Steak and Cheese Egg Rolls: A Deliciously Cheesy Twist on a Classic Appetizer

Steak and cheese. Two words that evoke images of melty, savory goodness. Now, imagine all that deliciousness wrapped in a crispy egg roll wrapper. That’s right, we’re talking about Steak and Cheese Egg Rolls! This isn’t just another appetizer; it’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for more. Perfect for game day, parties, or even a fun weeknight dinner, these egg rolls are surprisingly easy to make and utterly irresistible. Forget the same old boring snacks, this recipe takes a classic comfort food combination and elevates it to something truly special.

## Why You’ll Love These Steak and Cheese Egg Rolls

* **Flavor Bomb:** Tender steak, gooey cheese, and crispy wrapper – it’s a trifecta of deliciousness.
* **Easy to Make:** Don’t be intimidated by the egg roll wrapper. With a few simple steps, you’ll be rolling like a pro.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** These egg rolls are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. They’re fun, flavorful, and perfect for sharing (or not!).
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking with different cheeses, sauces, or even vegetables.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare the filling in advance and assemble the egg rolls when you’re ready to fry or bake.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe focuses on simplicity, using readily available ingredients to create a restaurant-quality appetizer.

* **Steak:** 1 pound of thinly sliced steak (such as sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak). Thinly sliced steak is crucial for quick cooking and ensuring tenderness inside the egg roll. Pre-sliced steak labeled “shaved steak” or “sandwich steak” works perfectly and saves time. If you’re slicing your own, partially freeze the steak for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly. Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick.
* **Cheese:** 8 ounces of your favorite cheese blend (such as provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination). The cheese is the glue that holds everything together and adds that signature cheesy flavor. Provolone is a classic choice for its mild, slightly tangy flavor and excellent melting properties. Mozzarella offers a creamy, mild flavor. Cheddar adds a sharp, bold taste. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to find your perfect blend. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced. Onion adds a savory depth of flavor to the filling. Thinly slicing ensures that the onion cooks evenly and doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. Yellow or white onions are good choices for this recipe.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional). Bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and color to the filling. Green, red, or yellow bell peppers all work well. You can also use a combination of colors for a more visually appealing egg roll.
* **Egg Roll Wrappers:** 1 package (approximately 20 wrappers). Egg roll wrappers are readily available in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. Make sure to keep them covered with a damp towel while you’re working to prevent them from drying out and cracking. Spring roll wrappers are thinner and not ideal for this recipe.
* **Oil:** 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or canola oil) for cooking the steak and vegetables. Vegetable or canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it ideal for stir-frying. Olive oil can be used, but be careful not to overheat it.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of the ingredients. Start with a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and adjust to your liking.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon. Garlic powder adds a subtle garlic flavor without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
* **Optional Dipping Sauces:** Cheese Whiz, Sriracha mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce. Dipping sauces add an extra layer of flavor and customization. Cheese Whiz is a classic pairing for steak and cheese. Sriracha mayo adds a spicy kick. Other options include ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a simple ketchup.
* **Egg Wash:** 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (for sealing the egg rolls). The egg wash helps to seal the edges of the egg rolls and gives them a golden-brown color when fried or baked.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create delicious Steak and Cheese Egg Rolls.

### Step 1: Prepare the Steak and Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced steak to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and prevent the steak from browning properly. If necessary, cook the steak in batches.
3. Season the steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the steak is cooked through and lightly browned. The key is to cook it quickly to prevent it from becoming tough.
4. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet.
6. Add the thinly sliced onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
7. Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and heat through.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

### Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls

1. Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one point facing you (like a diamond). Keep the remaining wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
2. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the steak and cheese mixture into the center of the wrapper. Avoid overfilling the wrapper, as this will make it difficult to roll and seal.
3. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the steak mixture.
4. Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, tucking it tightly.
5. Fold in the left and right corners of the wrapper towards the center, creating an envelope shape.
6. Brush the top corner of the wrapper with egg wash.
7. Roll the egg roll tightly towards the top corner, pressing firmly to seal the edge. The egg wash will act as a glue to keep the egg roll closed.
8. Repeat steps 1-7 with the remaining egg roll wrappers and filling.

### Step 3: Cook the Egg Rolls

You have two options for cooking the egg rolls: frying or baking. Frying will give you the crispiest results, while baking is a healthier alternative.

**Option 1: Frying**

1. Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large pot. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully add the egg rolls to the hot oil in batches. Avoid overcrowding the fryer, as this will lower the temperature and result in soggy egg rolls.
3. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to carefully remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Repeat with the remaining egg rolls.

**Option 2: Baking**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the egg rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each egg roll.
4. Brush the tops of the egg rolls with egg wash.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy. Flip the egg rolls halfway through baking to ensure even browning.

### Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the Steak and Cheese Egg Rolls immediately while they are hot and crispy.
2. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as Cheese Whiz, Sriracha mayo, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing.
3. Enjoy!

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Egg Rolls

* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the egg rolls is a common mistake that can lead to them bursting open during cooking. Stick to about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per wrapper.
* **Keep Wrappers Moist:** Egg roll wrappers dry out quickly, so keep them covered with a damp towel while you’re working. This will prevent them from cracking and tearing.
* **Seal Tightly:** Make sure to seal the edges of the egg rolls tightly with egg wash to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
* **Don’t Overcrowd:** Whether you’re frying or baking, avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature and result in soggy or unevenly cooked egg rolls.
* **Use Freshly Grated Cheese:** Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning of the steak and vegetable mixture to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other spices you enjoy.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the filling and assemble the egg rolls ahead of time. Store the assembled egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Fry or bake them just before serving.
* **Freezing:** For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled egg rolls. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen egg rolls can be fried or baked directly from frozen, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

## Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for variations and customizations:

* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack, Gruyere, or Swiss.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, spinach, or jalapeños.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Add Sauce to the Filling:** Mix a little bit of your favorite sauce, such as Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce, into the steak and vegetable mixture.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Replace the steak with mushrooms or plant-based protein crumbles for a vegetarian option.
* **Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls:** Incorporate elements of a classic Philly cheesesteak by using provolone cheese, adding sautéed onions and peppers, and serving with Cheese Whiz.

## Serving Suggestions

Steak and Cheese Egg Rolls are delicious on their own as an appetizer or snack. They also pair well with other dishes, such as:

* **Salads:** Serve with a crisp green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
* **Soups:** Pair with a bowl of hearty soup for a comforting and satisfying meal.
* **Fries:** Serve alongside French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic appetizer combo.
* **Other Appetizers:** Combine with other appetizers, such as mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, or onion rings, for a party platter.

## Conclusion

Steak and Cheese Egg Rolls are a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy exterior, cheesy filling, and savory steak, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of deliciousness! This recipe is a guaranteed way to elevate your snack game and impress your friends and family. Don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes! Now, go forth and roll! Enjoy your homemade Steak and Cheese Egg Rolls!