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Looking for a creative appetizer that combines two beloved comfort foods? These Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Big Mac Sauce are exactly what you need! The Cheeseburger Egg Rolls Sauce is what truly elevates this dish from good to absolutely irresistible. This fusion recipe takes all the flavors you love from a juicy cheeseburger and wraps them in a crispy egg roll wrapper, paired with a homemade sauce that tastes just like the iconic Big Mac special sauce.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect fusion food that combines the best of American and Asian cuisines in one delicious bite
- The homemade Big Mac sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used for dipping, spreading, or drizzling on other dishes
- Great make-ahead appetizer for parties that can be prepared in advance and cooked just before serving
- Customizable filling options let you add your favorite burger toppings like bacon, jalapeños, or different cheese varieties
- Both pan-frying and air fryer cooking methods give you flexibility based on your preference and equipment
Why This Cheeseburger Egg Rolls Sauce Recipe Works
The magic of these Cheeseburger Egg Rolls lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy exterior gives way to a savory, cheesy filling that captures everything you love about a good burger. But what really makes this recipe special is the Cheeseburger Egg Rolls Sauce.
This homemade Big Mac sauce combines the tangy sweetness of Thousand Island dressing with the briny crunch of finely diced pickles. The result is a creamy, zesty dip that perfectly complements the richness of the egg rolls. It’s the same addictive flavor that makes the Big Mac so famous, but now you can enjoy it at home!
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can pan-fry the egg rolls for maximum crispiness or air fry them for a lighter option. Either way, they come out golden and crunchy on the outside, with a juicy, cheesy filling inside that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
As Allrecipes.com notes in their popular version, these egg rolls are perfect for game day gatherings, casual dinner parties, or even as a fun weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
What You’ll Need for Cheeseburger Egg Rolls Sauce
Ingredients
- For the Egg Rolls:
- 1 lb ground beef (90/10 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion, chopped super fine
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 12 oz cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- Oil for pan frying (or oil spray if air frying)
- For the Big Mac Sauce:
- 4 tbsp Thousand Island dressing (or French dressing)
- 1/4 cup pickles, finely diced (or dill pickle relish)
Tools
- Large skillet for cooking beef mixture
- Second skillet for frying egg rolls (or an air fryer)
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl of water (for sealing egg rolls)
- Paper towels
- Tongs for flipping egg rolls
- Plate lined with paper towels (for draining)
- Small bowl for sauce mixing
How to Make Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Big Mac Sauce
Follow these simple steps to create these delicious fusion appetizers:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Stir frequently and cook until most onions have a light brown color (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and continue cooking the onions and garlic for another minute until fragrant.
- Once the onions and garlic are golden brown, add your ground beef, salt, and pepper. Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks.
- Cook the meat until fully browned with no pink remaining, then remove the pan from the heat.
- Slowly add in about 1 cup of cheese. Let it melt using the residual heat of the meat mixture, stirring to combine.
- Let the mixture cool slightly (about 5-10 minutes) while you set up your egg roll wrapping station.
- Fill a small bowl with water for sealing the egg rolls. Open your egg roll wrappers package and keep a slightly damp paper towel over them to prevent drying out.
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with one point facing toward you (diamond orientation). Add 1.5 tablespoons of filling in the lower middle area, then sprinkle a little more cheese over the meat mixture.
- Fold up the bottom point over the filling, then fold in both side points. Dab water on the top point and roll up to seal completely.
- Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling, setting each completed egg roll aside.
For pan frying:
- Add enough oil to come up half an inch in a large skillet and heat to medium (about 350°F).
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add egg rolls to the pan without overcrowding.
- Fry until golden brown on one side (about 2-3 minutes), then flip and fry the other side.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
For air frying:
- Spray each egg roll thoroughly with cooking spray, ensuring even coating.
- Place in air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- Cook at 390°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
For the Big Mac Sauce:
- While the egg rolls are cooking, finely dice the pickles (skip if using relish).
- Mix the diced pickles with the Thousand Island dressing in a small bowl.
- Serve the hot egg rolls immediately with the sauce for dipping.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture while cooking – it adds that authentic burger umami taste
- Make sure your egg roll wrappers stay covered with a damp paper towel while working – they dry out quickly and won’t seal properly if they do
- Don’t overfill your egg rolls or they may burst during cooking – about 1.5 tablespoons of filling is perfect for standard-sized wrappers
- For a crispier texture when air frying, lightly spray the egg rolls again halfway through cooking after you flip them
- The Big Mac sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which actually improves the flavor as it allows the ingredients to meld
Serving and Storage Tips for Cheeseburger Egg Rolls Sauce
These Cheeseburger Egg Rolls are best served hot and fresh from the fryer or air fryer. The contrast between the crispy exterior and warm, cheesy interior is what makes them so irresistible. Always serve them with a generous amount of the Big Mac sauce on the side for dipping.
If you need to make them ahead of time, you have a few options:
- Make-ahead prep: Prepare the filling and sauce up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Roll the egg rolls up to 24 hours in advance, covering them with plastic wrap and refrigerating.
- Storage: Leftover cooked egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or in a 375°F oven for 7-10 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy.
- Freezing: Uncooked egg rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze them individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Serving Tips
Create a fun burger-themed spread by serving your Cheeseburger Egg Rolls alongside:
- Extra Big Mac sauce in individual ramekins for each guest
- A platter of pickle spears, sliced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce for those who want to add extra “burger” elements
- French fries or sweet potato fries for the complete fast-food experience
- A simple side salad to balance the richness of the egg rolls
For a more substantial meal, pair these with my Ultimate Chicken Casserole for a crowd-pleasing dinner combination that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Cheeseburger Egg Rolls Sauce
Even with a straightforward recipe like this, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overfilling the egg rolls: This is probably the most common mistake. Too much filling makes them difficult to seal and can cause them to burst during cooking.
- Not draining the ground beef: Excess grease can make your egg rolls soggy and may cause oil splatters during frying. If your beef releases a lot of fat, drain it before adding the cheese.
- Oil temperature issues: If your oil isn’t hot enough, the egg rolls will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll brown too quickly without cooking through. Aim for around 350°F.
- Skimping on the sauce ingredients: The Big Mac sauce is what makes these special! Don’t substitute with plain mayo or another dressing – the specific combination of Thousand Island and pickles creates that authentic flavor.
- Not sealing properly: Make sure to use enough water to seal the edges completely. Any openings will allow the filling to leak out during cooking.
As Chef Justin Warner from Food Network points out, the key to perfect egg rolls is proper sealing technique and careful temperature control during cooking.
You Must Know
- The cheese continues to melt after cooking, so let the egg rolls rest for 1-2 minutes before serving to prevent mouth burns from molten cheese
- If your Big Mac sauce seems too thick, you can thin it with a little pickle juice for extra flavor rather than water
- Egg roll wrappers are different from spring roll wrappers – make sure you’re using the thicker, wheat-based egg roll wrappers for this recipe
- For a lower-carb option, you can serve the cheeseburger mixture in lettuce cups with the Big Mac sauce drizzled on top instead of using egg roll wrappers
Suggestions for Cheeseburger Egg Rolls Sauce
While the classic Big Mac sauce is delicious, you can create variations to suit your taste preferences:
- Spicy version: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or hot sauce to the Big Mac sauce for a kick of heat.
- Smoky twist: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika and a few drops of liquid smoke for a BBQ burger flavor.
- Garlic lover’s sauce: Add a clove of finely minced fresh garlic or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder to the sauce.
- Herb-infused: Stir in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives.
You can also experiment with the egg roll filling itself:
- Add crumbled bacon for a bacon cheeseburger version
- Mix in chopped mushrooms sautéed with the onions
- Use different cheese varieties like pepper jack, blue cheese, or Swiss
- Add finely diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and color
For a complete meal, serve these alongside my Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for a surf-and-turf inspired dinner that’s sure to impress.
If you’re looking for a sweet finish to your meal, my 5-Ingredient Easy Keto Cloud Cake makes a perfect light dessert after these rich egg rolls.
FAQs:
Absolutely! The Big Mac sauce actually improves in flavor when made 1-2 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving as some separation might occur.
For the crispiest results, reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or in a conventional oven at 375°F for 7-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy. The sauce can be served cold or at room temperature.
You can freeze the assembled but uncooked egg rolls for up to 3 months. Freeze them individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. The sauce should be stored separately in the refrigerator, not frozen.
If you don’t have Thousand Island dressing, you can make your own by mixing 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. French dressing or Russian dressing also work as substitutes in a pinch.
Yes! You can make a vegetarian version by using plant-based ground meat substitute and ensuring your Thousand Island dressing is vegetarian (some contain Worcestershire sauce which may have anchovies). The sauce itself is vegetarian as long as the dressing you use is. For a completely vegan version, use vegan mayo-based dressing and plant-based cheese.
Conclusion
These Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Big Mac Sauce represent the perfect fusion of classic American flavors wrapped in a crispy Asian-inspired package. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Cheeseburger Egg Rolls Sauce – that creamy, tangy Big Mac-inspired dip that takes these appetizers to the next level.
Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, planning a fun family dinner, or just looking to switch up your appetizer game, these egg rolls deliver big flavor in every bite. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and that iconic sauce creates a nostalgic flavor that everyone will recognize and love.
Best of all, this recipe is adaptable to your preferences and cooking equipment. Pan-fry for maximum crispiness or air fry for a lighter option – either way, you’ll end up with a crowd-pleasing dish that disappears quickly! Don’t forget to make extra sauce – you’ll find yourself wanting to dip everything in it!
Give these Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Big Mac Sauce a try at your next gathering, and watch how quickly they become a requested favorite. The familiar flavors in a fun new format are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages!
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📖 Recipe Card

Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Big Mac Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg rolls 1x
Description
Crispy egg rolls filled with savory ground beef and melted cheese, served with a homemade Big Mac sauce that perfectly captures the iconic flavor of the classic burger.
Ingredients
For the Egg Rolls:
- 1 lb ground beef (90/10 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion, chopped super fine
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 12 oz cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- Oil for pan frying (or oil spray if air frying
For the Big Mac Sauce:
- 4 tbsp Thousand Island dressing (or French dressing)
- 1/4 cup pickles, finely diced (or dill pickle relish)
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Stir frequently and cook until most onions have a light brown color (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and continue cooking the onions and garlic for another minute until fragrant.
- Once the onions and garlic are golden brown, add your ground beef, salt, and pepper. Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks.
- Cook the meat until fully browned with no pink remaining, then remove the pan from the heat.
- Slowly add in about 1 cup of cheese. Let it melt using the residual heat of the meat mixture, stirring to combine.
- Let the mixture cool slightly (about 5-10 minutes) while you set up your egg roll wrapping station.
- Fill a small bowl with water for sealing the egg rolls. Open your egg roll wrappers package and keep a slightly damp paper towel over them to prevent drying out.
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with one point facing toward you (diamond orientation). Add 1.5 tablespoons of filling in the lower middle area, then sprinkle a little more cheese over the meat mixture.
- Fold up the bottom point over the filling, then fold in both side points. Dab water on the top point and roll up to seal completely.
- Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling, setting each completed egg roll aside.
- For pan frying: Add enough oil to come up half an inch in a large skillet and heat to medium (about 350°F).
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add egg rolls to the pan without overcrowding.
- Fry until golden brown on one side (about 2-3 minutes), then flip and fry the other side.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- For air frying: Spray each egg roll thoroughly with cooking spray, ensuring even coating.
- Place in air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- Cook at 390°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- For the Big Mac Sauce: While the egg rolls are cooking, finely dice the pickles (skip if using relish).
- Mix the diced pickles with the Thousand Island dressing in a small bowl.
- Serve the hot egg rolls immediately with the sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture while cooking – it adds that authentic burger umami taste
- Make sure your egg roll wrappers stay covered with a damp paper towel while working – they dry out quickly and won’t seal properly if they do
- Don’t overfill your egg rolls or they may burst during cooking – about 1.5 tablespoons of filling is perfect for standard-sized wrappers
- For a crispier texture when air frying, lightly spray the egg rolls again halfway through cooking after you flip them
- The Big Mac sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which actually improves the flavor as it allows the ingredients to meld
- The cheese continues to melt after cooking, so let the egg rolls rest for 1-2 minutes before serving to prevent mouth burns from molten cheese
- If your Big Mac sauce seems too thick, you can thin it with a little pickle juice for extra flavor rather than water
- Egg roll wrappers are different from spring roll wrappers – make sure you’re using the thicker, wheat-based egg roll wrappers for this recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Fried or Air Fried
- Cuisine: Fusion
Keywords: fusion appetizers, party food, game day snacks, burger egg rolls, homemade Big Mac sauce, air fryer appetizers, make-ahead finger food, dipping sauce