If you’re craving a snack that packs a punch with bold, zesty flavors wrapped in a crispy shell, you’re going to love this Spicy Southwestern Egg Rolls Recipe. Think creamy avocado ranch, spicy chicken, black beans, and corn all rolled into one unforgettable bite.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I made these Southwestern egg rolls last weekend for a casual get-together, and let me tell you—they disappeared fast! There’s something about the mix of creamy ranch and guacamole with spicy chicken and tender veggies that feels totally irresistible.
- Flavor Explosion: Each egg roll bursts with creamy, spicy, and savory layers that keep you coming back for more.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these staples in your kitchen, making it super easy to whip up anytime.
- Perfect Party Snack: These rolls are crowd-pleasers, great for casual gatherings or game day snacks.
- Customizable Heat: Love it spicy? Just add more hot sauce to amp up the kick exactly how you like it.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before diving into the kitchen, I like to take a quick inventory of the ingredients—it makes the prep go so much smoother. For this Spicy Southwestern Egg Rolls Recipe, fresh veggies, creamy bases, and bold spices all come together for that signature Southwestern flair.
- SideDish Classic Ranch: Adds a cool, creamy base that balances the spice and ties the filling together.
- Avocado: Creamy and rich, it complements the ranch and adds that beautiful buttery texture.
- Lime Juice: A splash of brightness that livens up all the flavors.
- Avocado Oil: Great for sautéing with a subtle flavor and healthy fats.
- Red Bell Pepper: Provides a sweet crunch and vibrant color for freshness.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharp, tangy bite that balances out the richer ingredients.
- Garlic Cloves: Essential aromatic that gives depth and warmth.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- Pepper: Adds mild heat and earthiness.
- Chili Powder: Brings smoky warmth and authentic Southwestern flavor.
- Ground Cumin: Adds an earthy, slightly nutty note essential to the spice blend.
- Black Beans: Protein-rich and hearty, they give the egg rolls substance and fiber.
- Frozen Corn: Sweet bursts to balance the spice and texture contrast.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Convenient, tender protein that’s already cooked—trust me, it saves so much time.
- Hot Sauce (Tapatio): Adds that spicy punch and authentic heat.
- Baby Spinach: Keeps things fresh and adds a little green crunch without overpowering.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Moistens the filling and helps meld all ingredients together while keeping sodium in check.
- Pepperjack Cheese: Melts into creamy pockets of spicy, cheesy goodness.
- Fresh Cilantro: Bright, herbaceous notes to finish the filling with vibrancy.
- Burrito-sized Flour Tortillas: The perfect wrapping — flexible but sturdy enough to hold all that tasty filling and crisp up beautifully.
Make It Your Way
The Spicy Southwestern Egg Rolls Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Whether you want to dial up the heat, swap proteins, or lighten things up, these egg rolls are the perfect canvas for your creativity.
- Vegetarian Variation: I love swapping out the rotisserie chicken for extra beans or even cooked quinoa to keep things hearty yet meat-free. It’s just as satisfying and packs a great protein punch.
- Gluten-Free Option: For friends with gluten sensitivities, using gluten-free tortillas works beautifully and lets everyone enjoy these crispy delights without worry.
- Baking Instead of Frying: When I want a lighter option, I bake the egg rolls at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They come out golden and crispy without the extra oil.
- Heat Factor: Feel free to add an extra splash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch more chili powder to amp up the spice exactly how you like it.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Southwestern Egg Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Ranch Avocado Mix
Start by combining ¾ cup of SideDish Classic Ranch, half an avocado, and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice in a bowl. Use a fork to mash everything together until it’s smooth and creamy; this mixture is going to add that luscious, tangy base that ties the whole egg roll filling together. Set it aside to let the flavors meld while you move on.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies with Bold Spices
Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in ½ cup diced red bell pepper, ½ cup diced red onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir and cook until the veggies soften and become fragrant—about 5 minutes. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and ½ teaspoon ground cumin. Stir well to coat the vegetables in those smoky, spicy flavors that make the filling pop.
Step 3: Add Beans, Chicken & More Flavorful Goodness
Now, add the star players: one 15-ounce can of drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup frozen corn, and 1 cup diced rotisserie chicken. Pour in ½ cup low sodium chicken broth, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and 1 tablespoon hot sauce (I use Tapatio for that perfect kick). Cook this savory mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and most of the liquid has absorbed. Finally, toss in 4 cups of baby spinach and cook until just wilted—this adds a fresh, green balance to the bold filling.
Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Cilantro for a Flavor Finish
Remove your skillet from heat. While it’s still warm, stir in 1 cup shredded pepperjack cheese (or Monterey Jack if you prefer a milder taste) and ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro. The cheese melts slightly, creating a gooey, savory touch, and the cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that makes the filling sing.
Step 5: Assemble Your Egg Rolls with Care
Lay a burrito-sized flour tortilla flat on your workspace. Spread a generous spoonful of the ranch avocado mixture down the center. Then top with a hearty scoop of the filling you just made. Fold in the sides tightly and roll it up snugly to form a neat egg roll shape. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling—it should yield 16 delicious rolls ready for their crispy transformation.
Step 6: Fry until Crispy and Golden
Heat ¼ cup of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry your egg rolls, turning occasionally to ensure each side becomes beautifully golden and crispy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes per side. When perfect, transfer them to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Serve these spicy southwestern beauties warm as an appetizer or a crowd-pleasing snack. I love offering extra ranch or a splash more hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize their dipping experience. Trust me, these egg rolls are addictive and will steal the party show every time!
Top Tip
These tips will help you get the most delicious, crispy, and perfectly balanced Spicy Southwestern Egg Rolls every time. Trust me, a few simple tricks make all the difference when wrapping and frying these zesty delights.
- Seal your egg rolls well: Make sure to tightly roll and tuck in the sides to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying. A wet finger dabbed along the edge helps seal the tortilla perfectly.
- Use medium heat while frying: From experience, medium-high can burn the tortilla quickly but medium heat lets the egg rolls get golden and crispy without overcooking the filling.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches with enough space to turn them easily. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, which can make the rolls greasy instead of crisp.
- Drain excess oil: After frying, let your egg rolls rest on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up extra oil. This keeps them crunchy and less oily.
How to Serve Spicy Southwestern Egg Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. A wedge of lime on the side adds a bright citrusy zing. For an extra creamy touch, serve with a dollop of ranch or guacamole. If you like it spicy, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or some pickled jalapeños make fantastic garnishes too.
Side Dishes
Pair your spicy Southwestern egg rolls with a cool Southwest-inspired salad featuring black beans, corn, avocado, and cherry tomatoes tossed in lime juice. Classic Mexican rice or a fresh pico de gallo salsa also complement the flavors beautifully. For a lighter snack, crisp tortilla chips and a creamy salsa dip round out the plate perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, let the egg rolls cool completely. Store leftover Spicy Southwestern Egg Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When stored properly, they maintain great flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these egg rolls uncooked or cooked. For uncooked, assemble the rolls, place them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To freeze cooked egg rolls, let them cool fully before wrapping tightly in foil and freezing. This method preserves their deliciousness for quick snacks later.
Reheating
Reheat cooked egg rolls in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes until warm and crispy again. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can substitute the rotisserie chicken with cooked shredded turkey, more beans, or even sautéed mushrooms to make these egg rolls vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Yes, simply swap out the burrito-sized flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas. The filling remains the same and will still deliver that spicy Southwestern kick.
Definitely! For a lighter version, bake the egg rolls in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method yields crispy rolls with less oil.
These have a nice spicy warmth thanks to chili powder, cumin, and hot sauce like Tapatio. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce, or serve with extra on the side for dipping.
Final Thoughts
Making these Spicy Southwestern Egg Rolls is like bringing a fiesta right into your kitchen! The combination of creamy ranch, zesty lime, bold spices, and the crispy tortilla wrap creates an unforgettable snack or appetizer. Whether you’re serving them for a party or a cozy night in, they always bring smiles to the table. So grab your ingredients, get rolling, and enjoy the warm, spicy, and vibrant flavors that celebrate the spirit of Southwestern cooking!
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Spicy Southwestern Egg Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 appetizer rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Description
Southwestern Egg Rolls combine the bold flavors of classic ranch, avocado, black beans, corn, rotisserie chicken, and spices all wrapped in crispy flour tortillas. These appetizer rolls bring a zesty twist to your snack or party menu with a delicious blend of creamy, spicy, and savory ingredients.
Ingredients
Dressing & Avocado Mixture
- ¾ cup SideDish Classic Ranch
- ½ avocado
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon + ¼ cup avocado oil
Vegetables & Spices
- ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Main Filling
- One 15-ounce can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup small-diced rotisserie chicken
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (I use Tapatio)
- 4 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded pepperjack cheese (sub Monterey Jack)
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
Wrapping
- 8 burrito-sized flour tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing and Avocado Mixture: In a bowl, combine ¾ cup of SideDish Classic Ranch, ½ avocado, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Mash together until creamy and well blended. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables and Spices: Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup diced red bell pepper, ½ cup diced red onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and ½ teaspoon ground cumin to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Add Beans, Corn, Chicken, and Liquids: Stir in drained black beans, 1 cup frozen corn, and 1 cup diced rotisserie chicken. Pour in ½ cup low sodium chicken broth, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and 1 tablespoon hot sauce. Cook until heated through and most liquid is absorbed, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add 4 cups baby spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add Cheese and Cilantro: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded pepperjack cheese and ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro until well combined.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay a burrito-sized flour tortilla flat. Spread a generous spoonful of the ranch avocado mixture down the center. Top with a hearty scoop of the filling mixture. Fold in the sides and roll tightly to form an egg roll. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling to make 16 rolls.
- Cook the Egg Rolls: Heat ¼ cup avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the egg rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve warm as an appetizer or snack with extra ranch or hot sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken with cooked shredded turkey or cooked beans for a vegetarian option.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortillas.
- Instead of frying, you can bake the egg rolls in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for a lighter option.
- Make sure to drain and rinse the canned black beans well to reduce sodium content.
- Add extra lime juice or hot sauce to taste if preferred spicier or tangier.
- Use non-stick spray or a small amount of oil in the pan to control the fat content when frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 239 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 635 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg
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