Pin This cheeseburger spring roll recipe transforms America's favorite sandwich into a crispy, handheld appetizer that never fails to impress guests at my gatherings. The familiar flavors of beef, cheese, and classic burger condiments wrapped in a crunchy spring roll shell create an irresistible fusion that bridges comfort food and party fare.
I first created these for a Super Bowl party when I wanted something beyond the usual wings and dips. They disappeared faster than any other dish, and now they're requested at every gathering I host.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Use 80/20 for best flavor balance and juiciness without excess grease
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth. Choose yellow onions for classic burger flavor
- Dill pickles: The tangy crunch is essential for authentic cheeseburger taste
- Cheddar cheese: Opt for medium or sharp for the most pronounced flavor
- Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tomato flavor. Use a quality brand for best results
- Yellow mustard: Provides that classic tangy burger flavor
- Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient that enhances beefy flavor
- Spring roll wrappers: Look for thin wrappers in the refrigerated section for the crispiest results
- Vegetable oil: Choose a neutral oil with high smoke point like canola or peanut
Instructions
- Brown the beef:
- Cook ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent soggy spring rolls.
- Add aromatics:
- Incorporate diced onions into the beef and cook until they become translucent and slightly soft. This adds essential flavor and sweetness to the filling.
- Mix in condiments:
- Stir in the chopped pickles, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Allow these ingredients to meld together for about a minute. The mixture should be cohesive but not overly wet.
- Cool and add cheese:
- Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool for several minutes before adding the shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the filling. Cooling prevents the cheese from melting completely.
- Roll the spring rolls:
- Place each wrapper with a corner pointing toward you. Add about two tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, fold in both sides, then continue rolling tightly upward. Seal the final edge with beaten egg.
- Fry to perfection:
- Heat oil to exactly 350°F. Too hot and the wrappers burn before the inside heats through. Too cool and they absorb excess oil. Fry in small batches of 3 to 4 rolls for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the dipping sauce:
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for flavors to develop.
- Serve immediately:
- Arrange hot spring rolls on a serving platter with the dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Pin The Worcestershire sauce is my secret weapon in this recipe. Just a tablespoon transforms the filling from basic ground beef to something truly reminiscent of a restaurant quality burger. I discovered this trick after years of trying to replicate that distinctive savory quality that makes great burgers so addictive.
Make Ahead Tips
These spring rolls can be assembled completely up to 24 hours before cooking. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet with space between each roll, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. The key is ensuring the filling is completely cooled before rolling to prevent the wrappers from becoming soggy.
For longer storage, freeze uncooked spring rolls in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be fried directly from frozen, just add 1 to 2 minutes to the cooking time and watch carefully to ensure even browning.
The dipping sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve with time as they meld together.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer a healthier version, these can be baked instead of fried. Brush each roll with oil and bake at 425°F for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
Ground turkey can replace beef for a lighter option. Add a teaspoon of beef bouillon to maintain that rich flavor profile.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with a plant based ground meat alternative and use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce that contains no anchovies.
Gluten free spring roll wrappers can be used for those with wheat sensitivities, though the texture may differ slightly from traditional wrappers.
Serving Suggestions
Create a burger bar theme by serving these spring rolls alongside small bowls of traditional burger toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and additional pickle relish.
For a complete meal, pair with sweet potato fries or a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
These make excellent game day fare alongside other finger foods like buffalo wings, loaded potato skins, and vegetable platters with ranch dip.
Flavor Variations
BBQ Burger Rolls Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite barbecue sauce to the filling and substitute smoked gouda for the cheddar.
Mushroom Swiss Rolls Sauté 8 ounces of finely chopped mushrooms with the onions and use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar.
Bacon Cheeseburger Rolls Mix in 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon with the beef filling for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
Pin These cheeseburger spring rolls offer a delightful twist on a classic. Enjoy them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun main course.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I bake the spring rolls instead of frying?
Yes, you can brush the rolls with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes until crisp, flipping halfway.
- → What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
You may substitute cheddar with American or Swiss cheese for a different taste and melt.
- → Can I prepare them in advance?
Assemble the rolls ahead and refrigerate covered. Fry just before serving for best crunch and texture.
- → Which dipping sauces pair well?
Classic burger-style sauces, spicy mayo, or even barbecue sauce complement these spring rolls nicely.
- → How can I make them spicy?
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the filling for heat.
- → Are these suitable for freezing?
Uncooked spring rolls can be frozen in a single layer. Fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes cooking time.