Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are a delicious fusion dish that brings together the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich with the crispy goodness of egg rolls. With tender steak, melty cheese, and fresh veggies wrapped up and fried to perfection, these appetizers are sure to be a hit at any party or get-together.
But what really takes these tasty treats over the top is finding the perfect dipping sauce to complement all those delicious flavors inside. From zesty and herbaceous to creamy and indulgent, having the right sauce can make your Philly cheesesteak egg rolls truly unforgettable.
To help you figure out which sauces pair best, here’s a look at 12 of my personal favorites to serve alongside these crispy bundles of joy. Get ready to find your new favorite way to eat Philly cheesesteak egg rolls!
1. Tangy Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri is a bright green Argentinian sauce that gets its vibrant color from fresh parsley and cilantro. It has a lovely tanginess from vinegar paired with the mellow heat of red pepper flakes. When drizzled over Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, it helps cut through the richness of the cheese and adds a delightful herby flavor.
To make chimichurri even more suited to the egg rolls, try adding minced garlic for a punch of flavor or swap in cilantro if you’re a fan of its distinct taste. You can even play around with citrus juices like lime or lemon to tweak the tanginess. Serve it alongside as a dipping sauce or drizzle it generously on top for an extra flavor boost.
2. Sweet and Savory Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is a staple condiment for Philly cheesesteaks, bringing its addictive sweet and salty glaze to complement the steak. Using it as a dip for the egg rolls is a no-brainer. The teriyaki perfectly balances out the rich filling with its sticky sweetness.
To change things up, you could add some grated ginger or sesame oil to the teriyaki for some extra dimension. Mixing in a bit of mayo or Greek yogurt yields a creamy dipping sauce consistency that’s perfect for dunking the piping hot egg rolls. For extra indulgence, drizzle some teriyaki over the egg rolls just before serving for a pop of shiny glaze.
3. Fiery Buffalo Sauce
If you like a little heat with your appetizers, buffalo sauce is the perfect choice for your Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. The spicy, buttery flavor of the hot sauce pairs perfectly with the cool and creamy fillings inside the egg roll wrapper.
Make your buffalo sauce stand out by mixing in some crumbled blue cheese, minced garlic or chopped green onions. For even more kick, add a few splashes of hot sauce like Tabasco or Sriracha. The possibilities are endless for customizing the heat level and flavor. Serve with celery sticks and ranch dressing on the side to balance out the burning spice!
4. Creamy Ranch Dip
What better dip for fried appetizers than the king of creamy dips – ranch! The cool, tangy and herby flavor is the ideal complement to hot and crispy egg rolls. It also helps cut through the richness of the cheesesteak filling.
Jazz up your basic ranch by adding minced garlic, snipped chives or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor. Mix in some crumbled bacon or blue cheese for even more depth. You could even swap Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a healthier dip. Drizzle the ranch over the egg rolls or serve it alongside for satisfying dipping.
5. Sweet and Spicy Thai Chili Sauce
For those who like both sweet and heat, Thai chili sauce is the way to go. The bright red sauce packs a pleasing punch of chili pepper blended with garlic, vinegar and sugar. The sweet and spicy blend pairs perfectly with the Philly cheesesteak egg rolls.
Make it your own by adding a squeeze of lime juice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a few chopped scallions. You could also mix in some mayo or peanut butter for a creamier chili dipping sauce. Drizzle it generously over the egg rolls or use it as a dip – either way, it adds lots of bright flavor.
6. Zesty Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a tried and true pairing for any Italian-style appetizer. With its tomatoey flavor and notes of garlic, onion and Italian herbs, it’s a foolproof match with Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. The richness of the sauce offsets the fried egg roll wrapper beautifully.
Add your own spin by mixing in roasted red peppers, sauteed mushrooms or a splash of balsamic vinegar. Grate in some Parmesan cheese for added depth. You can even top the egg rolls with mozzarella and broil them briefly with marinara on top for easy cheesesteak egg roll pizzas. Serve marinara warm in a bowl for dipping the crispy egg rolls.
7. Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
The flavor of roasted red peppers transforms into an incredible sauce for Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. Roasting the peppers caramelizes their natural sugars for sweetness and gives them a wonderfully smoky flavor. Blend them into a sauce along with garlic, olive oil and spices.
For extra smokiness, add a few splashes of smoked paprika. You can also mix in some sun dried tomatoes, capers or Italian herbs. Drizzle the sauce generously over the freshly fried egg rolls or serve it alongside for dipping. The sweet and smoky flavor complements the filling perfectly.
8. Bright and Creamy Avocado Sauce
For a fresh, creamy dipping sauce, you can’t go wrong with avocado! Blending avocado with Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro and spices yields a vibrant green sauce that pairs perfectly with Philly cheesesteak egg rolls.
Get creative by adding jalapeños, green onions or chopped parsley to the sauce for extra flavor. A sprinkle of paprika on top adds a pop of color and smokiness. The cool and creamy avocado sauce balances the hot egg roll filling with a refreshing flavor. You can even add it to the egg rolls for a fun twist!
9. Indulgent Cheese Fondue
Channel your inner child and bust out the fondue pot for dipping these decadent egg rolls! Swiss and Gruyère cheese melted into a creamy dip is a decadent pairing with the cheesesteak filled appetizers. The combo of gooey fondued cheese and melty cheesesteak is next level.
For even more richness, stir some white wine, Dijon mustard or nutmeg into your cheese dip. Offer crunchy bits of bread or veggies alongside for fellow guests not digging into the egg rolls. Cheese fondue takes these appetizers up a notch into utter cheesy bliss.
10. Classic Blue Cheese Dip
Blue cheese dip is a familiar friend when it comes to appetizers. Its tangy, creamy and salty flavor pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. The cool dip is the ideal balance for the hot, crispy egg rolls fresh out of the fryer.
To customize your blue cheese dip, mix in hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chopped scallions or minced garlic. Consider swapping in Gorgonzola or smoky Stilton for new blue cheese flavors. Drizzle the dip over the egg rolls or serve it as a dip – either way, it makes for a crowd-pleasing pairing.
11. Sweet and Spicy Honey Mustard Dip
Honey mustard is a versatile condiment that can be used in endless ways as a sauce for Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. It has the perfect balance of sweet honey flavor mixed with savory mustard and spice. The sauce helps cut through the indulgent filling and adds great flavor.
Make it your own by mixing in hot sauce, brown sugar or chopped pickled jalapeños for some extra spice and tang. You could also add mayo and garlic powder to turn it into a creamy dip for dunking. Drizzle it on or serve it on the side – the sweet and spicy flavor complements the egg rolls fantastically.
12. Cool and Creamy Salsa Ranch
For the best of both worlds, whip up this mashup sauce combining zesty salsa and creamy ranch. Roasted salsa and buttermilk ranch dressing get blended together for a dip that’s tangy, cooling and full of flavor. It’s the ultimate partner for your hot and hearty Philly cheesesteak egg rolls.
Get creative with your salsa ranch by adding taco seasoning, chipotle peppers or cilantro for a boost of extra flavor. You could even swap in Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing for a healthier dip. Dunk your egg rolls or drizzle this sauce on top for maximum tastiness.
Putting It All Together
As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to finding the perfect sauce for your Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. Depending on your tastes, you can keep it simple with just ranch or teriyaki. Or, get adventurous and whip up a custom chimichurri or spicy honey mustard dip.
The beauty of making these appetizers at home is that you can play around and create the ideal pairing. Try out a few different options from this list to discover your go-to sauce. Just remember – no matter which sauce you choose, enjoy those pillowy egg roll wrappers and flavor-packed cheesesteak innards in every bite. Dig in!
FAQs
What are the most popular sauce options for Philly cheesesteak egg rolls?
Some of the most popular sauces for these egg rolls are ranch, teriyaki sauce, buffalo sauce, blue cheese sauce, salsa, and chimichurri sauce. These all pair well with the classic Philly flavors inside the egg roll.
What’s the best way to add more flavor to basic sauces?
There are lots of creative ways to add extra flavor to basic sauces for egg rolls. Try mixing ranch with hot sauce or blue cheese crumbles. Add ginger and sesame to teriyaki for a kick. Mix salsa with Greek yogurt for a creamier texture. Stir chopped herbs into chimichurri for freshness. Get creative!
Should I dip the egg rolls or drizzle sauce on top?
This comes down to personal preference! Dipping allows you to control the sauce level with each bite. Drizzling or tossing the egg rolls in sauce covers every bite with flavor. For a combo approach, drizzle extra sauce over any bare spots after dipping.
How long will homemade sauces stay fresh in the fridge?
Most homemade sauces for egg rolls will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Oil-based sauces like chimichurri may last a bit longer. Make sure to store the sauces in airtight containers. Allow them to come to room temp before serving for best flavor.
Should sauce be served warm or at room temperature?
Again, this depends on the specific sauce. Warm sauces like cheese fondue, marinara or teriyaki are best served hot. Chili oil and vinaigrette-style sauces can be served at room temp. Sauces using dairy like ranch and blue cheese are best chilled.
What’s the best sauce for folks who don’t like spicy food?
For mild sauces stick with options like teriyaki, honey mustard, ranch and blue cheese dressing. Avoid sauces with raw chilies like buffalo, chimichurri or Thai chili sauce to keep the heat level down.
Can I make sauce in advance if I’m preparing egg rolls for a party?
Absolutely! Making sauces 1-2 days ahead helps develop the flavors. Store tightly covered in the fridge until ready to reheat or bring to room temp before serving. This helps minimize hosting day stress.
What’s the best sauce for Philly cheesesteak egg roll newbies?
If you’re new to these egg rolls, start with familiar favorites like ranch, blue cheese or teriyaki. This lets the core flavors shine through. As you try them again, venture into zestier sauces like chimichurri or spicy buffalo sauce.
Sauces that Go with Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Ingredients
- Tangy Chimichurri Sauce
- Sweet and Savory Teriyaki Sauce
- Fiery Buffalo Sauce
- Creamy Ranch Dip
- Sweet and Spicy Thai Chili Sauce
- Zesty Marinara Sauce
- Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- Bright and Creamy Avocado Sauce
- Indulgent Cheese Fondue
- Classic Blue Cheese Dip
- Sweet and Spicy Honey Mustard Dip
- Cool and Creamy Salsa Ranch
Instructions
- Sauté thinly sliced steak and onions until cooked through.
- Add steak and onions to egg roll wrappers along with sliced cheese like provolone or whiz.
- Roll up wrappers securely into egg roll form. Brush edges with egg wash to seal.
- Fry egg rolls in oil at 350°F until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towel lined plate.
- Make your dipping sauce while egg rolls fry.
- Mix ranch dressing with a little milk to thin it out for dipping.
- Heat up store bought marinara or nacho cheese sauce.
- Serve crispy cheesesteak egg rolls with ramekins of your favorite dipping sauce.