Cheeseburgers and egg rolls are two of my all-time favorite comfort foods. So, naturally, combining them into one dish just seemed like the next logical step! These Cheeseburger Egg Rolls are everything you love about a juicy, cheesy burger, wrapped up in a crispy, golden egg roll shell. They’re the perfect snack for game days, parties, or even just when you’re craving something fun and different for dinner. Plus, you can totally make them ahead of time, which is always a win in my book!
A few years ago, I tried a cheeseburger egg roll at a food festival, and it was love at first bite. The crispy exterior, the gooey cheese, and that unmistakable tang from the pickles—it was all so addictive. I immediately knew I had to recreate this at home, and after a few tweaks (like upping the pickle-to-meat ratio and adding more cheese, because why not?), I came up with this version that’s become a hit with friends and family. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked too!
The origin story of the cheeseburger egg roll
Now, you might be wondering: where exactly did cheeseburger egg rolls come from? While it’s hard to pinpoint an exact origin, they’re part of a growing trend of mash-up foods that take classic dishes and give them a new, exciting twist. Egg rolls themselves have been around for centuries, with deep roots in Chinese cuisine, but over the years, they’ve evolved into a versatile wrapper for all sorts of fillings, from cabbage to fun fusion flavors like cheeseburgers, Philly cheesesteaks, and even pizza!
The cheeseburger egg roll is the ultimate fusion of American comfort food and Asian culinary technique, and it’s been popping up on menus across the U.S. as more and more people experiment with these creative combos. Lucky for us, they’re super easy to make at home!
Let’s talk ingredients: the essentials and a few swaps
Each ingredient in these cheeseburger egg rolls plays an important role, and you’ve probably got most of them in your pantry or fridge already.
- Ground beef: The heart of any good cheeseburger. Make sure to drain the fat after cooking, so your egg rolls don’t end up too greasy. You can swap in ground turkey or even plant-based meat if you want to make them a bit lighter or vegetarian-friendly.
- Cheddar cheese: Melty and rich, cheddar adds that classic cheeseburger flavor. You can switch it up with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a stretchier bite.
- Pickles: Don’t skip these! The tanginess cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese, balancing the flavors perfectly. If you’re not a pickle person, you could try diced jalapeños for some heat or even relish for a sweeter note.
- Onion: Adds a bit of texture and sweetness once cooked. Red onion could work too, or even green onions if you’re in a pinch.
- Ketchup and mustard: These condiments bring everything together. They add a familiar cheeseburger taste but also a slight tang that helps balance the richness.
- Egg roll wrappers: The crispy shell of the egg roll is essential! You can find these in most grocery stores, usually in the refrigerated section near the tofu or produce.

Kitchen tools you’ll need to roll with it
Here’s the good news: you don’t need a ton of fancy tools to make cheeseburger egg rolls. A few basics will do the trick.
- Large skillet: You’ll use this to cook the beef and onions. A non-stick skillet works great, but any large pan will do.
- Deep fryer or large skillet for frying: If you have a deep fryer, that’s fantastic for achieving an even golden brown on all sides. But no worries if you don’t have one. I usually just use a large skillet with about an inch of oil, and it works perfectly fine!
- Tongs or a slotted spoon: These are essential for safely flipping and removing the egg rolls from the hot oil without splashing.
- Paper towels: You’ll want to drain your egg rolls on paper towels after frying to keep them nice and crispy.
Step-by-step: how to make cheeseburger egg rolls (and avoid common pitfalls)
Let’s walk through how to make these crispy, golden bites of goodness. Trust me, once you get the hang of rolling the wrappers, it’s smooth sailing from there.
- Cook the beef and onions
Start by browning your ground beef and onions in a large skillet. Make sure the beef is cooked all the way through and the onions are soft. This should take about 7-8 minutes. Don’t forget to drain the fat—this step is key for keeping the filling from being too greasy. - Mix in the condiments
Once your beef is cooked, stir in the ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. I like to give it a taste here to make sure the seasoning is just right. You want that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and a little bit of sweetness from the ketchup. - Add the cheese and pickles
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese and diced pickles. The cheese will melt from the residual heat, binding the filling together, and the pickles add a nice crunch and zing. You don’t want to cook the pickles, or they’ll lose that fresh, tangy bite. - Assemble the egg rolls
This part is fun! Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom. Dab a little water along the edges to seal it shut. (I’ve had a few rolls pop open in the fryer because I didn’t seal them well enough, so make sure to give those edges a good press!) - Fry until crispy
Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the egg rolls in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. I usually do 3-4 at a time so I don’t overcrowd the pan. Once they’re done, place them on paper towels to drain.

Variations to try: spice it up or slim it down
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
- Spicy version: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a little heat. Pepper jack cheese also gives it a nice spicy kick.
- Vegan option: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute, use vegan cheese, and make sure your egg roll wrappers are vegan-friendly (some brands contain egg, so check the label). You can also skip the cheese entirely and just up the amount of pickles and onions for a tangy, veggie-packed filling.
- Low-carb alternative: Instead of egg roll wrappers, try wrapping the filling in large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas for a lighter, keto-friendly version. These won’t be fried, of course, but they still pack all the cheeseburger flavor!
Serving ideas for cheeseburger egg rolls
These egg rolls are best served hot and crispy, right out of the fryer. I love to set out a few different dipping sauces for everyone to try. Ranch dressing is a no-brainer, but BBQ sauce or even sriracha mayo are delicious options too. If you’re feeling fancy, you could whip up a quick burger sauce (a mix of mayo, ketchup, and pickles) for dipping.
To round out the meal, serve these with a fresh side salad or some crispy fries for that classic diner vibe. If you’re making them for a party, consider serving them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing, alongside a tray of fresh veggies or chips and dip.
drink pairings
When it comes to drinks, you’ll want something refreshing to balance out the richness of the egg rolls. A cold iced tea (sweet or unsweetened) is always a solid choice. Lemonade also pairs nicely, especially if you add a little mint for freshness. If you’re into something bubbly, try a sparkling water with a splash of lime or grapefruit.
Storage, reheating, and saving for later
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), you can store these egg rolls in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. To reheat, the best method is to pop them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350°F—this method works like a charm for maintaining that crunchy texture.
Scaling the recipe for more (or fewer) people
This recipe makes about 12 egg rolls, but you can easily double it if you’re feeding a crowd. Just make sure you have enough wrappers and that your oil stays hot enough while frying in batches. If you’re making these just for yourself or a small group
, you can halve the ingredients with no problem. The filling keeps well in the fridge for a day or two, so you can even make it ahead and roll and fry the egg rolls when you’re ready to eat.
Potential issues (and how to avoid them)
If your egg rolls are falling apart while frying, it’s likely that they weren’t sealed properly. Make sure you’re using a little water on the edges to stick everything together, and roll them tightly. If they’re turning out greasy, check the temperature of your oil. If it’s too low, they’ll absorb too much oil instead of frying quickly.
Give these a try—your tastebuds will thank you!
I hope you give these Cheeseburger Egg Rolls a shot. They’re a fun, creative twist on a classic that everyone will love. Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes, and don’t forget to experiment with different sauces and sides. Let me know how they turn out, and happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Yes! You can bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as frying, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Can I freeze these egg rolls?
Absolutely. You can freeze them before or after frying. If freezing before frying, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Fry them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Ranch, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, or even sriracha mayo all work great. You can get creative here!
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute. It’s a bit leaner, so you may want to add a little more seasoning to boost the flavor.
What’s the best way to keep them crispy?
Serve them immediately after frying. If you need to keep them warm, place them on a wire rack in the oven at 200°F until ready to serve.

Cheeseburger Egg Rolls Recip Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Try these crispy cheeseburger egg rolls for a fun twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for parties or a family dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced pickles
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook the beef and onions
Start by browning your ground beef and onions in a large skillet. Make sure the beef is cooked all the way through and the onions are soft. This should take about 7-8 minutes. Don’t forget to drain the fat—this step is key for keeping the filling from being too greasy. - Mix in the condiments
Once your beef is cooked, stir in the ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. I like to give it a taste here to make sure the seasoning is just right. You want that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and a little bit of sweetness from the ketchup. - Add the cheese and pickles
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese and diced pickles. The cheese will melt from the residual heat, binding the filling together, and the pickles add a nice crunch and zing. You don’t want to cook the pickles, or they’ll lose that fresh, tangy bite. - Assemble the egg rolls
This part is fun! Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom. Dab a little water along the edges to seal it shut. (I’ve had a few rolls pop open in the fryer because I didn’t seal them well enough, so make sure to give those edges a good press!) - Fry until crispy
Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the egg rolls in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. I usually do 3-4 at a time so I don’t overcrowd the pan. Once they’re done, place them on paper towels to drain.
Notes
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), you can store these egg rolls in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. To reheat, the best method is to pop them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350°F—this method works like a charm for maintaining that crunchy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers