If you’re craving a playful twist on a classic appetizer, Irish Egg Rolls are about to become your new obsession. Imagine crunchy wrappers filled with a savory blend of corned beef, melty Swiss, vibrant cabbage, carrots, and a tangy kick from green onions and mustard—all fried to crispy perfection. This fusion favorite brings together the best Irish flavors and the crispy delight of egg rolls, making it the ultimate party snack (and a fantastic way to use up leftover corned beef). No matter the occasion, these golden rolls will steal the spotlight and have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Irish Egg Rolls keep things delightfully simple: each ingredient plays a starring role in the taste, crispness, or gorgeous color of the final bite. Gather these essentials, and you’ll see how seamlessly they work together to create magic.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: These thin, sturdy sheets hold in all the goodness and turn irresistibly crispy when fried.
- Shredded Corned Beef: The heart of the filling; salty, tender, and packed with flavor—leftovers work perfectly too.
- Shredded Green Cabbage: Adds that classic crunch and a fresh mild bitterness for balance.
- Shredded Carrots: For sweet crunch and a pop of color that keeps every bite interesting.
- Shredded Swiss Cheese: Melts into a creamy, gooey layer and brings that signature sharpness.
- Diced Green Onions: Brightens everything up with a gentle oniony zing.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning all the veggies and meat; adjust to taste.
- Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the flavors inside.
- Dijon Mustard (Optional): A touch of tang (and a secret weapon for bold flavor—you decide how much zing you want).
- Vegetable Oil for Frying: Go for a neutral, high-heat oil to ensure even, crisp frying.
How to Make Irish Egg Rolls
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by gathering a large bowl—this is your mixing headquarters. Combine the shredded corned beef, crisp cabbage, sweet carrots, rich Swiss cheese, green onions, salt, pepper, and, if you’re feeling bold, a spoonful of Dijon mustard. Give everything a good toss until it’s well mixed; you want a little bit of everything in each bite!
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface so that one corner is pointing toward you. Scoop about 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner snugly over the filling, fold in the sides like you’re wrapping a burrito, and roll everything up tightly. Moisten the final edge with a little water to seal things shut—no escapees here! Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 3: Fry to Crisp Perfection
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Gently lower a few egg rolls at a time into the hot oil—don’t crowd them. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they’re gorgeously golden and ultra-crispy. Use tongs to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Irish Egg Rolls warm and watch them disappear in minutes! They’re fantastic with classic Thousand Island dressing, spicy mustard, or your favorite creamy dip on the side. Once you try that first bite, you’ll see why everyone falls for this genius snack.
How to Serve Irish Egg Rolls
Garnishes
Garnishing your Irish Egg Rolls doesn’t have to be fussy—a quick sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions or chopped parsley brings a sharp scent and bright color. If you want a little Irish flair, add a few thin carrot shavings for even more color. A tiny touch of extra shredded Swiss on top (added just before serving) can also make them look irresistible.
Side Dishes
Keep the fun going with crisp, tangy sides like a cabbage slaw or classic kettle chips. For a heartier bite, pair with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple Irish-style potato salad. If you’re serving these as appetizers, a tray of pickles and a dish of zesty mustard is always a crowd-pleaser alongside your Irish Egg Rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Amp up the wow factor by stacking your Irish Egg Rolls on a rustic wooden board with shot glasses of dipping sauce for dunking. Skewer them on toothpicks for party-ready finger food, or slice each roll in half to reveal that gorgeous melty filling. Serve them taco-style in lettuce cups for a lighter, playful twist—guests can grab, dip, and snack as they go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extra Irish Egg Rolls, let them cool completely first. Place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to help soak up any lingering moisture, and stash them in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps keep them as crisp as possible (and makes for easy snacking later).
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your fully cooked Irish Egg Rolls! Wrap them individually in foil or parchment, then place all the wrapped rolls in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—simply thaw in the fridge before reheating when the craving strikes.
Reheating
To recapture that irresistible crispiness, reheat Irish Egg Rolls in a 375°F (190°C) oven or an air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Skip the microwave if you can—they’ll soften and lose their charm. A quick bake brings them back to hot, golden perfection!
FAQs
Can I bake Irish Egg Rolls instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Place them on an oiled baking sheet, brush or spray the tops with a little oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes, flipping once, until they’re golden and crispy. The result is lighter but still satisfying, with all the classic flavors.
What’s the best way to shred corned beef for the filling?
For the juiciest, most tender filling, use two forks to pull apart cooked corned beef into small shreds. You can also chop it finely if you prefer all the ingredients meld together. Cold leftover corned beef works great and is easier to handle!
Can I use a different cheese instead of Swiss?
Swiss cheese brings a unique tang, but you can swap in mozzarella for extra stretch, cheddar for sharpness, or even a mix. Try to choose a cheese that melts smoothly for the best gooey texture inside your Irish Egg Rolls.
Do I need to precook the cabbage and carrots?
No need! The quick frying time cooks the shredded vegetables just enough, so they stay a little crisp and super vibrant. If you like them extra tender, you can sauté them for a minute or two first, but it’s not necessary.
What’s the best dip to serve with Irish Egg Rolls?
Thousand Island dressing is the classic choice, echoing those beloved Reuben sandwich flavors. Spicy brown mustard, horseradish dip, or even a bit of sriracha-mayo offer delicious variety for dipping and dunking!
Final Thoughts
Sharing these Irish Egg Rolls honestly feels like passing along a cherished kitchen secret—because they’re just that good. With every bite, you get comfort, character, and a little fun. I hope you’ll roll up a batch and see just how quickly they disappear at your next gathering!
PrintIrish Egg Rolls Recipe
Enjoy a delicious twist on traditional Irish flavors with these savory Irish Egg Rolls. Filled with shredded corned beef, cabbage, carrots, Swiss cheese, and green onions, these crispy rolls are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or anytime you’re craving a flavorful appetizer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Irish-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Filling:
- 2 cups shredded corned beef
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup diced green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Additional:
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine corned beef, cabbage, carrots, Swiss cheese, green onions, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard if using.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
Lay one egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with a corner facing you. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly, sealing the edge with a little water. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
Fry the egg rolls in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm with Thousand Island dressing or spicy mustard for dipping.
Notes
- These can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes for a lighter version; brush with oil before baking.
- Great for St. Patrick’s Day or using up corned beef leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: ~210 kcal
- Sugar: ~2 g
- Sodium: ~420 mg
- Fat: ~12 g
- Saturated Fat: ~5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~7 g
- Trans Fat: ~0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~17 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Protein: ~10 g
- Cholesterol: ~30 mg