Dill Pickle Egg Rolls Stuffed with Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning
Get ready for a flavor explosion that will redefine your snacking game! These Dill Pickle Egg Rolls, stuffed with a creamy, tangy filling and sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning, are the perfect appetizer or side dish. They’re crispy on the outside, creamy and flavorful on the inside, and surprisingly addictive. This recipe combines the briny tang of dill pickles with the richness of cream cheese, all wrapped up in a perfectly fried egg roll wrapper. You won’t be able to stop at just one!
## Why You’ll Love These Pickle Egg Rolls
* **Unique Flavor Combination:** Dill pickles and cream cheese might sound unusual, but trust us, they’re a match made in heaven. The tanginess of the pickles complements the richness of the cream cheese perfectly.
* **Easy to Make:** These egg rolls are surprisingly simple to put together, even for beginner cooks. With just a few ingredients and some basic folding skills, you’ll be enjoying them in no time.
* **Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer:** These pickle egg rolls are guaranteed to be a hit at any party or gathering. They’re a fun and unexpected snack that everyone will love.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different cheeses, spices, or even meats.
* **Crispy and Satisfying:** The crispy egg roll wrapper provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Egg Roll Wrappers:** These are the foundation of our recipe. You can find them in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. Make sure to keep them covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
* **Dill Pickles:** Choose your favorite brand of dill pickles. We recommend using whole dill pickles and dicing them yourself for the best flavor and texture. You can also use pre-diced pickles, but make sure to drain them well.
* **Cream Cheese:** Full-fat cream cheese is the key to a rich and creamy filling. Make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** This adds a delicious savory and nutty flavor to the egg rolls. You can find it at most grocery stores, or you can make your own.
* **Garlic Powder:** Adds a subtle garlicky flavor to the filling.
* **Onion Powder:** A touch of onion powder complements the garlic and enhances the overall flavor.
* **Oil for Frying:** Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all good choices for frying.
* **Optional: Ranch Dressing for Dipping:** While these egg rolls are delicious on their own, ranch dressing makes a perfect dipping sauce.
* **Optional: Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** Adds another layer of flavor and gooeyness to the filling.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Cutting Board:** For dicing the pickles.
* **Knife:** For dicing the pickles.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For combining the filling ingredients.
* **Spoon or Spatula:** For mixing the filling.
* **Shallow Dish:** For holding water to seal the egg rolls.
* **Deep Fryer or Large Pot:** For frying the egg rolls.
* **Slotted Spoon or Spider:** For removing the egg rolls from the oil.
* **Paper Towel-Lined Plate:** For draining the excess oil from the fried egg rolls.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Prepare the Pickles:**
* Remove the dill pickles from their jar and drain them well. You can pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
* Dice the pickles into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the easier it will be to fill the egg rolls.
**2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:**
* In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, diced dill pickles, garlic powder, onion powder and everything bagel seasoning. Add shredded cheddar cheese, if using.
* Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Make sure there are no large lumps of cream cheese.
* Taste the filling and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add more everything bagel seasoning or a pinch of salt and pepper.
**3. Assemble the Egg Rolls:**
* Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond shape).
* Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling in the center of the wrapper.
* Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, tucking it tightly.
* Fold in the left and right corners of the wrapper towards the center.
* Dip your finger in water and moisten the top corner of the wrapper.
* Roll the egg roll up tightly to seal. The water will help to adhere the seam. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
* Keep the assembled egg rolls covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
**4. Fry the Egg Rolls:**
* Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of egg roll wrapper into it. If the wrapper sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
* Carefully place the egg rolls into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
* Fry the egg rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
* Remove the egg rolls from the oil with a slotted spoon or spider and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
**5. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Let the egg rolls cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm.
* Serve with ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.
## Tips for Perfect Pickle Egg Rolls
* **Don’t Overfill the Egg Rolls:** Overfilling the egg rolls can cause them to burst open during frying. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons of filling per wrapper.
* **Seal the Egg Rolls Tightly:** Make sure to seal the egg rolls tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying. Use water to help adhere the seam.
* **Maintain the Oil Temperature:** Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving crispy egg rolls. If the oil is too cold, the egg rolls will be greasy. If the oil is too hot, the egg rolls will burn on the outside before the filling is heated through.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot:** Overcrowding the pot will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy egg rolls. Fry the egg rolls in batches.
* **Drain the Excess Oil:** Place the fried egg rolls on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This will help them stay crispy.
* **Use Softened Cream Cheese:** Using softened cream cheese will make it easier to mix the filling ingredients together.
* **Dice the Pickles Finely:** Dicing the pickles into small pieces will ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
* **Get Creative with Fillings:** Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as shredded cheddar cheese, jalapenos, or bacon bits.
* **Air Fry for a Healthier Option:** These egg rolls can also be air fried for a healthier alternative. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and crispy. You might want to spray them with a little cooking oil for extra crispiness.
## Variations
* **Spicy Pickle Egg Rolls:** Add diced jalapenos or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese filling for a spicy kick.
* **Bacon Pickle Egg Rolls:** Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the cream cheese filling for a smoky and savory flavor.
* **Cheesy Pickle Egg Rolls:** Use a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese in the filling.
* **Pizza Pickle Egg Rolls:** Add pepperoni and mozzarella cheese to the filling for a pizza-inspired twist. Mix in some marinara sauce for extra flavor.
* **Reuben Pickle Egg Rolls:** Combine the pickle mixture with swiss cheese and some shredded corned beef for a reuben flavored egg roll.
* **Air Fryer Pickle Egg Rolls:** Spray egg rolls with a light coating of oil and air fry at 400F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Appetizer:** Serve these pickle egg rolls as an appetizer at your next party or gathering.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a snack any time of day.
* **Side Dish:** Serve them as a side dish with burgers, sandwiches, or salads.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Serve with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
These pickle egg rolls can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make sure to keep them covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Fry them just before serving.
## Storage Instructions
Leftover fried pickle egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for best results. To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in the air fryer, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use pre-diced pickles?**
A: Yes, you can use pre-diced pickles, but make sure to drain them well before adding them to the cream cheese filling.
**Q: Can I freeze these egg rolls?**
A: While it’s not ideal, you can freeze the un-fried egg rolls. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time. The texture may be slightly different after freezing.
**Q: What kind of oil should I use for frying?**
A: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all good choices for frying.
**Q: Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying them?**
A: Baking these egg rolls will not yield the same crispy results as frying. If you want a healthier option, try air frying them instead.
**Q: What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?**
A: You can make your own everything bagel seasoning by combining equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and salt.
**Q: Can I add meat to the filling?**
A: Yes, you can add cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, or ground sausage to the filling.
**Q: How do I prevent the egg rolls from sticking to the pot?**
A: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the egg rolls. Also, don’t overcrowd the pot. Frying in batches will help prevent sticking.
## Dill Pickle Egg Rolls Recipe Card
**Yields:** About 12 egg rolls
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 10 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 12 egg roll wrappers
* 1 cup diced dill pickles, drained
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* Oil for frying
* Optional: Ranch dressing for dipping
* Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the pickles: Dice the dill pickles into small pieces.
2. Make the cream cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, diced dill pickles, everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder and optional cheddar cheese. Mix well.
3. Assemble the egg rolls: Place an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tucking it in. Fold in the left and right corners. Moisten the top corner with water and roll up tightly to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Fry the egg rolls: Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the egg rolls into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove the egg rolls from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve and enjoy: Let the egg rolls cool slightly before serving. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Dill Pickle Egg Rolls! They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more. Don’t be surprised if these become your new favorite appetizer! This recipe is easily adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique twist on this tasty treat.