Corned Beef Surprise Rolls started as a quick fix on a hectic weekday when I had a pack of crescent roll dough and some leftover corned beef in the fridge. I figured I’d throw them together with a little cheese and see how it turned out. To my surprise, the rolls were a hit—crispy on the outside, savory and melty on the inside. They’ve since become a go-to recipe for everything from family dinners to potlucks because they’re so easy to make and everyone loves them. Sometimes the simplest ideas really do turn out the best.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Corned Beef Surprise Rolls is how easily they fit into any occasion. Planning a potluck? These rolls are easy to transport and serve. Need something for game night? They’re finger-food friendly and always a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters will love the savory and slightly cheesy filling tucked into a golden roll. It’s a recipe that works year-round, whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just enjoying a cozy night in.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make these rolls stand out. The star of the show is corned beef, which brings a rich, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with gooey cheese and a little kick of mustard or your favorite sauce. The rolls themselves are made using pre-made dough, making this recipe quick and beginner-friendly. It’s proof that with just a few pantry staples, you can create something that feels special and tastes amazing..
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Corned Beef Surprise Rolls are all about combining comfort with creativity. They’re not only delicious but also fun to make, especially if you have kids or friends helping in the kitchen. Rolling up the filling into the dough is a hands-on task that everyone can enjoy. By the time you take that first bite, with the warm, melty filling and perfectly baked roll, you’ll see why these are worth trying. Give this recipe a go—it’s easy, tasty, and sure to become a favorite in your home.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Corned Beef Surprise Rolls
- Sauerkraut Prep: Thoroughly drain and squeeze the sauerkraut to prevent soggy rolls. You can use a clean kitchen towel to press out excess moisture.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the frying oil at 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and the wrappers may burn before the filling heats through; too cool, and the rolls will absorb excess oil.
- Rolling Technique: Roll the egg rolls tightly to prevent filling from escaping during frying. Use just enough filling to avoid overstuffing, as this can cause the wrapper to tear.
- Alternative Cooking Method: For a healthier version, consider baking the rolls at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes or air-frying at the same temperature for 12–15 minutes until crispy. Brush with oil for extra crunch.
- Customizable Dips: Experiment with different dipping sauces. Spicy mustard, horseradish mayo, or chipotle aioli make excellent alternatives to Thousand Island dressing.
Corned Beef Surprise Rolls
4
rolls15
minutes30
minutes440
kcal45
minutesGet ready to impress your guests with these irresistible Corned Beef Surprise Rolls! Combining tender corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut, each bite-packed egg roll is fried to golden perfection and served with a zesty Thousand Island dipping sauce. Perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering, this recipe offers a delightful twist on classic favorites. With easy steps and customizable ingredients, you’ll whip up these savory appetizers in no time. Dive into the bold flavors and crunchy textures that chefs rave about—your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
- Egg Roll Wrappers
corned beef
swiss cheese
sauerkraut
thousand island dressing
egg white
vegetable oil
- Alternative Ingredients:
Egg Roll Wrappers: Rice paper or spring roll wrappers
Corned Beef: Pastrami or turkey slices
Swiss Cheese: Mozzarella or provolone
Sauerkraut: Kimchi or pickled cabbage
Thousand Island Dressing: Russian dressing or ranch
Egg White: Substitute with milk or water
Oil: Canola oil or vegetable oil
Directions
- Preparation: Begin by lightly beating the egg white in a small bowl and keeping it within easy reach.
- Ingredient Preparation: Finely chop the corned beef and ensure the sauerkraut is thoroughly drained and squeezed to remove excess moisture. If using a block of cheese, grate it finely.
- Mixing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, grated Swiss cheese, drained sauerkraut, and a few tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing. Stir the mixture until all components are evenly distributed.
- Heating Oil: Start heating the vegetable oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is properly heated for frying.
- Cooling Setup: Prepare a cooling rack by lining it with paper towels to absorb any excess oil from the cooked egg rolls.
- Rolling Egg Rolls: Place an egg roll wrapper on a diamond shape. Spoon an even portion of the beef mixture onto the center of the wrapper.
- Sealing: Dip your fingers in the beaten egg white and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold one corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly to seal the egg roll.
- Frying: Carefully place the rolled egg rolls into the hot oil, frying them until they turn golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Draining: Once fried, place the egg rolls on the prepared cooling rack to drain the excess oil.
- Serving: Serve the hot egg rolls with a side of Thousand Island dressing for dipping. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- nonstick pan
Notes
- Ensure your sauerkraut is well-drained to prevent soggy egg rolls. For an extra crispy texture, double-fry the rolls by frying them twice until golden brown. Serve these rolls with a variety of dipping sauces like spicy mustard or creamy ranch to complement the flavors. They pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or pickles for a balanced appetizer spread. Feel free to add chopped onions or bell peppers to the filling for added crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 440kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 200mg
- Iron: 4mg
FAQ- Corned Beef Surprise Rolls
Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. You can also freeze uncooked rolls for up to 3 months. Fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
How do I prevent the rolls from falling apart while frying?
Ensure the edges are tightly sealed with the egg white, and don’t overfill the wrappers. Fry them seam-side down first to secure the seal.
Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! You can swap out corned beef for shredded chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the rolls soggy.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers and ensure the other ingredients, like Thousand Island dressing, are labeled gluten-free.
