Starting your day with something special doesn't have to be complicated, and these breakfast egg rolls prove exactly that point. These crispy, golden parcels packed with all your favorite morning flavors will revolutionize how you think about breakfast. Whether you're rushing out the door or enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch, breakfast egg rolls offer the perfect combination of convenience and deliciousness that busy families crave.
I've been making these breakfast egg rolls for years, and they never fail to bring smiles to the breakfast table. The beauty of breakfast egg rolls lies in their versatility; you can stuff them with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and even hash browns for a complete morning meal wrapped in a perfectly crispy shell.
Background & Why These Breakfast Egg Rolls Stand Out
What makes these breakfast egg rolls truly special is their ability to transform ordinary breakfast ingredients into something extraordinary. Traditional egg rolls get a morning makeover when filled with classic breakfast staples like fluffy scrambled eggs, savory sausage, and gooey cheese. The result is a handheld breakfast that's both satisfying and incredibly fun to eat.
These breakfast egg rolls have become a weekend tradition in my kitchen because they're surprisingly easy to customize. Kids love the crispy exterior, while adults appreciate how these breakfast egg rolls can be made ahead and reheated throughout the week. Plus, the air fryer method creates that perfect golden crunch without all the oil, making these breakfast egg rolls a lighter option that doesn't sacrifice flavor.
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Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 8 large eggs, scrambled
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups frozen hash browns, thawed and drained
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Vegetable oil for frying or cooking spray for air fryer
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Breakfast Filling
- Cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked
- Remove sausage and drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan
- Scramble the eggs in the same pan until just set but still slightly creamy
- Mix the cooked eggs with sausage, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, hash browns, bacon, and green onions
Step 2: Assemble the Breakfast Egg Rolls
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you
- Add about ⅓ cup of the breakfast mixture to the center of the wrapper
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the side corners
- Roll tightly toward the top corner, sealing the edge with beaten egg
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
- For air fryer method: Preheat air fryer to 380°F and spray egg rolls with cooking spray
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through until golden brown
- For traditional frying: Heat oil to 350°F and fry for 3-4 minutes until crispy
- Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with your favorite breakfast egg rolls dipping sauce
Expert Cooking Tips
Temperature Control
Keep your oil at exactly 350°F for perfectly crispy breakfast egg rolls. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside heats through; too cool, and they absorb too much oil.
Filling Consistency
Make sure your scrambled eggs are slightly underdone as they'll continue cooking during the frying process. This prevents rubbery eggs inside your finished rolls.
Proper Sealing Techniques
- Always keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel
- Don't overfill the wrappers or they'll burst during cooking
- Press out air bubbles before sealing for even cooking
- Use cornstarch mixed with water as an alternative sealing agent
Make-Ahead Strategy
Assemble the egg rolls completely and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags. They can go straight from freezer to fryer, just add 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Dietary Modifications
For those following specific diets, these breakfast egg rolls adapt beautifully. Swap regular sausage for turkey sausage or plant-based alternatives for lighter options. Use egg whites instead of whole eggs to reduce calories, or try almond flour-based wrappers for a low-carb version.
Flavor Combinations
- Southwest Style: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and salsa to the filling
- Veggie Lovers: Include sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach
- Ham and Swiss: Replace sausage with diced ham and use Swiss cheese
- Italian Inspired: Add sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese
International Twists
Transform these breakfast egg rolls into global favorites by incorporating different spice blends and vegetables. Asian-inspired versions can include soy sauce and sesame oil, while Mexican variations might feature chorizo and pepper jack cheese.
Equipment Recommendations
The right equipment makes all the difference when preparing breakfast egg rolls. An air fryer creates incredibly crispy results with minimal oil, making it my top recommendation for health-conscious cooks. A deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot works perfectly for traditional frying methods.
Essential tools include a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients, a pastry brush for applying egg wash, and a wire cooling rack to maintain crispiness. A food thermometer ensures your oil stays at the optimal temperature throughout cooking.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store cooked breakfast egg rolls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight containers. Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture when reheating.
Freezing Instructions
Uncooked assembled egg rolls freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Cook directly from frozen, adding just a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating Methods
- Oven: 350°F for 8-10 minutes for best crispiness
- Air fryer: 350°F for 3-4 minutes
- Microwave: 30-45 seconds (though this won't maintain crispiness)
Meal Prep Strategy
Prepare the filling mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Assemble breakfast egg rolls the night before and cook them fresh in the morning for the ultimate convenience.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's the game-changing tip my grandmother shared with me: add a small spoonful of cream cheese to your breakfast egg rolls filling mixture. This simple addition creates an incredibly creamy texture that binds all the ingredients together while adding richness that elevates the entire dish.
The second secret involves the wrapping technique. Instead of rolling tightly like traditional egg rolls, leave just a tiny bit of room for the filling to expand during cooking. This prevents the breakfast egg rolls from bursting and creates a more tender bite. These two small changes transformed my breakfast egg rolls from good to absolutely irresistible.
FAQ
What is a breakfast egg roll?
A breakfast egg roll is a crispy wrapper filled with traditional morning foods like scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and cheese. These breakfast egg rolls combine all your favorite breakfast flavors in a convenient, handheld format.
Are egg rolls healthy or unhealthy?
Breakfast egg rolls can be part of a balanced diet, especially when air-fried instead of deep-fried. They provide protein from eggs and can include vegetables for added nutrition, making breakfast egg rolls a satisfying meal option.
What all goes in an egg roll?
Traditional breakfast egg rolls contain scrambled eggs, breakfast meats like sausage or bacon, cheese, and often hash browns or vegetables. The beauty of breakfast egg rolls is their versatility in accommodating different ingredients.
Can you eat egg rolls in the morning?
Absolutely! Breakfast egg rolls are specifically designed for morning consumption, combining classic breakfast ingredients in a crispy wrapper. They make breakfast egg rolls perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunch gatherings.
Start Your Morning Right with These Breakfast Favorites
These breakfast egg rolls represent everything wonderful about creative morning cooking. They're convenient, delicious, and endlessly customizable to suit your family's preferences. Whether you choose the classic sausage and cheese combination or experiment with veggie-packed versions, breakfast egg rolls will quickly become a household favorite.
Don't forget to try our Sausage and Egg Casserole with Crescent Rolls for another satisfying breakfast option, or treat yourself to our sweet Lemon Sweet Rolls for a delightful morning dessert. These breakfast egg rolls pair beautifully with both savory and sweet accompaniments, making them the perfect centerpiece for your next brunch spread.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Ashley Johnson
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Pairing
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