Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls are a fun twist on two favorite snacks rolled into one crispy, golden package. These egg rolls are filled with gooey melted cheese, tangy pizza sauce, and plenty of garlic butter flavor, giving you that perfect mix of crunchy outside and melty inside.
I love making these when I want something a little different but still satisfying and easy to share. They’re great for parties or a cozy night in, and the garlic butter on the outside adds such a nice, rich touch that makes every bite feel special without any extra fuss.
My favorite way to enjoy these egg rolls is with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—it just brings out all the pizza flavors even more. If you’re like me and love snacks that are both crispy and cheesy, these garlic butter pizza egg rolls are going to become a fast favorite in your kitchen, too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg roll wrappers: These give you that crispy outside that holds everything together. If you want a lighter option, try using wonton wrappers, but they are smaller, so adjust filling size.
Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts best and gives that gooey stretch. You can substitute with provolone or a mild cheddar if you prefer a sharper taste.
Pepperoni: I love the classic pizza flavor it adds, but you can skip it for a vegetarian version or swap with cooked sausage or mushrooms for variety.
Garlic butter: This is a simple mix of melted butter and fresh garlic that makes the outside super flavorful. You can use garlic-infused olive oil as a lighter alternative.
Pizza sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce. Marinara works fine too. If you want less mess, consider a thicker sauce or even pesto for a twist.
How Do You Wrap and Fry Egg Rolls Without Them Falling Apart?
Wrapping egg rolls tightly is key to keep the filling inside during frying. Here’s how I do it:
- Place filling near one corner, not too much to avoid bursting.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides snugly.
- Roll the wrapper away from you, pressing the edge with water or butter to seal completely.
- Brush with garlic butter before frying to add flavor and help crispness.
- Fry in hot oil (around 350°F) in batches, turning gently for even browning.
- Drain on paper towels and brush again with garlic butter while hot for extra taste.
Patience when rolling and careful frying make these egg rolls perfectly crispy and well sealed every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer – holds heat well for even frying and a crispy crust.
- Tongs – help you turn the egg rolls safely without breaking the wrappers.
- Pastry brush – perfect for brushing the garlic butter evenly on each egg roll.
- Mixing bowls – for combining garlic butter and prepping filling ingredients easily.
- Paper towels – essential for draining excess oil after frying so your egg rolls stay crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage for a heartier, spiced filling.
- Use fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms to add veggies and a mild earthiness.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little gentle heat.
- Try different cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique melt and flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Pizza Egg Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Egg Rolls:
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
For the Garlic Butter Coating:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
For Garnish and Frying:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking oil (vegetable or canola), for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to fry, making a total of roughly 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and fun snack or appetizer to whip up whenever hunger strikes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic. Set this aside—this mixture will be brushed on the egg rolls later for amazing flavor.
2. Assemble the Egg Rolls:
Lay one egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese into the center. Add a few pieces of chopped pepperoni (if using) and about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on top of the cheese.
3. Roll the Egg Rolls:
Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling. Then fold the two sides in tightly, and continue rolling toward the top corner. Seal the edges with a dab of water or a little of the garlic butter mixture to help everything stick together. Repeat this for all wrappers and fillings.
4. Heat the Oil:
Pour about 2 inches of cooking oil into a heavy-bottomed pan or deep fryer. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Be careful when working with hot oil!
5. Fry the Egg Rolls:
Brush each egg roll generously with the garlic butter mixture. Optionally, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning on top for added flavor. Fry the egg rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy—this should take around 2 to 3 minutes per batch.
6. Drain and Serve:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, brush them once more with any remaining garlic butter mixture. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil or parsley.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your crispy garlic butter pizza egg rolls warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. They make a delicious and fun appetizer or snack that everyone will love!
Can I Bake Instead of Frying These Egg Rolls?
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the egg rolls on a greased baking sheet, brush them with the garlic butter mixture, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Can I Use Frozen Egg Roll Wrappers?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully in the fridge before using so they’re easy to handle and won’t crack when rolling.
How Do I Store Leftover Egg Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy—avoid microwaving as it can make the wrapper soggy.
Can I Customize the Filling?
Definitely! Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or different cheeses to suit your taste. Just keep the filling balanced to avoid leaks during frying.