There is nothing quite like biting into crispy, golden egg rolls bursting with bold, savory flavors that remind you of a sunny afternoon in the Southwest. The Copycat Southwest Egg Rolls Recipe is a personal favorite that combines tender chicken, melty Monterey Jack cheese, vibrant veggies, and a hint of spicy jalapeño, all wrapped in a perfectly crunchy exterior. These egg rolls are so addictive you’ll want to make a double batch, whether for a casual snack, game day feast, or an impressive appetizer at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Copycat Southwest Egg Rolls Recipe is refreshingly simple but absolutely crucial. Each element plays its part in building layers of flavor, delivering just the right balance of creaminess, texture, and that signature Southwest zest.
- Cooked chicken (1 cup, finely chopped): Provides a hearty and satisfying protein base that melds beautifully with the spices and cheese.
- Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds creamy, mild meltiness that locks in moisture and flavor.
- Black beans (¾ cup, drained and rinsed): Offer a slight earthiness and fiber-packed texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Canned corn (¾ cup, drained): Brings a subtle sweetness and pop of color for visual appeal.
- Red bell pepper (¾ cup, small-diced): Adds crunch and fresh vibrancy to every bite.
- Baby spinach (½ cup, finely chopped): Sneaks in a mild green freshness that lightens the filling.
- Scallions (2, thinly sliced): Provide mild onion sharpness that wakes up the palate.
- Pickled jalapenos (1 tablespoon, chopped): Infuse a tangy heat that defines the Southwest spice profile.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds smoky warmth and deep color.
- Ground cumin (½ teaspoon): Brings earthy, nutty notes essential to Southwest cuisine.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Offers a mellow aromatic kick.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts savory richness.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle spice and complexity.
- Egg roll wrappers: Provide that quintessential crisp, flaky exterior that holds everything together.
- Peanut oil for frying: Ideal for achieving hot, even frying with a high smoke point and delicious flavor.
- Water (for sealing wrappers): A simple helper to keep your egg rolls perfectly closed during frying.
How to Make Copycat Southwest Egg Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by combining all the filling ingredients—chicken, cheese, beans, corn, bell pepper, spinach, scallions, jalapenos, and spices—in a large bowl. Mixing thoroughly ensures every bite will be packed with flavor and texture. This vibrant mixture is the heart and soul of your egg rolls, setting the stage for that irresistible Southwest taste.
Step 2: Prepare to Seal
Pour some water into a small bowl; this will be your secret weapon for sealing the egg roll wrappers flawlessly. Moistening the wrapper’s edge ensures they stay tucked in tight while frying, so your filling doesn’t escape into the hot oil.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour peanut oil into a deep fryer or Dutch oven, aiming for about 3-4 inches deep. Heat it to 375°F (190°C). Getting the temperature just right is the key to golden, crispy egg rolls without greasy spots.
Step 4: Roll the Egg Rolls
Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner facing you like a diamond. Spoon roughly ¼ cup of the filling near the bottom center. Roll that corner tightly over the filling, fold in the left and right sides snugly, then moisten the top corner with water and finish rolling to seal. This technique keeps those flavorful pockets intact and crunchy.
Step 5: Line for Frying
Set your rolled egg rolls on a parchment-lined sheet tray to prevent sticking and make them easy to handle when frying.
Step 6: Fry Until Golden
Carefully place the egg rolls into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they reach a perfect golden brown. This crispy coating is what makes the Copycat Southwest Egg Rolls Recipe stand out—crispy outside, bursting with tender filling inside.
Step 7: Drain and Crisp
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried egg rolls to a paper-towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. For extra crispness, place them on a wire rack set over a sheet tray to allow air circulation—no soggy bottoms here!
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Cut each egg roll diagonally to reveal the colorful, flavorful filling. Serve them warm alongside avocado ranch or your favorite dipping sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Copycat Southwest Egg Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a scatter of diced tomatoes, or a dollop of cool avocado ranch dressing complement these egg rolls beautifully. These garnishes add freshness and creamy contrast that elevate every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your egg rolls with simple sides like a crisp green salad, Mexican rice, or smoky black bean dip. These options balance the richness of the egg rolls and make a complete, satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the Copycat Southwest Egg Rolls Recipe vertically in a serving platter with small bowls of assorted dipping sauces around—think chipotle mayo, salsa verde, or spicy queso. It creates an interactive dining experience that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain crunchiness, avoid stacking them directly on top of one another.
Freezing
You can freeze these egg rolls before frying. Arrange them on a baking sheet without touching, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to one month, allowing you to enjoy this favorite any time.
Reheating
To reheat, place frozen or refrigerated egg rolls on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground beef works well and adds a different flavor dimension that suits the Southwest profile. Just cook it thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Are these egg rolls spicy?
They have a gentle kick from the pickled jalapenos and chili powder, but the heat is balanced by the cheese and other ingredients. You can adjust the jalapenos to make them milder or spicier as you prefer.
Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, spray the egg rolls with cooking spray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until crisp and golden.
What dipping sauce pairs best with this recipe?
Avocado ranch is a classic choice that complements the flavors perfectly, but salsa, chipotle mayo, or a tangy cilantro lime sauce are also excellent options.
How do I keep the egg rolls from becoming soggy?
Drain them well on paper towels and then place them on a wire rack to allow air circulation. Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that brings together the bold flavors of the Southwest in a crunchy, bite-sized package, the Copycat Southwest Egg Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s approachable, vibrant, and endlessly satisfying—perfect for sharing (or not!) with friends and family. Give it a try and watch these irresistible egg rolls become your new go-to treat.
Print
Copycat Southwest Egg Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southwestern American
Description
These Copycat Southwest Egg Rolls are a crispy, flavorful appetizer filled with a tasty blend of chicken, cheese, black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables, seasoned with southwestern spices. Perfectly deep-fried to golden brown perfection, they bring a delicious twist to traditional egg rolls with a southwest flair.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¾ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup canned corn, drained
- ¾ cup small-diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh baby spinach
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped pickled jalapenos
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- Egg roll wrappers
- Peanut oil for frying
- Water (for sealing wrappers)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped cooked chicken, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, baby spinach, scallions, pickled jalapenos, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Prepare sealing water: Pour some water into a small bowl to use for sealing the egg roll wrappers.
- Heat the oil: Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or a dutch oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring there is about 3-4 inches of oil for deep frying.
- Assemble the egg rolls: Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing towards you. Place about ¼ cup of the filling mixture near the bottom center of the wrapper. Roll the bottom corner tightly over the filling, then fold the left and right sides inward over the filling. Moisten the last exposed corner of the wrapper with water using your fingertip, then continue rolling tightly until sealed.
- Set aside assembled rolls: Set the assembled egg rolls on a parchment-lined sheet tray to keep them from sticking.
- Fry the egg rolls: Once the oil reaches 375°F, fry the egg rolls in batches without overcrowding, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Then transfer them to a wire rack over a sheet tray to maintain crispiness by allowing air circulation.
- Serve: Cut the egg rolls diagonally and serve warm with avocado ranch or your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make sure the oil temperature stays steady at 375°F for the crispiest egg rolls.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Use a wire rack after frying to keep the egg rolls crispy and not soggy.
- Leftover egg rolls can be reheated in an oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Substitute chicken with cooked turkey or keep it vegetarian by omitting meat and adding more beans or vegetables.
