Irish Egg Rolls Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Irish Egg Rolls—a playful and utterly delicious mashup of classic Irish flavors wrapped up in a perfectly crispy shell! Imagine tender cabbage, savory corned beef, creamy potatoes, and gooey Swiss cheese all tucked inside a golden egg roll wrapper. Whether you’re throwing a St. Patrick’s Day bash, looking for a creative appetizer, or just craving some serious comfort food, these Irish Egg Rolls deliver big on taste and texture. With a quick fry, they become outrageously crisp on the outside and bursting with goodness on the inside. Once you try these, you’ll want to invite friends over just so you can make them again!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients list for these Irish Egg Rolls might be short, but every component pulls its weight in flavor, texture, or sheer crave-ability! This is classic comfort food with an Irish twist, and each item brings its own magic to the mix—don’t be tempted to change too much, because this balance is just right.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps soften the cabbage for the filling.
• Green Cabbage (shredded): Brings freshness, crunch, and classic Irish character to the rolls.
• Corned Beef (cooked and chopped): The star of the show—salty, tender, and perfectly seasoned.
• Cooked Potatoes (mashed or finely diced): Add substance and creaminess, tying everything together.
• Shredded Swiss Cheese: Gives each bite a melty, tangy richness you can’t resist.
• Black Pepper: Delivers just enough spice to perk up the whole ensemble.
• Egg Roll Wrappers: Essential for crispiness—make sure to keep extras on hand in case a few tear.
• Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) for irresistibly crisp shells.

How to Make Irish Egg Rolls

Step 1: Sauté the Cabbage

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your shredded green cabbage and cook for just 3 to 4 minutes until it’s slightly softened but still has a bit of crunch. This step mellows the cabbage’s raw edge, making it sweet and tender. Let the cabbage cool slightly before mixing it with the rest of the filling—otherwise, the cheese could melt too soon.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the sautéed cabbage, corned beef, potatoes (mashed or diced, your choice!), Swiss cheese, and a good hit of black pepper. Give it all a thorough mix so every egg roll is packed with a bit of everything. The mixture should look hearty and colorful, with the cheese already teasing you with its aroma.

Step 3: Roll ‘Em Up

Lay out an egg roll wrapper on a clean work surface with a corner pointing towards you, like a diamond. Spoon about two tablespoons of the filling onto the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck in the sides firmly, and roll up tightly. Seal the edge with a dab of water so nothing escapes during frying. Repeat until you’ve used up all the filling and wrappers—it’s oddly satisfying!

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Heat a few inches of oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. Fry the Irish Egg Rolls in batches (don’t crowd the pan!) for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning as you go, until every roll is deeply golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels, so they drain and stay beautifully crisp.

Step 5: Serve Hot

For best results, serve your Irish Egg Rolls while they’re piping hot and irresistible. That first crunchy bite—filled with melting cheese, tender potatoes, and savory meat—is pure heaven.

How to Serve Irish Egg Rolls

Garnishes

Add a shower of chopped fresh parsley or chives to brighten up the platter and play up the Irish green hues. If you like a little tang, a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top just before serving can make the flavors pop.

Side Dishes

These Irish Egg Rolls are fantastic as party fare, but you can build a whole meal around them too! Try serving them alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette, a pint of Guinness, or a creamy bowl of coleslaw. For a true pub vibe, classic fries or roasted root vegetables are perfect.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow your guests, arrange the Irish Egg Rolls on a wooden board with a trio of dipping sauces—think Thousand Island, spicy mustard, or a zippy Guinness-infused dip. You can also slice the rolls in half on the diagonal for a fun look and easy sharing. For a buffet, set up a DIY “egg roll bar” with small bowls of extra fillings, cheeses, and toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Irish Egg Rolls keep surprisingly well! Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll lose a bit of initial crispness, but a quick reheat brings them right back to life.

Freezing

This recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Assemble the egg rolls, but don’t fry them yet—just pop them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to two months. You can fry them straight from the freezer, just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time for best results.

Reheating

For maximum crunch, reheat leftover or frozen Irish Egg Rolls in a hot oven (about 375°F) for 8–10 minutes or until sizzling and crisp again. If you’re in a hurry, the air fryer is a fantastic tool for reviving leftovers. The microwave works in a pinch, but the shell will be softer.

FAQs

Can I use leftover corned beef for these Irish Egg Rolls?

Absolutely! Leftover corned beef is perfect for this recipe, and it makes the process even quicker. Just chop it finely and mix it right in with your filling. The flavors of next-day corned beef are actually a little deeper, making your egg rolls even tastier.

Can these be baked instead of fried?

Yes, you can bake Irish Egg Rolls for a lighter take. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be less golden but still delicious and crispy.

What dipping sauces go best with Irish Egg Rolls?

Classic Thousand Island dressing is a match made in heaven, but don’t shy away from spicy mustard or a homemade Guinness cheese sauce. Even a tangy horseradish cream works beautifully. Mix and match for a real pub-style feast!

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Definitely. The filling for Irish Egg Rolls can be made a full day ahead and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready, just spoon and roll—the rolls come out just as flavorful, and it takes the stress out of party prepping.

Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?

While traditional egg roll wrappers contain wheat, you can look for gluten-free wrappers at specialty stores or online. Rice paper wrappers work as a substitute too, just be aware they fry up a bit differently—still tasty, just a new twist!

Final Thoughts

These Irish Egg Rolls truly have it all: crispy, golden shells and a filling that’s hot, hearty, and filled with cozy Irish flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, or just craving a creative homemade appetizer, this recipe is pure joy. I hope you have as much fun making (and eating) them as I do—give them a try and watch everyone swoon!

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