Southwest Egg Roll Recipe

Indulge your taste buds in a culinary adventure with my Southwest Egg Roll recipe – a delicious twist on the classic that brings the vibrant flavors of the Southwest to your table. Personally, I find joy in imagining the perfect harmony of crispy goodness on the outside and a hearty burst of southwestern zest within.

These egg rolls aren’t just a snack or appetizer; they’re a flavor-packed journey waiting to unfold. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a creative dinner option, these Southwest Egg Rolls are bound to leave a lasting impression. 

Since this recipe is very simple, soon you’ll find yourself creating a dish that steals the spotlight at any occasion. The crispiness of the exterior coupled with the robust filling makes these egg rolls a true crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the Southwest with me and roll up a storm in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious: Every bite is a harmonious melody of savory chicken, beans, cheese, and spices, wrapped in a golden-brown shell.
• Easier than you think: This recipe breaks down the process into manageable steps, making the art of egg roll making accessible to all.
• Simple ingredients: No need for a lengthy shopping list; this recipe uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find.
• Freezer friendly: Make a large batch and freeze some for a quick snack or meal later on.

 Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The combination of tender chicken, bold spices, and creamy cheese will make these Southwest Egg Rolls a new favorite in your recipe card collection. Plus, they’re reminiscent of chicken taquitos, only packed with more Southwestern flair.

Ingredients 

• Egg roll wrappers: The base of your culinary canvas, ready to be filled with a delightful mixture.
• Shredded chicken: For convenience and flavor, rotisserie chicken is a great choice for a quick and tasty filling.
• Black beans: Adds a hearty texture and a boost of protein.
• Produce: Corn, bell pepper, and onion create a fresh and colorful filling.
• Shredded cheese: Monterey jack brings a creamy and melty component to each bite.
• Spices: Garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper offer the quintessential Southwest taste.
• Oil for frying: Essential for achieving that irresistible crunch.
• Dipping sauce: A blend of cream cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and salsa makes for a tangy and refreshing accompaniment.

The selected ingredients work together to give these Southwest Egg Rolls their distinctive flavor and texture. Make sure to have your cream cheese at room temperature to ensure a smooth dipping sauce. The Monterrey jack cheese melts perfectly, binding the filling ingredients together inside the crispy wrapper.

Cooking Instructions

Creating the perfect Southwest Egg Rolls involves a series of steps that transform simple ingredients into a delicious and satisfying dish. The process is straightforward, and the result is a delightful selection of cooked egg rolls, ready to be devoured.

Follow these instructions carefully to ensure each roll is filled with flavor and cooked to perfection. Whether you choose to pan-fry, air-fry, bake, or deep-fry, these egg rolls will be a hit at your next meal or gathering.

Make the Filling Mixture

Begin by sautéing the produce on medium high heat. The heat and stir technique is crucial here, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld together. This step sets the foundation for the filling, ensuring each component is cooked just right.

Add diced jalapeno peppers to the mix, if desired, for an extra kick. Remember to stir occasionally, allowing the heat to do its magic, softening the peppers and infusing the mixture with their spicy flavor.

Combine the Ingredients

Once your vegetables are sautéed, it’s time to introduce the rotisserie chicken and cream cheese to the medley. The cream cheese adds a creamy texture that complements the shredded chicken perfectly.

Mix in the cup shredded Monterrey jack cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This will provide a gooey, cheesy consistency that’s characteristic of the best Southwest Egg Rolls.

Fill Egg Roll Wrapper

With your filling prepared, lay out the egg roll wrappers and spoon the mixture onto each one. Be mindful of the amount, as overfilling can lead to leaks during cooking.

Distribute the filling ingredients evenly across the wrappers, leaving enough space around the edges to seal them properly. This ensures a tight wrap and prevents any of the delicious filling from escaping during the cooking process.

Roll it Up

Rolling up your Southwest Egg Rolls is an art in itself. Start by folding over the bottom corner, then the sides, and roll it tightly towards the top corner. A dab of water can help seal the edges, ensuring they stay closed as they cook.

Rolling them snugly is key to maintaining their shape and ensuring the filling stays encased within the crispy exterior. Take your time with this step to achieve the perfect roll.

Cook (Pan Fry, Air Fry, Bake or Deep Fry)

To cook your Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls, choose from pan-frying, air-frying, baking, or deep-frying. Each method offers a different texture and flavor profile to the final product. Apply nonstick cooking spray if air-frying or baking to achieve that golden-brown finish.

Remember to follow the recipe card closely, especially when measuring the oil for frying. A ¼ cup is typically sufficient for pan-frying, while deep-frying will require more. Ensure you evenly cook the rolls until they reach a delectable golden-brown color, and the filling ingredients are heated through.

Serve With Dipping Sauce

Once cooked, serve your Southwest Egg Rolls with the prepared dipping sauce. The creamy texture and tangy flavor of the sauce make it the perfect complement to the spicy and savory rolls.

Place the sauce in a bowl for easy sharing, and watch as your guests or family members eagerly dip their egg rolls, enjoying the burst of flavors with each bite.

Which Cooking Method is the Best for this Recipe?

Deciding on the best cooking method for Southwest Egg Rolls depends on your preference for texture and convenience. Pan-frying offers a traditionally crispy exterior, while air-frying provides a healthier alternative with less oil.

Deep-frying will give you the crispiest shell, but requires more oil and attention to safety. Baking is the most hands-off method, delivering a crunch with fewer calories. Experiment to find which method suits your tastes and lifestyle best.

Pan Fry

Pan-frying Southwest Egg Rolls in oil on the stove is a classic approach that results in a golden brown exterior with a satisfying crunch. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan, and once hot, carefully place the egg rolls in the oil, cooking them for 4-5 minutes.

Ensure not to overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy rolls. Instead, cook in batches if necessary and let the cooked egg rolls drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve with cilantro sauce for a fresh twist.

Air Fry

For a less oily option, air frying is an excellent method. Coat your Southwest Egg Rolls lightly with nonstick cooking spray or brush with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to encourage browning. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch for even cooking.

Set the air fryer to cook for 4-5 minutes, flip the egg rolls, and continue cooking until they’re crisp and heated through. This method uses less oil, making it a healthier option that still delivers on taste and texture.

Deep Fry

Deep-frying Southwest Egg Rolls brings out their ultimate crispiness. Fill a pot with enough oil on the stove to completely submerge the egg rolls and heat to medium high heat. Once the oil reaches the correct temperature, carefully slide in the egg rolls.

Deep-fry until they turn golden brown, then remove and drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This method produces a delightfully crunchy shell that’s hard to resist.

Baking

Baking your Southwest egg rolls is a great alternative for those looking for a healthier option. To achieve the desired golden brown finish, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and brush each egg roll with a light coating of oil before placing them on a baking sheet. Ensure they are not touching to allow the heat to circulate evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are crisp and golden.

For those who prefer a less oily approach, you can also use an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees, place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning once. The air fryer mimics the results of deep frying, yielding a crunchy texture without the extra grease.

Substitutions and Variations

For those looking to customize their Southwest egg rolls, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to try. Make it spicier by adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice for added protein. Here are some ideas:

• Make it spicier: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or increase the chili powder.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with 1 cup cooked quinoa or extra veggies.
• Change the wrap: Use corn tortillas cut into egg roll shapes for a gluten-free option.

Feel free to get creative with the ingredients you have on hand. If you don’t have black beans, try using pinto beans or even lentils. For cheese lovers, mixing in different types of cheese can add new flavors to your egg rolls. The key is to maintain the balance of textures and flavors that make these egg rolls so delightful.

Tips for the Best Southwest Egg Rolls

To ensure your Southwest egg rolls turn out perfectly, here are some tried and true tips. First, don’t overfill the wrappers; use the right amount of filling mixture to avoid bursting during cooking. Make sure the temperature of the oil is hot enough for frying – around 350 degrees Fahrenheit – so the cooked egg rolls are crispy and not soggy.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying in small batches ensures even cooking and crispiness.
• Seal the edges: Use a little water to seal the edges of the wrappers for a tight roll.
• Keep it authentic: Inspired by Chili’s restaurant, try to stick to the original Tex-Mex flavor profile.

After cooking, let the egg rolls rest on a cooling rack rather than paper towels; this will help them stay crisp. Remember, leftover egg rolls can be reheated, so don’t throw them away. Lastly, if you’re a fan of the ones at Cheesecake Factory, pay attention to the seasoning in your filling mixture for that signature taste.

What to Serve the Southwest Egg Rolls With?

Southwest egg rolls are versatile and can be paired with numerous sides and sauces. For a complete Tex-Mex experience, consider these accompaniments:

• Fresh cilantro and pico de gallo for a zesty fresh flavor.
• A dipping sauce made in a food processor with avocado, sour cream, and fresh lime juice.
• Tex Mex staples like guacamole, salsa, and queso for dipping.

These crispy Southwest egg rolls also make for a fantastic party appetizer. Serve them with a variety of sauces so guests can choose their favorite. For a lighter option, a side salad with fresh spinach or finely chopped fresh parsley can balance out the richness of the egg rolls.

Remember to slice some lime wedges for squeezing, as a hint of citrus can really elevate the flavors. If you’re serving these as a main dish, consider pairing with Spanish rice or a bean salad for a hearty and satisfying meal.

How to Meal Prep

Meal prepping Southwest egg rolls is a breeze and a great way to ensure you have a quick and tasty meal on hand. Below are a few tips:

• Prepare the filling ahead and store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
• When ready to assemble, lay out wrappers and place the chilled filling in the center.
• Roll the egg rolls tightly, seal the edges, and cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• For even faster preparation, pre-roll the egg rolls and store them in the fridge on a tray covered with plastic wrap.
• When ready to cook, heat oil or preheat the oven and cook the pre-assembled egg rolls.
• Enjoy fresh, homemade egg rolls in just minutes with this efficient and time-saving approach.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

For any leftover or premade Southwest egg rolls, storage and reheating are simple. The following are some helpful suggestions:

• Leftover or Premade Egg Rolls:
  • Once cooled, store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy.
  • Alternatively, use an air fryer set to 375°F for 4-5 minutes.
• Storing Uncooked Egg Rolls:
  • Thaw briefly at room temperature or cook straight from the fridge.
  • Ensure proper sealing of edges to prevent filling leakage.
  • Cover with plastic wrap in the mixing bowl to prevent drying out.
  • Enjoy freshly cooked egg rolls at your convenience.

Wrap-Up!

In summary, Southwest egg rolls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them baked, fried, or as a make-ahead meal prep option, they’re sure to be a hit. Remember to use these tips and tricks to ensure your egg rolls are as tasty as they can be!

Now that you’re equipped with the know-how for making perfect Southwest egg rolls, it’s time to get rolling! Invite friends over for a Tex-Mex feast or enjoy them as a delightful snack. Happy cooking!