Pin
Cheeseburger Egg Rolls pack everything you love about a classic cheeseburger into a crispy, golden shell you can hold in your hand. My family begs for these whenever we have movie night and I love how fun they are to dip in homemade Big Mac sauce. They are inspired by fan favorites from Disney Parks and the Cheesecake Factory—quick to fry, easily made ahead, and always the first to vanish at a get-together.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: rich and savory choose 90 percent lean for the perfect balance of flavor without excess grease
- Olive oil: helps onions mellow out and softens beef
- Yellow onion: adds a subtle sweetness chop extra fine so every bite is flavorful
- Garlic: brings out depth in the beef and cheese mince fresh for the most flavor
- Cheddar cheese: melts smoothly and adds creaminess pick a good quality block and shred it yourself
- Sea salt: enhances overall taste flake salt works beautifully
- Black pepper: balances the richness and wakes up beef flavor
- Egg roll wrappers: create a crispy pocket check the expiration date for maximum crispiness
- Oil for frying: canola or peanut oil gives the best crisp and does not overpower flavors
- Thousand Island or French dressing: forms the creamy tangy base for dipping
- Pickles: bring crunch and tang try to use real dill pickles for stronger flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Onions and Garlic:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add chopped onions and cook until light brown stirring often to avoid burning. Add in the garlic and cook until both turn golden and fragrant. This builds the signature savory base.
- Cook the Beef:
- Add ground beef to the skillet sprinkling in salt and black pepper. Break up the meat with a spoon and stir frequently. Continue cooking until no pink remains. Remove pan from heat when done so nothing overcooks.
- Melt in Cheese:
- Scatter about one cup of shredded cheddar over the hot meat. The residual warmth helps it melt into every bit of beef and onion. Set aside to cool slightly so the wrappers will not tear from steam.
- Set Up Rolling Station:
- Lay out a clean damp paper towel and open your egg roll wrappers. Fill a small bowl with water this helps seal edges. Cover remaining wrappers to keep them moist as you work.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls:
- Place one wrapper in a diamond position with a point closest to you. Scoop one and a half tablespoons of filling on the lower third. Sprinkle extra cheese on top. Fold up the bottom point tightly over filling then fold in sides. Lightly brush upper corner with water and finish rolling. Press to seal and set aside.
- Pan Fry:
- Heat half an inch of oil in a skillet over medium. Test with a small piece of wrapper it should sizzle gently. Add egg rolls in batches frying until golden brown on all sides. Flip once each side is crisp and drain on paper towels.
- Air Fry:
- Lightly coat each egg roll in oil spray. Arrange in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at three hundred ninety degrees for eight to ten minutes. Flip once halfway until golden and crisp.
- Mix the Big Mac Sauce:
- Finely dice pickles and blend with thousand island dressing. Chill until serving for maximum flavor.
Pin
Storage Tips
Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep the shell crispy. For freezing, arrange unbaked rolls on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen adding an extra minute or two.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles swap in easily for beef and taste great with cheddar. Monterey Jack or American cheese can stand in for cheddar if needed. For a lighter sauce, use low-fat dressing and diced cucumber pickles.
Serving Suggestions
Pile egg rolls on a platter with a bowl of sauce for dipping. Top with chopped pickles or a sprinkle of chopped chives. Serve alongside classic fries, tater tots, or a crisp salad for a meal that will impress any guest.
Pin
Cultural and Historical Context
Egg rolls stem from Chinese American cuisine and have evolved through generations of home cooks. This cheeseburger version is a mashup of classic Americana and the irresistible crunch of takeout egg rolls—a quirky fun dish that wows at parties.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I air fry these instead of pan frying?
Yes, the egg rolls can be air fried at 390°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even browning.
- → What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar melts smoothly and adds a classic flavor, but feel free to blend with mozzarella or pepper jack for variation.
- → How do I prevent egg roll wrappers from drying out?
Keep wrappers under a slightly damp paper towel while assembling to maintain pliability and avoid cracking.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble egg rolls and refrigerate for up to a day before frying, or freeze uncooked rolls for longer storage.
- → What dipping sauce pairs well with these?
A tangy 'Big Mac' style sauce made from pickles and Thousand Island or French dressing is a flavorful match.
- → Can I use leftover ingredients for filling?
Absolutely. Add leftover cooked vegetables, bacon, or even chopped pickles for extra flavor and texture.
Cheeseburger Egg Rolls Crispy
Juicy ground beef and cheddar wrapped in golden shells, served crispy with a flavorful tangy dipping sauce.
What You’ll Need to Make This
→ Filling
→ Assembly
→ For Pan Frying
→ For Air Frying
→ Big Mac Sauce
How to Prepare
Heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, stir frequently, and cook until lightly browned.
Add minced garlic to the pan and continue to cook onions and garlic until golden brown.
Add ground beef, sea salt, and black pepper to the pan. Sauté until the beef is fully cooked. Remove from heat.
Stir about 80 g of grated cheddar cheese into the warm beef mixture and allow it to melt using residual heat. Let the filling cool slightly.
Set out a small bowl of water and cover opened egg roll wrappers with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.
Place an egg roll wrapper with a corner facing you. Spoon 22 ml (1.5 tablespoons) of beef filling onto the lower middle of the wrapper, then top with a little more grated cheese. Fold up the bottom, tuck in sides, moisten the top corner with water, and roll tightly to seal.
Continue filling and rolling until all wrappers are used. Set completed rolls aside.
Pour enough oil into a large skillet to reach 1.25 cm depth. Heat oil over medium heat. Fry egg rolls, turning once, until both sides are golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Evenly coat each egg roll with cooking spray. Arrange egg rolls in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C for 8–10 minutes, flipping after 5 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Mix diced pickles with thousand island (or French) dressing in a small bowl until well combined.
Serve hot egg rolls with Big Mac sauce for dipping.
Extra Tips
- Keep egg roll wrappers covered with a damp paper towel during assembly to prevent drying.
- Leftover egg roll wrappers can be filled with other ingredients for creative variations.
Tools Required
- Large skillet or deep frying pan
- Medium saucepan
- Air fryer (optional)
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Paper towels
Allergen Info
Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
- Contains milk (dairy) and wheat (gluten) in cheese and egg roll wrappers.