Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Are the Perfect Party Food — Chef's Easy Secret Guarantees They Cook Up Melty Inside, Crispy Outside

Alexandria Brooks

September 15, 2023 at 11:41 AM·5 min read

An appetizer that's crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside is always a winner in our book. That perfect texture contrast makes us want to go back for seconds (and thirds, if we're honest!). A treat that we can't resist: cheesesteak egg rolls. They combine two favorites in one — tender, juicy cheesesteak filling with the crispiness of egg rolls — creating a fun finger-food version of the iconic Philly sandwich. Even better? They're surprisingly simple to make at home, and we've tapped a chef for tricks that make it even easier. Here are the ins and outs of cheesesteak egg rolls, plus a recipe that's sure to satisfy your cravings.

What are cheesesteak egg rolls?

Cheesesteak egg rolls contain a mixture of sautéed beef, onions, bell peppers and cheese before they're rolled in an egg roll wrapper and cooked. These ingredients infuse the egg rolls with a savory, pungent and cheesy flavor that mirrors a traditional cheesesteak.

The origins of cheesesteak egg rolls

While you can easily pinpoint the history of the Philly cheesesteak, these egg rolls are a different story. Several chefs and restaurateurs claim to be the inventors of this delicious snack. Yet, many believe that it's actually Steve DiFillippo, owner of the Italian steakhouse Davio's, as he trademarked the name “Philly Cheese Steak Spring Roll."

According to DiFillippo, this dish was created by one of his chefs, who experimented with combining the flavors of a cheesesteak and a spring roll in 2003. This unexpected pairing birthed the cheesesteak egg roll and became a menu staple at Davio's locations in Philly and across Massachusetts. "I get more emails about the Philly roll than I do about the restaurant,” DiFillippo says of the dish's ever-growing popularity.

It's clear that cheesesteak egg rolls are a beloved treat; however, you don't have to travel far to taste them for yourself. With a few tips, you can make these egg rolls at home without hassle.

How to make the crispiest egg rolls

A crunchy cheesesteak egg roll doesn't require deep-frying in oil for a long time. In fact, Natalie Keng, sauce maven and author of Egg Rolls & Sweet Tea: Asian Inspired, Southern Style (Buy from Amazon, $22.82), says it's all in the preparation before and after cooking them. Below, she shares three tips for filling and wrapping egg rolls so they achieve a crispy — not soggy — exterior.

Drain the filling. A filling that's too moist will leak and prevent the wrapper from crisping up. So use a metal strainer to drain excess liquid from the cheesesteak filling before allowing it to cool.
Properly roll the egg rolls. For perfectly golden brown egg rolls, roll tightly and symmetrically to create more even coloring. Otherwise, the rolls will unravel and the filling will spill out of the wrapper. (Click through for a wrapping tutorial in our egg roll wrappers story.)
Let the cooked egg rolls rest. Egg rolls get crispier the longer they sit after cooking. The best bet: Place cooked rolls on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet and rest for at least 5 minutes prior to serving.

Note: You can buy egg roll wrappers at most grocery stores — they're usually in the refrigerated section near the dairy.

A yummy cheesesteak egg rolls recipe

Keng describes her simple recipe for cheesesteak egg rolls as a “‘tender slender’ version of this trendy, fusion appetizer.” The reason? Rather than frying the egg rolls, she bakes them to create a crunchy exterior that's far from greasy. Pair these egg rolls with any dipping sauce and you'll find yourself devouring more than just one!