Welcome to a culinary adventure where classic American comfort meets an exciting Asian twist! Today, we’re diving deep into the creation of these incredible French Dip Egg Rolls. Imagine the savory, rich flavors of a beloved French Dip sandwich – tender roast beef, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese – all perfectly encased in a golden, crispy, and utterly satisfying egg roll wrapper. This dish offers the ultimate crispy, crunchy exterior that gives way to a perfectly flavored, warm, and hearty interior, making it an irresistible appetizer or a fantastic meal on its own.
A Beloved Sandwich Reimagined: The French Dip Egg Roll
For many, the French Dip Sandwich holds a special place in their hearts as a quintessential comfort food. That exquisite combination of thinly sliced roast beef, often paired with provolone or Swiss cheese, nestled in a soft baguette and served with a side of savory au jus for dipping, is pure culinary bliss. It’s a flavor profile that evokes warmth and satisfaction. But what if we told you that these cherished flavors could be transformed into an even more exciting and innovative form? Enter the French Dip Egg Roll!
This recipe takes everything you adore about the traditional French Dip and reimagines it with a crispy, handheld appeal. When we first experimented with these amazing flavors, packing them into a crunchy egg roll wrapper, we knew instantly that this was a creation too good not to share. The result is a fusion dish that’s incredibly flavorful, surprisingly simple to prepare, and guaranteed to impress. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch, followed by the rich, juicy roast beef and the creamy melt of provolone, all elevated by the star of the show: beautifully caramelized onions. These onions, sweet and savory with a deep, jammy texture, complement the other ingredients perfectly, adding an essential layer of complexity to every mouthful. Get ready to embark on a taste journey that combines familiar comfort with an exciting new texture and presentation!
Frequently Asked Questions About French Dip Egg Rolls
Here are some common questions and helpful tips to ensure your French Dip Egg Rolls turn out perfectly every time.
While the classic au jus gravy is undeniably the perfect companion for these savory egg rolls, don’t feel limited! If you find yourself without au jus or simply want to explore new flavor combinations, a hearty steak sauce makes for an excellent alternative. Its robust and tangy profile offers a wonderful contrast to the rich filling. Other delicious options include a creamy horseradish sauce for a bit of a kick, or even a simple beef broth if you’re looking for something lighter yet still complementary. Experiment to find your favorite pairing!
Provolone cheese is a traditional choice for French Dip sandwiches due to its mild, creamy flavor and excellent melting properties. However, if provolone isn’t your preference or you’re looking to mix things up, there are many fantastic cheeses that will work wonderfully. Swiss cheese, with its nutty and slightly sweet notes, is a classic alternative in French Dip preparations. For a sharper, more complex flavor, consider white cheddar. Gruyère offers a rich, sweet, and slightly salty taste that melts beautifully, while mozzarella provides a supremely gooey and stretchy texture with a very mild flavor, allowing the beef and onions to shine. Feel free to use a blend of your favorites to customize the cheese experience!
Not at all! While high-quality deli-sliced roast beef offers exceptional convenience and a consistently thin cut, it’s certainly not your only option. These French Dip Egg Rolls are a fantastic way to utilize leftover roast beef from a previous dinner or holiday meal. If you have a succulent roast lingering in the fridge, simply slice it thinly against the grain, and it will be perfect. The key is to ensure the beef is tender and finely shredded or sliced so it integrates well with the other fillings and is easy to bite into within the egg roll wrapper. This flexibility makes it an excellent recipe for reducing food waste and enjoying your roast beef in a whole new way.
This is a common dilemma when frying in batches – nobody wants a cold egg roll! To ensure all your delicious French Dip Egg Rolls are hot and ready to eat at the same time, here’s a simple solution. Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 200-250°F (95-120°C). As each batch of egg rolls finishes frying, transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Place this baking sheet in the warm oven. The low heat will keep them perfectly warm and crispy without overcooking them while you continue frying the remaining batches. This method guarantees every bite is as enjoyable as the first!
Placing freshly fried egg rolls on a wire rack over a sheet pan is a crucial step for achieving and maintaining maximum crispiness. When hot items are placed directly on a flat surface, like a plate lined with paper towels, the bottom surface can lose its crispness quickly. This happens because the trapped heat and moisture create steam, which can make the egg rolls soggy. A wire rack allows for air circulation all around the egg rolls, preventing steam buildup and ensuring they remain beautifully crunchy. While paper towels are great for absorbing initial excess oil, transferring to a wire rack promptly is key for texture. A minute or two on paper towels, then immediately to the rack, is the ideal sequence.
Choosing the right oil for frying can significantly impact the taste and texture of your egg rolls. My personal preference is peanut oil. It’s an excellent choice for deep frying because it has a high smoke point, meaning it can tolerate high temperatures without breaking down or imparting unpleasant flavors. Peanut oil is also relatively neutral in flavor, allowing the delicious fillings of the French Dip Egg Rolls to truly shine. Other good options include canola oil, vegetable oil, or sunflower oil, all of which also have high smoke points and neutral flavors. While peanut oil can sometimes be a bit pricier, its benefits for frying are often worth the investment for that perfect golden, crispy result. Always use your favorite frying oil that you are comfortable working with.
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to deep frying or simply prefer the convenience of an air fryer, these French Dip Egg Rolls can certainly be cooked using that method. The air fryer is fantastic for achieving a crispy exterior with much less oil. The general approach involves lightly brushing or spraying the assembled egg rolls with a bit of oil before placing them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cooking times and temperatures will vary depending on your specific air fryer model, but typically 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, will yield excellent results. For detailed instructions, you can often adapt techniques from other air-fried egg roll recipes, like my Air Fryer Southwestern Egg Rolls recipe.
Yes, baking is another viable option if you want to avoid frying, though it’s important to note that the texture won’t be as intensely crispy and golden brown as their deep-fried counterparts. To bake them, simply assemble the egg rolls as directed. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the prepared egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper, perhaps lightly greased. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, ensuring you flip them halfway through the baking time to promote even browning and crisping on all sides. While they may not achieve the same deep fry crunch, they will still be deliciously warm, flavorful, and a lighter alternative.
Like most fried foods, French Dip Egg Rolls are truly at their best when enjoyed fresh, right after frying. However, if you happen to have any leftovers, don’t despair! They can be stored and reheated. To store, transfer the cooled egg rolls to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. For reheating, the best way to regain some of that coveted crispiness is to place them back into a deep fryer for a quick minute or two, or to bake them in a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and slightly re-crisped. Avoid microwaving, as this will likely result in a soggy texture. Additionally, these egg rolls freeze remarkably well once cooked; simply transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, baking is generally the best approach.
Essential Ingredients for Your French Dip Egg Rolls
Crafting these delectable French Dip Egg Rolls requires a straightforward list of ingredients, most of which are easily found at your local grocery store. The quality of your ingredients, especially the roast beef and cheese, will truly elevate the final taste. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Salted butter for caramelizing the onions
- Onions, small-diced, for that essential sweet and savory base
- A touch of sugar to aid in the caramelization process
- Black pepper for seasoning
- Water for the “glue” mixture
- All-purpose flour for the sealing “glue”
- Egg roll wrappers, the key to their crispy exterior
- Deli-sliced roast beef, thinly sliced for authentic flavor
- Shredded provolone cheese, for creamy goodness
- Au jus gravy mix, to create the perfect dipping sauce
- Cold water for preparing the au jus
Gathering these ingredients is the first step towards creating a truly memorable appetizer or snack that combines comfort food classics with a delightful twist. Ensure your egg roll wrappers are fresh for the best results, and don’t hesitate to choose high-quality roast beef for the most authentic French Dip experience.
How to Prepare Delicious French Dip Egg Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these irresistible French Dip Egg Rolls is a rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly crispy rolls with a succulent, flavorful filling. Get ready for an explosion of taste!
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions to Perfection
The foundation of a great French Dip flavor lies in perfectly caramelized onions. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add 3 cups of small-diced onions, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir these ingredients together until the onions are evenly coated. Continue cooking the onions, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. This process will take approximately 18-20 minutes. Be patient; the key is to allow the onions to slowly soften and transform into a beautiful golden-brown color, developing a deeply sweet and savory flavor. Once caramelized, drain any excess oil from the skillet. These golden onions are a crucial component, adding incredible depth to your egg rolls.
Step 2: Prepare Your Sealing Glue
To ensure your egg rolls are securely sealed and prevent any delicious filling from escaping during frying, you’ll need a simple “glue.” In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of water with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Whisk them together until you have a smooth, thin paste. This mixture will act as a natural adhesive to seal the edges of your egg roll wrappers, ensuring a tight, secure package for frying.
Step 3: Begin Assembling the Egg Rolls
Prepare your workspace by laying out a clean, dry surface. Take one egg roll wrapper and place it with one of its corners pointing directly towards you, forming a diamond shape. This orientation makes the rolling process much easier. Arrange two slices of deli-sliced roast beef near the bottom corner of the wrapper. Don’t overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Onions
Next, sprinkle approximately 2 tablespoons of shredded provolone cheese evenly over the roast beef. The cheese will melt beautifully, binding the filling together. Then, place about 1 ½ tablespoons of your fragrant caramelized onions on top of the cheese layer. The combination of savory beef, gooey cheese, and sweet onions is what makes these French Dip Egg Rolls truly special.
Step 5: Fold and Seal the Wrapper
Now, it’s time to skillfully fold your egg roll. Take the bottom corner of the wrapper and fold it snugly up and over the filling, creating a tight triangle. Dip your finger into the prepared flour and water mixture (“glue”) and lightly run it along the exposed edges of the wrapper – the two side corners and the top corner. This will help create a strong seal.
Step 6: Complete the Roll
Carefully tuck both side corners of the wrapper inwards over the filling, creating an envelope shape. Then, starting from the bottom, continue rolling the wrapper upwards, away from you, creating a neat, tight log. Ensure all edges are well-sealed with the flour glue. A tightly rolled egg roll will prevent the filling from oozing out and ensure even cooking. Repeat this process for all remaining egg rolls, placing each finished roll on a clean sheet tray until you’re ready to fry.
Step 7: Prepare the Frying Oil
For that signature crispy crunch, deep frying is the way to go. Heat a deep fryer, a Dutch oven, or a heavy-bottomed skillet with deep sides. Pour in enough cooking oil (such as peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil) to reach a depth of about 4 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature; maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for perfectly cooked, non-greasy egg rolls. Too cold, and they’ll soak up oil; too hot, and they’ll burn before the filling is heated through.
Step 8: Fry Until Golden Brown
Once your oil is at the ideal temperature, very carefully place a few of the assembled egg rolls into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the fryer, as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy results. Fry the egg rolls until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and are wonderfully crispy, which typically takes about 5-6 minutes. Remember to flip them often using tongs or a spider strainer to ensure even browning on all sides. The goal is a consistently golden and crunchy exterior.
Step 9: Drain and Keep Warm
As each batch of egg rolls finishes frying, use tongs or a spider strainer to carefully remove them from the hot oil. Immediately transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. After a minute or two, transfer them from the paper towels to a wire rack set over a clean baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the egg rolls, preventing them from steaming and losing their crispness. If you’re frying in batches, you can place the baking sheet with the wire rack in a warm oven (200-250°F / 95-120°C) to keep the finished egg rolls warm while you continue frying the rest.
Step 10: Prepare the Au Jus Dipping Sauce
While your egg rolls are frying to perfection, it’s the ideal time to prepare your rich au jus dipping sauce. In a saucepan, combine the 1-ounce packet of au jus gravy mix with 3 cups of cold water. Whisk continuously over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook according to the package directions, typically until the sauce thickens slightly and is heated through. This savory, robust dipping sauce is what truly completes the French Dip experience, adding a burst of beefy flavor to every bite of your crispy egg rolls.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!
Once all your French Dip Egg Rolls are beautifully golden, crispy, and warm, it’s time to serve them immediately. Arrange them enticingly on a platter, perhaps garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve alongside small bowls of the warm au jus for dipping. Encourage everyone to dunk these savory delights into the rich sauce, just like a traditional French Dip sandwich. These egg rolls are fantastic as an appetizer for a party, a unique game-day snack, or even a fun and flavorful weeknight meal. Get ready to savor the incredible combination of crispy texture and classic French Dip flavors!
These French Dip Egg Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They combine the cherished flavors of a classic sandwich with the irresistible crunch of an egg roll, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat, they are sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the process of creating these culinary marvels and watch them disappear in no time!
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you’ve enjoyed the creative twists and comforting flavors of these French Dip Egg Rolls, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is always buzzing with new ideas and delicious takes on classic dishes. Explore some of our other popular recipes that offer unique flavors and delightful experiences, from more French Dip variations to other exciting egg roll creations:
- French Dip Sliders
- Texas Toast French Dips
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
- Slow Cooker French Onion Pot Roast
- Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches
- Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
- Air Fryer Southwestern Egg Rolls
- Reuben Egg Rolls
- Peach Cobbler Egg Rolls
- Apple Pie Egg Rolls
- Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls
- Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
French Dip Egg Rolls
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Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cups small-diced onion
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 20 slices deli sliced roast beef
- 1 ½ cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix
- 3 cups cold water
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 Tablespoons salted butter. Add 3 cups small-diced onion, 2 teaspoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine. Continue cooking, frequently stirring, until the onions turn a golden brown color, 18-20 minutes. Drain excess oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 Tablespoon water and 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour, this will make a “glue” to help seal the egg rolls.
- On a clean work surface, place one of the 12 egg roll wrappers with one of the corners facing you. Add 2 slices of the 20 slices deli sliced roast beef to the bottom corner of the wrapper.
- Add some of the 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese (about 2 Tablespoons), on top of the roast beef. Place 1 ½ Tablespoons of the caramelized onions on top.
- Take the corner and fold it up over the filling. Dip your finger into the flour mixture and run it along the exposed edges of the wrapper.
- Tuck both edges of the wrapper over the filling. continue to roll until you make a little log tightly. Make sure all the edges are sealed.
- Place on a sheet tray while you continue rolling the rest of the egg rolls.
- Heat a deep fryer or dutch oven (or heavy bottom skillet with deep sides) with 4 inches of oil to 350°F.
- Very carefully place a couple of the egg rolls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, 5-6 minutes. Make sure to flip them often, so they brown evenly.
- Place the egg rolls onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Then immediately place it onto a wire rack over a sheet tray.
- Repeat with the remaining egg rolls.
- While your egg rolls are frying, combine the 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix with 3 cups cold water in a sauce pan and prepare per the directions on the back of the package.
- Once the egg rolls are ready, serve with the au jus for dipping.
Notes
- If you prefer not to deep fry, these French Dip Egg Rolls can also be made in an Air Fryer or baked in the oven. Refer to the FAQ section above for detailed instructions and tips on alternative cooking methods to achieve a delicious result with less oil.
- For a delightful flavor twist, consider serving these amazing egg rolls with a side of steak sauce. The bold, tangy notes of steak sauce complement the rich beef and cheese filling wonderfully, offering an exciting alternative to traditional au jus.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with your cheese choice! While provolone is classic, other fantastic options include sharp white cheddar, creamy Swiss, rich Gruyère, or gooey mozzarella. A blend of cheeses can also create a more complex flavor profile.
- These egg rolls are a brilliant way to use up leftover roast beef. If you have any on hand from a previous dinner, simply slice it thinly and incorporate it into the filling for a delicious and resourceful meal.
- Always place your freshly fried egg rolls on a wire rack over a sheet tray. This critical step ensures proper air circulation, preventing steam from accumulating underneath and keeping your egg rolls perfectly crispy, rather than soggy. You can also keep finished batches warm in a low oven while frying the rest.
- When deep frying, using a neutral oil with a high smoke point is recommended. Peanut oil is my go-to choice as it imparts a clean flavor and minimizes cooking odors, though canola or vegetable oil are also excellent alternatives.
- These French Dip Egg Rolls are truly best enjoyed immediately after frying for optimal crispness. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, briefly deep fry or bake in the oven until warmed through and re-crisped.
- For longer storage, cooked egg rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat using the oven or deep fryer methods.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 15g |
Protein: 8g |
Fat: 10g |
Sodium: 316mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 3g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a registered dietitian or certified nutritionist. Any nutritional information provided is an estimate only and should not be considered professional dietary advice. If precise calorie counts and other nutritional values are important for your dietary planning, we highly recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Please be aware that actual nutritional values can vary significantly depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.