Garlic butter pizza egg rolls
Garlic butter pizza egg rolls are a fun twist on two of my favorite things: gooey pizza and crispy egg rolls. Inside each roll, you'll find melty cheese, pepperoni, and…
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Garlic butter pizza egg rolls are a fun twist on two of my favorite things: gooey pizza and crispy egg rolls. Inside each roll, you’ll find melty cheese, pepperoni, and that rich garlic butter flavor that just makes everything better. The outside gets perfectly crunchy, making every bite a little crispy, a little chewy, and totally satisfying.
I love making these when I want a snack that feels special but doesn’t take forever. One of my favorite tricks is to brush a little extra garlic butter on the egg rolls right before baking or frying for that extra pop of flavor. It makes the kitchen smell amazing and the rolls taste even better. I always keep a few of these ready for when friends stop by because they’re such a hit every time!
These egg rolls are great on their own or served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. I like to pop them on a plate and enjoy them with a cold drink and good company, making easy and fun gatherings even better. If you like pizza but want something a little different, this is a great recipe to try.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg roll wrappers: These are thinner than regular tortillas and get super crispy. If you can’t find them, spring roll wrappers work too but may be a bit more delicate. Tortillas won’t crisp the same way.
Mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic pizza stretch. You can swap with provolone or a mild cheddar for a different flavor.
Pepperoni: Traditional and adds a nice spicy kick. For a vegetarian option, try sliced olives, mushrooms, or vegan pepperoni.
Garlic butter: The star flavor mix! Making it fresh with real garlic is best, but garlic powder in melted butter works in a pinch.
Pizza sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce. Marinara or tomato basil sauces also work well here.
How Do You Wrap and Seal Egg Rolls Without Them Falling Apart?
Wrapping pizza egg rolls tight keeps the filling inside while cooking. Here’s what I do:
- Place the wrapper in a diamond shape with one corner facing you.
- Don’t overfill — about 2 tablespoons of filling is just right.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then tuck in the sides toward the center.
- Roll up tightly but gently to avoid tearing the wrapper.
- Use a beaten egg or water to wet the top corner before sealing like glue.
- Let them sit for a minute before frying or baking to help them stick better.
This method keeps your egg rolls neat and crispy, and no filling leaks out while cooking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed skillet – perfect for frying egg rolls evenly and safely.
- Small bowl – to mix the garlic butter and for the beaten egg sealant.
- Pastry brush – makes it easy to spread garlic butter evenly on wrappers and finished egg rolls.
- Tongs – you’ll need these to flip and remove the hot egg rolls from the oil without burning your fingers.
- Paper towels – essential for draining excess oil and keeping the egg rolls crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage for a heartier, spicier filling.
- Add chopped spinach or kale to sneak in some greens and boost nutrition.
- Try replacing mozzarella with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a sharper, creamier taste.
- Include diced mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra texture and natural sweetness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 large egg roll wrappers
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg roll sealing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time plus around 10 minutes for frying. So, overall, you should plan on about 30 minutes to make and enjoy your garlic butter pizza egg rolls.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic. Set this aside—it’s used for both brushing the wrappers and the cooked egg rolls later.
2. Prepare and Fill Egg Rolls:
Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface so it looks like a diamond. Brush a thin layer of garlic butter over it. Near the bottom, add about 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella, a few slices of pepperoni, and 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce. Sprinkle some Parmesan and Italian seasoning over the filling.
3. Roll and Seal:
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold the sides inward, and roll up tightly. Use a little beaten egg on the top corner to seal the roll well. Repeat with all remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Fry Egg Rolls:
Heat about 1-2 inches of oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the egg rolls in batches, turning them now and then, until they’re golden brown and crispy—about 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. Finish and Serve:
While the egg rolls are still warm, brush them with the remaining garlic butter for extra flavor. Sprinkle with more Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy!
Can I Bake Instead of Frying These Egg Rolls?
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the egg rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush them with garlic butter, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and crispy.
Can I Make These Egg Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can roll and assemble the egg rolls, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying or baking. Just cover them tightly to prevent drying out.
How Do I Store Leftover Egg Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy – microwaving can make the wrappers soggy.
What Can I Use Instead of Pepperoni?
You can substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage, ham, or even veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers for a vegetarian version. Just make sure the fillings aren’t too wet to avoid soggy egg rolls.
