Southwest Egg Rolls

Nothing beats the irresistible crunch of a perfectly fried egg roll. While traditional egg rolls dipped in sweet and sour sauce will forever have a piece of my heart, I also adore recipes that experiment with filling flavors, like these Southwest egg rolls. Filled with sweet bell peppers, corn, black beans, jalapenos and plenty of gooey cheese, these will remind you of those egg rolls found on countless restaurant menus. I love this copycat version because it’s slightly healthier than those at most restaurants.

Although baked in the oven with a light spritz of cooking spray, these Southwest egg rolls taste as good as deep-fried ones, according to recipe creator Danielle Booth of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The egg rolls also feature reduced-fat cream cheese and shredded cheese, along with a few handfuls of vitamin-rich spinach. That means you can indulge with a little less guilt and a lot more cheesy, spicy, crispy satisfaction.

Ingredients for Southwest Egg Rolls

• Vegetables: A combination of baby spinach, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno pepper and frozen corn makes the filling for these egg rolls a rainbow of color, offering a balance of zip, sweetness and spice.
• Canola oil: You’ll saute the colorful mixture of vegetables in a small amount of canola oil.
• Canned black beans: Adding black beans always makes a recipe look and feel a bit more like a taste of the Southwest. Make sure to drain and rinse the beans well before using.
• Spices: Salt, cayenne pepper and cumin season these egg rolls.
• Cheese: Reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese or a Mexican cheese blend is the perfect choice for Southwest egg rolls. Both options melt like a dream and pair well with the Southwest ingredients. If you prefer full-fat cheese, go for it.
• Reduced-fat cream cheese: Cream cheese adds a wonderfully rich flavor while acting as a binding agent, helping everything hold together as you fill and roll the wontons. And same as with the other cheese: Full-fat is always an option!
• Wonton wrappers: No need to try to make wonton wrappers from scratch. Instead, grab a package from the supermarket; they’re usually in the refrigerated section near fresh pastas. You can use any leftovers for other easy recipes with wonton wrappers.
• Cooking spray: A spritz of cooking spray is our secret to making these healthy baked egg rolls. It helps the Southwest egg rolls crisp up in the oven.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the filling

In a large skillet, saute the spinach, onion, red pepper and jalapeno in oil until tender.

Stir in the corn, beans and seasonings, and cook until heated through. Remove from the heat.

Stir in the shredded cheese and cream cheese until melted.

Step 2: Fill and roll

Position a wonton wrapper with one point toward you. Place 2 teaspoons of filling in the center of the wrapper.

Editor’s Tip: As you work, keep the remaining wrappers covered with a damp paper towel until you’re ready to use them. Otherwise, they may dry out.

Next, fold the bottom corner up over the filling. Then fold the sides toward the center over the filling.

Roll the wrapper toward the remaining point, then moisten the top corner with water.

Press to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Step 3: Bake in the oven

Arrange the filled egg rolls on a 15x10x1-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Lightly coat the egg rolls with additional cooking spray, then bake at 425°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Serve hot.

Southwest Egg Roll Variations

• Spice things up: For added heat, add extra cayenne or jalapeno, swap in a poblano for the bell pepper, or add a can of drained green chiles (or freshly roasted Hatch chiles) to the filling. If you’re extra-adventurous, consider using habaneros or serranos in place of jalapenos.
• Add extra veggies: Chopped mushrooms, zucchini, butternut squash or chopped kale are all tasty options for these egg rolls.
• Include protein: If you’re looking for a little meaty substance, consider adding 1/2 pound of diced grilled lime chicken, seasoned taco meat or finely chopped carne asada.
• Serve with dipping sauces: No platter of Southwest egg rolls is complete without a dipping sauce (or two). Whip up a batch of queso blanco, homemade guacamole, fiery salsa verde or this jalapeno ranch dip.

How to Store Southwest Egg Rolls

Store baked Southwest egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can you freeze Southwest egg rolls?

Yes! To store cooked and cooled Southwest egg rolls, arrange them on a parchment-lined sheet pan and freeze them until solid. Then transfer the frozen egg rolls to a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight food storage container. They’ll last for three to four months in the freezer. You can reheat directly from frozen or defrost in the refrigerator before warming.

You may also freeze unbaked egg rolls. Freeze on a parchment-lined sheet pan, ensuring the rolls do not touch each other. Once firm, usually after one to two hours, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake the egg rolls directly from frozen; you will need to adjust the cooking time.

How do you reheat Southwest egg rolls?

While you can microwave leftover egg rolls, we don’t recommend this method, as they will lose their crispy exterior. Instead, reheat them in a 350° oven until they register an internal temperature of 165°.

Can you prepare Southwest egg rolls ahead of time?

Southwest egg rolls are an excellent make-ahead party appetizer. Prep and assemble the egg rolls as directed, then arrange the unbaked egg rolls in a single layer in an airtight food storage container. Store for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed.

Southwest Egg Roll Tips

How do you keep the egg roll wrappers from unraveling?

Make sure to roll the egg rolls tightly and use enough water to moisten the wrapper edges, activating the gluten in the dough so it forms a glue. We also suggest positioning the Southwest egg rolls seam-side down. The weight of the filling should help hold the egg rolls in place and prevent them from unraveling before baking.

What can you serve with Southwest egg rolls?

Serve these Southwest egg rolls as a main course paired with a green salad to contrast the richness of the cheesy filling. Or, if you’re planning a party, serve these Southwest egg rolls alongside other mouthwatering appetizers. Baked chicken wings, spinach dip, homemade pretzel sticks, and ham and cheese sliders are just a few recipes that would round out any spread that includes Southwest egg rolls.