Crispy burger-filled egg rolls

Cheeseburger egg rolls transform America's favorite sandwich into a handheld fusion masterpiece. These crispy wrappers encase all the flavors of a perfect cheeseburger – juicy seasoned beef, melty American cheese, tangy pickles, and savory onions – creating an irresistible appetizer that vanishes from serving plates within minutes. With their familiar yet unexpected flavor combination, these crowd-pleasing bites bridge culinary traditions and satisfy cravings you didn't even know you had.

I first served these at a neighborhood football watch party, and they created such a frenzy that guests were literally following me from the kitchen to the living room to grab them before they hit the coffee table. My brother-in-law, who typically sticks to plain chips and dip, ate six of them and then asked if he could take the leftovers home. There's something about the familiar cheeseburger flavors wrapped in that crispy shell that makes these completely addictive. When friends come over now, they don't even ask what I'm making – they just hopefully ask, "Are you making the egg rolls?"

Essential Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Use 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness without excess grease
• American Cheese: Creates that classic melty cheeseburger texture that other cheeses simply can't replicate
• Dill Pickles: Adds the essential tang and crunch that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese
• Egg Roll Wrappers: The crispy vehicle that transforms a familiar favorite into something excitingly different
• Onions: Provides subtle sweetness and depth that enhances the beef's savory flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the filling.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup finely diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes, continuing to break up any clumps for an even texture.

Step 2: Drain and mix.

If there's excess grease, carefully drain it from the pan. Transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture to a mixing bowl. While the meat is still hot, add 6 ounces of American cheese (cubed or shredded). Stir until the cheese completely melts and is incorporated throughout the meat. Add ½ cup finely diced dill pickles and mix well. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before filling the wrappers.

Step 3: Prepare for wrapping.

In a small bowl, lightly whisk 1 egg white with 1 teaspoon of water to create a sealing mixture. Set up your wrapping station with the filling, egg roll wrappers, egg wash, and a clean surface. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Line a cooling rack with paper towels for the finished egg rolls.

Step 4: Wrap the egg rolls.

Position an egg roll wrapper on your work surface so it looks like a diamond. Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the cheeseburger filling in a line across the center, leaving about an inch on each side. Fold the bottom corner up and over the filling, tucking it under slightly. Brush the remaining edges with egg wash. Fold in both side corners toward the center, then tightly roll up from the bottom to the top corner. Press the final corner to seal.

Step 5: Fry immediately.

Using tongs, carefully lower each egg roll into the preheated oil, seam-side down first to seal it. Work in batches of 3-4, depending on your pot size, to avoid overcrowding and dropping the oil temperature. Fry for 2-3 minutes, then turn and fry for another 2 minutes until golden brown all over.

Step 6: Drain and cool.

Remove egg rolls with metal tongs and place on the prepared cooling rack. Allow them to drain and cool slightly for 3-5 minutes before serving – the filling will be extremely hot initially.

Step 7: Prepare the dipping sauce.

While the egg rolls cool, whisk together ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon pickle juice, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder until smooth. This sauce perfectly complements the cheeseburger flavors with its creamy, tangy profile.

Step 8: Serve while warm.

Arrange the egg rolls on a serving platter with the dipping sauce on the side. Serve while still warm for the best eating experience.

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I'm particularly attentive to the size of the pickle pieces in this recipe. My first attempt included pickle chunks that were too large, causing the wrappers to tear during rolling. Now I dice them quite finely, which distributes the flavor more evenly and makes wrapping much easier. When demonstrating this recipe at a cooking class, I emphasized the importance of not overfilling the wrappers – it's better to make a few extra egg rolls than to deal with the mess of filling exploding in the hot oil.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While traditional deep-frying produces the crispiest, most authentic egg roll texture, these cheeseburger egg rolls can be adapted for healthier cooking methods with some adjustments. When preparing them in an air fryer, arrange them in a single layer with space between each roll and cook at 390°F for 9-11 minutes, turning halfway through. The texture will be less crispy than deep-fried versions but still delicious. For oven preparation, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for about 15 minutes until golden brown. I recommend lightly brushing them with oil before air frying or baking to help achieve better browning.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Options

These egg rolls are perfect for advance preparation. You can prepare the filling up to two days ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container until ready to use – just bring it to room temperature before filling the wrappers for easier handling. For longer storage, freeze the fully prepared but uncooked egg rolls by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, fry them directly from frozen, starting with slightly lower oil temperature and increasing gradually to prevent splattering. They'll need 1-2 minutes of additional cooking time when starting from frozen.

Serving Suggestions

While the classic burger sauce is my go-to dipping option, these versatile egg rolls pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Try serving them with sriracha mayo for a spicy kick, barbecue sauce for a sweet-smoky note, or ranch dressing for a cooling effect. For a complete game day spread, I serve these alongside buffalo chicken dip, loaded potato skins, and a vegetable platter to balance the richness. They also make an unexpected but welcome addition to a burger bar setup – some guests even prefer them to traditional burgers!

Chef's Helpful Tips

Temperature control: If you don't have a thermometer, test oil readiness by dropping in a small piece of egg roll wrapper – it should bubble immediately and rise to the surface Batch management: Prepare all your egg rolls before you begin frying so you can work quickly and efficiently once the oil is hot Reheating advice: For the crispiest leftover egg rolls, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes rather than using a microwave

I discovered this fusion creation years ago when trying to reinvent leftover burger meat from a backyard barbecue. What began as a creative solution to avoid waste has become one of my signature appetizers that friends and family specifically request. There's something deeply satisfying about taking familiar flavors and presenting them in an unexpected way – the initial surprise followed by the comfort of recognition creates a uniquely delightful eating experience. The way these egg rolls consistently bring people together, reaching across the table for "just one more," is a testament to food's power to create connection through shared pleasure.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?

It's best to prepare the filling ahead of time but roll and cook them just before serving. The wrappers dry out quickly when filled and left uncooked.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftover egg rolls?

Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as they'll get soggy.

→ Can I freeze these cheeseburger egg rolls?

Yes! Freeze them after cooking and cooling. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

→ What can I use instead of American cheese?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend will work great. For best melting, shred the cheese finely before adding to the hot beef mixture.

→ Are there any good side dishes to serve with these?

These egg rolls pair well with french fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

→ Can I make these healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, air fry instead of deep fry, and serve with a yogurt-based dipping sauce to lighten them up.