Crispy Golden Brown Rolls

These crispy golden brown egg rolls bring together a flaky shell with a flavorful blend of seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables. The touch of Cajun spices and garlic powder delivers a Southern inspired kick that makes each bite memorable. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, these egg rolls offer a satisfying crunch and a hearty filling, making them great for gatherings or quick snacks.

I first made these during a casual weekend get together, and now they are always requested whenever friends come over

Ingredients

• Ground beef: one pound rich in protein and forms the hearty filling
• Shredded cheddar cheese: one cup adds creamy melty texture and sharp flavor choose a good quality sharp cheddar if possible
• Chopped green onions: half a cup for fresh mild onion bite and a pop of color
• Shredded carrots: half a cup contributes subtle sweetness and crunch
• Cajun seasoning: one tablespoon boosts bold Southern spice check for a blend with smoked paprika and garlic for best flavor
• Garlic powder: one teaspoon deepens the savory taste
• Egg roll wrappers: ten to twelve soft but sturdy wrappers that crisp nicely when fried look for fresh or high quality frozen
• Vegetable oil for frying: pick a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil

Instructions

Sauté the Ground Beef:

Cook ground beef in a medium skillet over medium heat until fully browned with no pink remaining Drain any excess grease carefully to avoid oily egg rolls

Season the Meat:

Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and garlic powder stirring to coat evenly Set the meat aside to cool just enough to handle safely

Mix the Filling:

Transfer the seasoned beef into a large bowl Add shredded cheddar cheese green onions and shredded carrots Stir everything gently until combined

Prepare the Wrappers:

Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on your work surface positioned like a diamond shape with a corner pointing toward you

Add the Filling:

Spoon about two to three tablespoons of the filling near the center of the wrapper but slightly closer to the bottom corner so wrapping is easier

Fold and Roll:

Fold the bottom corner over the filling Next fold in the two side corners tightly to encase the filling completely Roll the wrapper upward to the top corner making a tight cylinder

Seal the Edge:

Use a dab of water along the top corner to seal the wrapper securely to prevent it from opening during frying

Heat the Oil:

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to a depth of about two inches Heat to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred seventy five Celsius using a thermometer for accuracy

Fry the Egg Rolls:

Place egg rolls carefully into hot oil in small batches so they don't stick together Fry for about three to four minutes turning occasionally until the wrappers are crispy and golden brown all over

Drain and Serve:

Remove the fried egg rolls with tongs and place on a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce

One of my favorite things about this recipe is the Cajun seasoning It brings a comforting warmth and zest that reminds me of family gatherings in the South where bold flavors always make the party better

Storage Tips

Store leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within three days To reheat bake in a preheated oven at three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit for about ten minutes to keep them crispy rather than microwaving which can soften the wrapper

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten the calorie count without sacrificing protein You can use mozzarella instead of cheddar for a milder cheese flavor If you don't have Cajun seasoning mix paprika with a pinch of cayenne pepper garlic powder and onion powder for a similar effect

Serving Suggestions

Serve these egg rolls with creamy ranch spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy sweet chili dipping sauce Pair with a simple crisp salad or coleslaw to balance the richness These also make a great side to a bowl of gumbo or jambalaya for a full Southern inspired meal

These crispy egg rolls are perfect for parties and can be prepared ahead and frozen for quick frying. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I keep the rolls crispy after frying?

Drain the rolls on paper towels immediately after frying and serve while hot. Avoid stacking to prevent sogginess.

→ Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and freeze them uncooked for up to three months. Fry directly from frozen for convenience.

→ What is the best oil for frying these rolls?

Use vegetable or any neutral oil with a high smoke point for even frying and optimal crispiness.

→ How do I prevent the wrappers from bursting while frying?

Avoid overfilling and seal edges properly with water. Double-wrapping can add extra protection.

→ Can I customize the filling to suit different tastes?

Absolutely. Try swapping ground beef for chicken or turkey, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spices to your liking.