If you love cheeseburgers but want to try something a little different, you’re going to adore these Easy Cheeseburger Egg Rolls. Combining the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the crispy crunch of an egg roll wrapper, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re planning a party appetizer, family dinner, or game day snack, these egg rolls are sure to please.
In this article, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make these delicious cheeseburger egg rolls at home, plus share helpful tips, variations, and serving ideas to elevate your experience.
What Makes Cheeseburger Egg Rolls So Special?
Cheeseburger egg rolls are a creative fusion recipe that takes the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger — seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, ketchup, mustard, and onions — and wraps them in crispy, golden egg roll wrappers. When fried or baked, the wrappers turn crunchy on the outside, while the savory filling remains juicy and cheesy on the inside.
This recipe has gained popularity because it’s:
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Crunchy and gooey: The texture contrast is a big part of the appeal.
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Portable and shareable: Perfect finger food for parties or casual gatherings.
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Customizable: You can tweak the filling ingredients or dipping sauces to suit your tastes.
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Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Ingredients for Easy Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
To make these egg rolls, you’ll need the following:
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1 pound ground beef: Choose lean or regular depending on your preference.
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½ small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth.
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Provides melty cheeseburger goodness.
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2 tablespoons ketchup: Classic burger condiment for tang and sweetness.
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1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Adds a mild tangy kick.
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and flavor complexity.
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Salt and pepper to taste: To season the beef mixture perfectly.
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12 to 15 egg roll wrappers: These will wrap your filling into crispy parcels.
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1 egg white: Used as glue to seal the wrappers.
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Vegetable oil for frying: Enough to deep-fry the egg rolls until golden.
All measurements use US standard cups for convenience.
Step-By-Step Directions to Make Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
1. Cook the Beef and Onion
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until the beef is browned and the onion becomes translucent. This usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat carefully to keep the filling moist but not greasy.
2. Add the Condiments
Once the beef and onion are cooked, stir in the ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly, then cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Mix in the Cheese and Cool Slightly
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly, making the filling rich and gooey. Allow the filling to cool for a few minutes before filling the wrappers — this prevents the wrappers from becoming soggy or tearing.
4. Prepare the Egg Roll Wrappers
Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface so that it looks like a diamond with a corner facing you. Have your egg white ready in a small bowl to use as a sealing glue.
5. Fill the Wrappers
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture onto the center of the wrapper, closer to the corner nearest you but leaving space on all sides for folding.
6. Roll and Seal
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners snugly against the filling. Roll the wrapper tightly toward the top corner. Before sealing, brush the top corner with some egg white, then press firmly to seal and prevent the egg roll from opening during frying.
7. Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or a fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature for best results.
8. Fry the Egg Rolls
Carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil, frying 3 to 4 at a time so they don’t crowd the pan. Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
9. Drain and Serve
Using tongs, remove the egg rolls and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Nutrition
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
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Yield: 12 to 15 egg rolls
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Calories: Approximately 257 kcal per egg roll (varies with oil absorption and exact ingredients)
Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
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Temperature matters: Keep oil between 350°F and 375°F for crispiness without excessive oil absorption.
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Don’t overfill: Use about 2 tablespoons of filling to avoid tearing wrappers or difficulty sealing.
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Cool your filling: Let the meat mixture cool before assembling to prevent soggy wrappers.
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Seal well: Use egg white as “glue” to keep the egg rolls closed during frying.
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Oven-bake alternative: For a healthier option, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through.
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Experiment with cheeses: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
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Dipping sauces: Ranch, ketchup, spicy mayo, or a tangy BBQ sauce pair wonderfully with these egg rolls.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
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Add pickles: For that authentic cheeseburger crunch and tang, finely dice pickles and mix into the filling.
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Bacon cheeseburger egg rolls: Add crispy bacon bits to the filling for extra smoky flavor.
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Veggie version: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles and add diced mushrooms or bell peppers.
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Cheeseburger sliders side: Serve egg rolls alongside mini sliders or fries for a fun burger-themed party.
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Salad pairing: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the fried egg rolls.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers (though unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers and gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
Q: Can I freeze uncooked egg rolls?
A: Absolutely. Assemble the egg rolls but don’t fry. Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry or bake directly from frozen.
Q: What dipping sauces work best?
A: Classic ketchup, ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or even honey mustard are excellent choices.
Final Thoughts
Easy Cheeseburger Egg Rolls offer a unique and delicious twist on classic American flavors. The crispy wrapper combined with juicy beef and gooey cheese is sure to become a favorite snack or party appetizer. With simple ingredients and quick prep, this recipe is both approachable and impressive.