Loaded Nacho Egg Rolls with Zesty Queso Dip: The Ultimate Crispy Snack & Party Appetizer
Forget everything you thought you knew about appetizers. We’re taking the beloved, crowd-pleasing nachos and transforming them into something utterly irresistible: crispy, portable egg rolls, perfectly paired with a rich, zesty queso dip. Loaded Nacho Egg Rolls with Queso Dip are the fried version of your favorite loaded-up snack! All the beef and vegetables you love on your nachos are rolled up and fried, then dipped into a creamy queso dip. If this doesn’t scream game time snacking WIN for you, I don’t know what else could!
The Irresistible Allure of Nachos: A Culinary Love Affair
Nachos and I have a sort of love affair going on, a deep and abiding connection that transcends mere snacking. Whether it’s loaded up with tons of seasoned beef and fresh, vibrant veggies, or it’s a simple thrown-together version with only the basics because it’s 1 am and all I have in the house, I am sincerely and profoundly in love. What’s not to love about this glorious dish?
It’s a symphony of textures and flavors: crunchy chips, gooey melted cheese, savory meat, zesty salsa, a kick of hot sauce, and fresh, crisp vegetables. So much goodness piled high on a plate, and you don’t really have to work that hard to make it all pretty. Nachos embody comfort, versatility, and sheer deliciousness. They are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing and an indispensable part of any casual gathering or game day feast.
The Unexpected Twist: Nachos Meet Egg Rolls
So, if nachos are already so perfect, why not roll it all up inside a crispy egg roll wrapper and fry it to shake things up? That’s right people, I’m back on the egg roll train, and let me tell you… it’s sooooooooo gooooooooooood. This innovative concept takes everything we cherish about loaded nachos and redefines the experience, transforming a plate-bound dish into a portable, hand-held delight.
Loaded nacho egg rolls are something out of my happiest mash-up fantasies. Imagine all the beefy goodness, plus tons of fresh veggies and aromatic spices, tightly rolled and fried until golden brown. Each bite is a revelation: a satisfying crunch from the exterior gives way to a warm, savory, and slightly gooey interior. Then you dunk that sucker in a gooey vat of rich queso dip and take a crispy bite… *mind explodes*
Are you drooling yet? This fusion snack combines the best of both worlds – the bold flavors of Tex-Mex nachos with the delightful crispy texture of a perfectly fried egg roll. It’s a guaranteed hit, an appetizer that will have everyone talking and reaching for more.
Effortless Prep with the Vitamix Ascent Series Blender
Now I know that all those finely diced veggies look like they are a pain in the butt to deal with. Trust me, if you are doing it by hand, it IS a pain. Achieving a consistent, fine chop for your bell peppers, jalapeño, tomatoes, and red onion can be time-consuming and often leads to uneven pieces, which can affect the texture of your egg roll filling.
That’s when I turn to my trusty Vitamix. I just received one of their new Vitamix Ascent Series blenders and holy wow, it’s basically my new go-to machine for eve-ry-thang. This blender makes the smoothest sauces, the finest chopped veggies, and even the most delicious desserts in mere seconds! For this recipe, it was an absolute lifesaver. I used it to dice up all the vegetables for these egg rolls. Literally 4 or 5 pulses of the blender later and BAM (as Emeril would say!), you have it all perfectly diced in a bowl. No chance of getting a little nick or cut from a knife in this scenario. As one of the clumsier cooks in this universe, that’s a huge change for me in my everyday life.
The new Ascent series even comes with a freaking timer so you never over (or under) blend. This precision is fantastic for ensuring your ingredients are chopped exactly as you want them, without turning them into a purée. One of the coolest things about this blender is that they also have interchangeable bowls. What does that mean? You can make a batch of these nachos using the biggest container, and then swap it out for a smaller container to make a smoothie or a cocktail or any small batch thing your little heart desires. AH these accessories are coming out this spring and I am literally counting the moments until they are out so I can get them all!
Crafting the Perfect Crispy Bites: Rolling & Frying
Once your flavorful filling of seasoned ground beef, finely diced vegetables, and black beans is prepared and cooled, the art of egg roll assembly begins. This step is crucial for ensuring your nacho egg rolls are perfectly crispy and hold together beautifully. Lay your egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape on a clean, flat surface. The key is a simple cornstarch and water slurry, acting as your edible glue to seal the edges.
Spoon 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of the delicious filling into the corner closest to you. Lift that bottom corner up and begin to roll it away, making sure to tuck the corner snugly underneath as you go. Once you’re about halfway up the wrapper, fold in the left side, then the right side, towards the center. Continue rolling away from you until only the final corner remains. Brush a little more of that cornstarch mixture over this last corner, finish the roll, and then brush along the seam. Place the finished egg roll seam-side down. Remember, rolling them tightly is paramount – a loose roll can lead to them falling apart during frying.
When it comes to frying, precise temperature control is your friend. Heat your vegetable oil to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Gently add the egg rolls to the hot oil, careful not to overcrowd the pot; fry no more than 3 or 4 at a time. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking, frying until they achieve a gorgeous, golden-brown hue on all sides, typically around 2 minutes. Once perfectly crispy, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, ensuring every bite is light and crunchy.
The Ultimate Companion: Zesty Homemade Queso Dip
No nacho-inspired creation is complete without a rich, creamy dip, and our homemade queso is the ideal partner for these crispy egg rolls. This zesty queso dip comes together effortlessly. Simply heat milk in a medium saucepan until it’s simmering gently. Then, stir in shredded cheddar cheese, a hint of red chile pepper flakes for a subtle kick, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese has melted into a smooth, velvety consistency. Keep the queso warm over low heat until you’re ready to serve. The luxurious, cheesy warmth of the dip provides a perfect contrast to the crispy, savory egg rolls, making each dip an unforgettable experience.
Beyond Deep Frying: Alternative Cooking Methods
While deep-frying provides that classic, irresistible crispness, you can also enjoy these Loaded Nacho Egg Rolls using alternative cooking methods for a slightly lighter touch. If you have an air fryer, simply spray the rolled egg rolls generously with cooking oil and air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), brush the egg rolls with a thin layer of oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping once, until they are golden and firm. While the texture may vary slightly from deep-fried, both air frying and baking offer delicious results, allowing you to choose your preferred method.
The Perfect Party Starter and Game Day Champion
These Loaded Nacho Egg Rolls with Queso Dip are more than just an appetizer; they’re a statement. They embody everything you love about nachos – the bold flavors, the hearty ingredients, the satisfying comfort – but in a new, exciting, and incredibly convenient format. Perfect for game day, a festive party, or even a fun family dinner, they are designed to be a crowd-pleaser. Their portable nature makes them ideal for mingling, and the explosion of flavor in every bite will have your guests raving. They are easy to prepare with the right tools, immensely satisfying, and undeniably delicious.
So, if you’re ready to elevate your snack game and impress everyone with a dish that’s both familiar and exhilarating, look no further. Get ready for a snacking WIN that will have everyone asking for the recipe! Don’t forget to check out other fantastic egg roll variations, like the Thai Turkey Avocado Egg Rolls, for more culinary adventures. These Loaded Nacho Egg Rolls are destined to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Vitamix. While I was compensated with product for this post, as always, all opinions and the recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
table of contents
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Loaded Nacho Egg Rolls with Queso Dip
ingredients
- 1/2 red bell pepper roughly chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper roughly chopped
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper roughly chopped
- 1 jalapeno seeded and roughly chopped
- 2 Roma tomatoes seeded and roughly chopped
- 1/2 red onion roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 10 egg roll wrappers
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp red chile pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
instructions
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In a medium saucepan, heat milk for the dip over medium heat until simmering. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, red chile pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the dip is smooth. Keep warm over low heat until ready to serve.
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Add bell peppers, jalapeño, Roma tomatoes, and red onion (all roughly chopped) to the Vitamix Ascent Series Blender. Pulse on Speed 4 until the vegetables are all evenly and finely chopped up, approximately 4 to 5 times. Transfer to a bowl.
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In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess fat. Stir in garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the finely chopped vegetables from the Vitamix to the skillet. Cook for approximately 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, just to soften the veggies slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
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Pour the cooked meat and vegetable mixture into a large bowl. Stir in the black beans until well combined. This is your nacho egg roll filling.
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To wrap your egg rolls, prepare a clean, flat surface. In a small bowl, whisk together the cold water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Lay one egg roll wrapper so one of the corners is facing you (like a diamond). Dip your fingers in the cornstarch water and spread it on all four edges of the egg roll wrapper. In the corner closest to you, spoon 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of the beef and vegetable filling into the center. Lift the bottom corner up and begin to roll away from you, making sure you tuck the corner snugly under as you roll. Once you are halfway up the wrapper, fold in the left side and then the right side towards the center. Continue rolling away from you until only the final corner is left. Dip your fingers in the cornstarch and water mixture again and brush it over this final corner. Finish the roll, brush a little more of the cornstarch mixture along the seam, and place seam-side down. Ensure you roll the egg rolls tightly; if they are too loose, they will likely fall apart when you fry them. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
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To fry the egg rolls, fill a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer with 4-5 inches of vegetable cooking oil. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Gently add the egg rolls to the hot oil, frying no more than 3 or 4 at a time to avoid overcrowding and dropping the oil temperature. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Fry until the egg rolls are golden brown on all sides, which should take approximately 2 minutes. Using tongs, carefully remove the fried egg rolls and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil and cool slightly.
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Serve immediately with the warm queso dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of extra chile flakes if desired. Enjoy!