Cheesecake Factory Tex Mex Egg Rolls

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Cheesecake Factory Tex Mex Egg Rolls are a delightful fusion of bold Tex-Mex flavors wrapped in a crispy egg roll shell. Packed with a savory mix of seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, red bell peppers, jalapeños, and melted cheese, these egg rolls are fried to golden perfection and served with a creamy avocado or spicy salsa dipping sauce. They’re crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with a fiesta of flavors in every bite.

The first time I tried these; they instantly became a favorite. They’re a great appetizer for parties or a fun twist on Tex-Mex for dinner. The filling is easy to customize—add more veggies, swap the chicken for beef, or make them vegetarian. The crispy shell paired with the bold, cheesy filling makes these egg rolls irresistible. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them disappear from the plate!

Perfect for:

  • Game day
  • Parties and gatherings
  • Casual dinners
  • Tex-Mex enthusiasts
  • Appetizer lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Tex Mex Egg Rolls will become your go-to appetizer:

  • Bold and Flavorful Filling: A perfect blend of chicken, beans, corn, and cheese delivers a hearty and savory bite.
  • Crispy Perfection: The egg roll wrappers fry to a golden, crispy texture, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite.
  • Creamy Avocado Dip: Paired with a smooth and tangy avocado dip, it balances the rich filling.
  • Customizable Filling: You can easily swap the chicken for beef, shrimp, or even make it vegetarian.
  • Perfect for Entertaining: These egg rolls are easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls ahead of time, then fry just before serving for minimal fuss.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dish: The savory flavors and crispy texture make this an irresistible appetizer.
  • Kid-Friendly: With mild seasoning and delicious filling, they are perfect for kids and adults alike.
  • Great for Leftovers: Leftover egg rolls can be reheated for a quick and tasty snack.
  • Versatile Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite Tex-Mex dips, such as salsa, sour cream, or ranch.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 12 egg rolls
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 120-150 calories per egg roll
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 14g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

The Egg Rolls:

  • 12 egg roll wrappers
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
  • Oil for frying

For the Avocado Dip:

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Ingredient Highlights

  • Shredded Chicken: A lean protein that adds flavor and texture to the filling.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds richness to the filling.
  • Black Beans and Corn: Provide a hearty, fiber-rich addition to the filling.
  • Avocados: Create a smooth, creamy dip that complements the crispy egg rolls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cheddar cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper.
  2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more spices for extra heat or flavor.

Assemble the Egg Rolls:

  1. Prepare the Wrappers: Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface with one corner facing you.
  2. Add the Filling: Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling near the center of the wrapper.
  3. Roll the Egg Roll: Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then roll up tightly, sealing the edge with a bit of water. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Cook the Egg Rolls:

  1. Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the Egg Rolls: Carefully add the egg rolls to the hot oil, frying in batches if needed. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Prepare the Avocado Dip:

  1. Mash the Avocados: In a small bowl, mash the avocados with a fork until smooth.
  2. Add Flavorings: Stir in the lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, and salt.
  3. Finish with Cilantro: Mix in the chopped cilantro and taste for seasoning.

Serve:

  1. Serve Hot: Arrange the egg rolls on a platter with the avocado dip on the side for dipping.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Tex Mex Egg Rolls:

  • As an Appetizer: Serve as a tasty starter at your next party or gathering.
  • With Mexican Sides: Pair with Spanish rice, refried beans, or a side salad for a complete meal.
  • For Game Day: Perfect for watching the big game with friends and family.
  • With Salsa: Serve with your favorite salsa for extra flavor and spice.
  • For a Snack: Enjoy as a light snack or quick bite between meals.
  • With Sour Cream: Offer sour cream as an alternative dipping sauce for a cool contrast.
  • For Kids’ Meals: Serve with a side of guacamole or ranch dressing for a kid-friendly meal.
  • As a Picnic Snack: Pack these egg rolls for a fun, portable snack on a picnic.
  • For Taco Night: Serve alongside tacos as a creative addition to your taco spread.
  • With Margarita Pairing: These egg rolls are a great match with a refreshing margarita for a festive touch.

Additional Tips

  • Pre-Heat the Oil: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the egg rolls to ensure they crisp up quickly.
  • Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the egg rolls in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can result in soggy rolls.
  • Seal the Wrappers Well: Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to avoid the filling spilling out during frying.
  • Test Oil Temperature: Test the oil temperature with a small piece of wrapper—if it bubbles immediately, it’s ready for frying.
  • Fry Until Golden: Fry the egg rolls until they are a deep golden color for the best texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations

  • Beef Egg Rolls: Use ground beef instead of chicken for a heartier filling.
  • Vegetarian Egg Rolls: Skip the meat and add more vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Egg Rolls: Add diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
  • Cheesy Egg Rolls: Increase the amount of cheese for a more indulgent, cheesy filling.
  • BBQ Chicken Egg Rolls: Use shredded BBQ chicken in place of the seasoned chicken for a smoky flavor.
  • Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: Add buffalo sauce to the chicken for a tangy, spicy twist.
  • Mini Egg Rolls: Make smaller versions for bite-sized snacks or appetizers.
  • Gluten-Free Egg Rolls: Use gluten-free wrappers for a gluten-free version.
  • Sweet and Spicy Egg Rolls: Add a drizzle of honey or sweet chili sauce for a sweet and spicy contrast.

Special Equipment

  • Deep Fryer or Skillet: For frying the egg rolls to crispy perfection.
  • Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the fried egg rolls.
  • Mixing Bowls: For combining the filling ingredients.
  • Fork or Potato Masher: To mash the avocados for the dipping sauce.
  • Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For safely removing the egg rolls from the oil.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying them?
    Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, brushing the rolls with olive oil to ensure they crisp up.
  2. Can I use frozen egg roll wrappers?
    Yes, just thaw them before using.
  3. Can I freeze the egg rolls?
    Yes, freeze un-fried egg rolls on a baking sheet, then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Fry them directly from frozen when ready to eat.
  4. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
    Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a great alternative for a lighter version of the egg rolls.
  5. Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
    Yes, prepare the egg rolls, refrigerate them, and fry them when ready to serve.
  6. What other dips can I serve with these egg rolls?
    Guacamole, ranch, or a smoky chipotle dip would also pair wonderfully.
  7. Can I make the avocado dip ahead of time?
    Yes, just cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 1 day.
  8. How do I keep the egg rolls crispy?
    Serve them immediately after frying or reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) to retain their crispiness.
  9. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
    Make sure the wrappers are sealed tightly and avoid overstuffing them.
  10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, double the ingredients and fry in batches if needed.

Conclusion

Tex Mex Egg Rolls bring the best of Tex-Mex flavors in a fun, crispy bite. With their savory filling and crispy exterior, they are sure to be a hit at any event or meal. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger spread, these egg rolls are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the bold flavors of seasoned chicken, black beans, and cheese wrapped in a golden shell, paired with a creamy avocado dip for the ultimate treat!