in advance to save time before serving.
Ingredients
For the Cheesesteak Filling
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef steak, such as ribeye or sirloin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
- 6 slices provolone cheese, chopped or torn into small pieces
For the Egg Rolls
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons water
- Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
For Serving
- ½ cup garlic aioli
- ½ cup ranch dressing or spicy mayonnaise, optional
Equipment: A large skillet, a cutting board, a small bowl, a baking tray, and a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
If your beef isn’t already thinly sliced, place it in the freezer for about 20–30 minutes to firm it up. This makes it easier to cut into thin strips.
Slice the beef against the grain into small pieces. This helps keep the filling tender and makes the egg rolls easier to bite into.
Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent it from burning.
Transfer the vegetables to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Add the sliced beef to the same skillet. Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and stir to coat the meat.
Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet and mix everything together. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
If there is excess liquid in the skillet, drain it before assembling the egg rolls. A drier filling helps prevent the wrappers from becoming soggy.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Once the filling has cooled slightly, fold in the chopped provolone cheese.
The residual heat will soften the cheese without making the filling excessively runny.
For a stronger cheesesteak flavor, you can substitute part of the provolone with white American cheese or mozzarella.
Step 5: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you, like a diamond.
Spoon approximately 2–3 tablespoons of filling into the center of the wrapper.
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in both side corners. Roll tightly toward the top corner.
Mix the flour and water in a small bowl to create a simple sealing paste. Brush a little along the final corner and press firmly to seal the wrapper.
Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Tip: Keep unused wrappers covered with a clean, slightly damp kitchen towel so they don’t dry out while you work.
Step 6: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of approximately 2–3 inches.
Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), checking with a kitchen thermometer if available.
Avoid filling the pot more than halfway with oil, and never leave hot oil unattended.
Step 7: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Carefully lower 2–3 egg rolls into the hot oil at a time. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature.
Fry for approximately 3–5 minutes, turning as needed, until the wrappers are golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the cooked egg rolls to a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving, since the cheese filling will be very hot.
Step 8: Serve With Dipping Sauce
Arrange the Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls on a serving platter.
Serve hot with garlic aioli, ranch dressing, spicy mayonnaise, or your favorite cheesesteak dipping sauce.
For extra freshness, garnish with chopped parsley and serve alongside sliced pickles or a simple green salad.
Recipe Details
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 egg rolls
- Difficulty: Moderate
Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Slice the beef thinly. Thin slices cook quickly and create a tender filling. Ribeye offers rich flavor, while sirloin is a practical alternative.
Cool the filling before wrapping. A hot filling can soften the wrappers and make them harder to seal.
Remove excess moisture. Too much liquid from the beef and vegetables can cause soggy egg rolls or make the wrappers split during frying.
Seal every wrapper carefully. Use the flour-and-water paste along the final edge to help prevent the filling from leaking.
Maintain the oil temperature. Oil that is too cool can make the wrappers greasy, while oil that is too hot may brown them before they become properly crisp.
Fry in small batches. Giving the egg rolls enough space helps them cook evenly.
Easy Variations
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush or spray the assembled egg rolls with oil and arrange them in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 10–14 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp. Cooking times vary by air fryer, so check them regularly.
Baked Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the egg rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush them lightly with oil.
Bake for approximately 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through, until crisp and golden.
Mushroom and Cheese Egg Rolls
Add 1 cup of finely sliced mushrooms to the vegetables and cook until their moisture evaporates. Mushrooms add an earthy flavor that complements the beef.
Spicy Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Add finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. Serve with spicy mayonnaise for an extra kick.
Chicken Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Replace the beef with 1 pound of thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh meat. Cook the chicken thoroughly before combining it with the vegetables and cheese.
What to Serve With Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
These crispy beef egg rolls work well as an appetizer or part of a casual meal.
- French fries: A classic pairing for cheesesteak-inspired dishes.
- Coleslaw: Adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm filling.
- Garden salad: Provides freshness and balances the richness of the cheese.
- Pickles and jalapeños: Add acidity and a little heat.
- Creamy dipping sauces: Garlic aioli, ranch, and spicy mayo are excellent choices.
For a party platter, serve the egg rolls with two or three dipping sauces so everyone can choose their favorite.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
You can prepare the beef and vegetable filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and assemble the egg rolls when you’re ready to cook.
- Refrigerator: Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked, assembled egg rolls in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. For best quality, use within 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat cooked egg rolls in an oven at 375°F (190°C) or in an air fryer until hot and crispy.
For food safety, refrigerate cooked leftovers within 2 hours. When freezing assembled egg rolls, separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of beef is best for Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls?
Ribeye is a flavorful choice because it contains enough marbling to keep the meat juicy. Sirloin is another good option and is often more economical. Slice the meat thinly for the best texture.
What cheese works best?
Provolone is a classic choice for cheesesteak flavor. White American cheese melts smoothly, while mozzarella provides extra stretch. You can combine cheeses to suit your preference.
Why are my egg rolls soggy?
Excess moisture in the filling, oil that isn’t hot enough, or overcrowding the fryer can lead to soggy wrappers. Drain the filling well and maintain an oil temperature of around 350°F (175°C).
Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the filling in advance or assemble the egg rolls and refrigerate them briefly before cooking. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked egg rolls.
Can I cook them without deep-frying?
Absolutely. The air fryer and oven methods both work well. Lightly coating the wrappers with oil helps them become crisp and golden.
Final Thoughts
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls combine the savory flavors of a classic cheesesteak with the irresistible crunch of a golden egg roll wrapper. With tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted cheese, every bite is packed with flavor.
They’re perfect for game-day gatherings, parties, family snacks, or a fun appetizer for dinner. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy a delicious homemade twist on a beloved sandwich.
