Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls
Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls are a fun twist on two favorites—pizza and egg rolls. Inside, you’ll find melty cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and a wonderful garlic butter flavor all…
By Ava
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Reading time: 7 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls are a fun twist on two favorites—pizza and egg rolls. Inside, you’ll find melty cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and a wonderful garlic butter flavor all wrapped up in a crispy, golden egg roll wrapper. They’re crunchy on the outside with a warm, cheesy, and slightly tangy filling that makes every bite a little celebration.
I love making these as a snack when I want something quick but special. They’re easy to customize, so if you want to add pepperoni, veggies, or extra cheese, go for it! I usually keep a jar of pizza sauce nearby for dipping because that garlic butter flavor pairs perfectly with the sauce’s tomato tang. Making them feels almost like a little kitchen adventure, and they always disappear fast when I bring them out.
These egg rolls also make a great party appetizer or a cozy movie night treat. I like putting a few on a plate with some extra pizza sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan to make them feel extra tasty. They’re simple to eat with your hands, so everyone can dig in without any fuss. Whenever I make these, they remind me that some of the best foods come from mixing favorites—you get that familiar pizza vibe wrapped up in a fun, crispy package!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Roll Wrappers: These give the rolls their crispy shell. If you want a lighter option, try spring roll wrappers, but they may crisp differently.
Mozzarella Cheese: This melts beautifully for that gooey stretch. You can substitute with provolone or a mild cheddar for a different taste.
Pizza Sauce: The tangy tomato base is key. If you don’t have pizza sauce, marinara or spaghetti sauce work fine, but watch seasoning.
Butter & Garlic: The garlic butter brushed on adds rich flavor and helps seal the egg rolls. You can use olive oil and garlic if you prefer a lighter fat option.
Italian Sausage & Pepperoni: Optional but add classic pizza flavors. For a vegetarian version, skip meat and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
How Do You Roll and Seal Egg Rolls Without Them Opening During Frying?
Wrapping these egg rolls tightly is important to keep the filling inside during frying. Follow these tips:
- Lay the wrapper diamond-side down and place filling near the bottom corner.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling snugly.
- Fold in the left and right corners to enclose the sides completely.
- Roll the wrapper tightly upward toward the remaining corner.
- Brush the final edge with garlic butter (or water) to act as glue before sealing.
- Take care to not overfill, which could cause tears or openings.
Practicing on one or two first helps build confidence. A tight wrap keeps filling in and results in that satisfying crispy outside and melty inside!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep skillet or heavy pot – perfect for frying the egg rolls evenly and safely.
- Slotted spoon – helps you lift the egg rolls out of hot oil without the oil coming along.
- Small bowl – to mix the garlic butter and brush it onto the wrappers easily.
- Pastry brush – makes spreading garlic butter and sealing the egg rolls simple and mess-free.
- Paper towels – essential for draining excess oil so your egg rolls stay crispy and not greasy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni and sausage with cooked shredded chicken for a milder but still tasty twist.
- Use ricotta cheese along with mozzarella for a creamier inside and a different texture.
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the filling for a hint of green and extra nutrients.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes inside the filling or on top for a spicy kick if you like heat.
How to Make Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chopped pepperoni slices (optional)
- ½ cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled (optional)
- 1 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Garlic Butter:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Frying and Garnish:
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Red pepper flakes or everything bagel seasoning for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to fry the egg rolls. In total, expect around 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and satisfying snack or appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic until well combined. Set this aside—it will be used to brush on the wrappers and after frying for extra flavor.
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped pepperoni, cooked sausage (if using), ½ cup of pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, chopped basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well.
3. Wrap the Egg Rolls:
Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you (like a diamond). Use a pastry brush or your finger to lightly brush the edges with the garlic butter mixture.
Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto the lower third of the wrapper, leaving space around the edges.
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners tightly around the filling. Roll the egg roll tightly upward, sealing the final corner with a little garlic butter to keep it stuck together.
Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Fry the Egg Rolls:
Heat 1-2 inches of cooking oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crisp.
Remove egg rolls using a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Add Finishing Touches and Serve:
While the egg rolls are still warm, brush or drizzle them lightly with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle with fresh basil and, if you like, a dash of red pepper flakes or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor and crunch.
Serve the egg rolls warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying These Egg Rolls?
Yes! To bake, place the wrapped egg rolls on a greased baking sheet, brush them generously with garlic butter, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the egg rolls and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. Just bring them to room temperature before cooking for even crispiness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I Customize the Filling?
Definitely! Swap out pepperoni or sausage for cooked chicken, veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or different cheeses to suit your taste. Just keep the filling relatively dry to avoid soggy wrappers.