Breakfast & Brunch
This baked egg roll recipe with coleslaw mix delivers the perfect balance of crispy wonton shells and tangy cabbage filling—transforming a classic takeout favorite into a healthier, homemade version. The secret lies in using store-bought coleslaw mix as the filling base, which adds that signature tangy crunch without extra prep time. I've perfected the baking technique to ensure the shells stay crispy while the filling remains tender, creating a dish that's both satisfying and restaurant-quality.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. You'll start with wonton wrappers, which are easier to work with than traditional egg roll wrappers, and a filling made from coleslaw mix, ground pork (or a plant-based alternative), and just the right amount of seasoning. The baking method ensures the egg rolls develop that golden, crispy exterior while keeping the filling warm and flavorful inside.
What makes this recipe stand out is the perfect texture contrast: the crispy, slightly caramelized wonton shells give way to a filling that's tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with the crunch of shredded cabbage. The result is a dish that's hearty enough to be a main course but light enough to enjoy as an appetizer. Plus, you can customize the filling with your favorite proteins or vegetables to suit any dietary preference.
Ready in under an hour, this baked egg roll recipe is perfect for meal prep or serving fresh. The best part? No deep-frying required—just a simple baking technique that delivers the same satisfying crunch. Serve with a side of sweet chili sauce or soy dipping sauce for the full experience. Let's get started!
Ingredients for baked egg roll recipe with coleslaw mix
Crispy shells, tangy filling—just 13 ingredients for restaurant-quality egg rolls without frying.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wonton Wrappers 🥟 | 16 whole | Square, store-bought preferred |
| Coleslaw Mix 🥬 | 4 cups | Bagged, no dressing added |
| Ground Pork 🐖 | ½ lb | Lean, finely ground preferred |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 4 cloves | Minced, fresh preferred |
| Ginger Root 🌿 | 1 tbsp | Fresh, grated finely |
| Soy Sauce 🥢 | 2 tbsp | Low-sodium preferred |
| Sesame Oil 🌱 | 1 tbsp | Toasted, for flavor |
| Olive Oil 🫒 | 1 tbsp | For brushing shells |
| Eggs 🥚 | 1 whole | Beaten, for sealing |
| Hoisin Sauce 🍶 | 1 tbsp | For extra tanginess |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Kosher or sea salt |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Sweet Chili Sauce 🍒 | ¼ cup | For serving, optional |
The wonton wrappers are the star here. King Noodle or Martins brand are my go-tos—they're thin enough to crisp up perfectly. Grab a package, but check the expiration date—these go stale fast. The coleslaw mix? Kroger or store-brand works perfectly, but skip the pre-mixed kind with dressing already in it. Fresh ginger and garlic make all the difference—Trader Joe's has pre-minced garlic if you're short on time, but fresh is always better. For the pork, lean is key—ground pork shoulder gives the best texture, but ground chuck works in a pinch.
No pork? Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles (like Beyond Meat) work great. Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos if you're avoiding sodium. The sesame oil is non-negotiable for that authentic flavor—La Choy is my go-to brand. If you're missing hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp honey does the trick. For the filling, don't overmix—just combine everything until it's barely holding together. The texture should be loose enough to pipe neatly into the wrappers. And trust me, beaten egg on the edges is worth the extra 30 seconds—it seals those babies shut!
These keep surprisingly well—3 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. Reheat at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy again. For meal prep, bake a double batch and freeze half. Pop them straight from frozen at 400°F for 15-18 minutes—no thawing needed. The filling stays fresh longest if you keep the egg rolls unassembled in the fridge until ready to bake. Serve with that sweet chili sauce—Duke's is my favorite, but any brand works. Leftovers? Toss them in a salad the next day for a fun texture contrast!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No Chopping Nightmare: I swear by this recipe because the coleslaw mix does half the work for me—just drain, dry, and fold. No knife skills required, and honestly? That’s a win when I’d rather be scrolling through memes than dicing cabbage.
- Crispy-Garlic Magic: The ground pork and minced garlic get a quick sear, then the wonton wrappers bake into something ridiculously crispy on the edges while staying tender inside. That first bite? Pure satisfaction—like a takeout egg roll but without the guilt.
- Lunchbox Hero: Between us, these reheat beautifully for school lunches or office snacks. Pack them warm or cold—they hold up, and my kids actually eat them (yes, even the picky ones). Bonus: They’re the only thing I can think of to make ahead for game day.
- Pantry Stash Savior: I keep coleslaw mix and wonton wrappers on hand because this recipe turns cheap ingredients into something impressive. Ground pork stretches far, and the leftovers? They disappear faster than my willpower on a bad day. Budget-friendly and secretly gourmet.
Step-by-step instructions for crispy baked egg rolls
Here's how to transform simple ingredients into irresistibly crispy egg rolls that taste homemade.
Prepare the Tangy Filling
In a large bowl, combine the 4 cups coleslaw mix with the 0.5 lb ground pork. This mix already contains shredded cabbage and carrots—perfect for our filling. Add the 4 cloves minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp finely grated ginger root, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until the pork is fully coated and the flavors meld together.
Here's the thing—don't skip the sesame oil. It adds that nutty depth that makes this filling sing. If your coleslaw mix feels dry, add a splash of water (just enough to moisten) so the filling holds together when we roll it. The mixture should be sticky enough to cling to the wonton wrappers without being soggy.
Assemble and Seal the Egg Rolls
Lay out 16 wonton wrappers on a clean, flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling mixture in the center of each wrapper (about ¼ cup total). Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, then seal the edges tightly by pressing with your fingers. The key is to keep the filling snug—don't overstuff or the egg rolls won't crisp properly.
For extra security, brush the sealed edges with a little 1 whole beaten egg using a pastry brush. This creates a golden seal that prevents leaks during baking. I like to work in batches—assemble 8 at a time, then brush the edges while I finish the rest. This keeps everything organized and prevents the filling from drying out.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the sealed egg rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about ½ inch of space between each one. Brush the tops generously with the remaining 1 whole beaten egg mixed with 1 tbsp olive oil—this gives them that irresistible golden-brown crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they're deep golden brown and crispy all over.
Don't walk away during the last 5 minutes. The egg wash will bubble and turn golden—this is your signal they're almost done. If the bottoms aren't crispy enough, return them to the oven for another 2-3 minutes. The filling should be hot and the wrappers should crackle when you press them gently.
Serve with Tangy Dipping Sauce
Let the egg rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps them set and makes cutting easier. While they rest, mix together 1 tbsp hoisin sauce and 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce in a small bowl. This combination adds sweetness and a little heat that cuts through the richness of the egg rolls.
Slice each egg roll diagonally into 4 pieces and serve immediately with the dipping sauce. The contrast of crispy, golden wrappers with the cool, tangy filling is what makes these egg rolls addictive. For extra flair, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds right before serving—they add texture and tie all the flavors together.
Pro Tips For Making Baked Egg Roll Recipe With Coleslaw Mix
- Sear the Pork First: I learned this the hard way—skipping the initial sear leaves your filling soggy and flavorless. Cook the ground pork in a dry pan over medium-high heat until it’s deeply browned in spots (about 3-4 minutes), then finish with garlic and ginger. That crust locks in moisture and builds a base flavor the coleslaw mix can’t overpower.
- Blot the Wrappers Dry: Wonton wrappers are sneaky little moisture magnets. After soaking (if needed), lay them flat on a clean towel and press gently with a paper towel to remove excess water. Damp wrappers puff up unevenly in the oven, leading to lumpy, undercooked edges—no one wants a chewy baked egg roll.
- Prep Coleslaw Mix Right: Drain the coleslaw mix thoroughly and squeeze out every last drop of liquid with your hands (yes, even if it’s tedious). Leftover moisture turns your baked egg rolls into a sad, waterlogged mess. Pat it dry, then toss with a pinch of salt—this step makes a real difference in texture.
- Bake in Two Batches: Crowding the tray leads to uneven cooking and a sad, pale center. Arrange the egg rolls in a single layer with no overlaps, then bake the first batch for 15-18 minutes before adding the second. The oven’s hot spots will crisp the edges perfectly, and you’ll avoid the greasy, underdone disaster of overpacked pans.
Wine and beer pairings for baked egg roll recipe with coleslaw mix
Crispy Shells
For these baked egg rolls, I recommend pairing with a dry Riesling from Germany or Austria—its crisp acidity and subtle sweetness mirror the tangy coleslaw filling. The Kühner Riesling Kabinett ($15-$20) is my go-to because its light body won't overpower the dish. Serve it slightly chilled (50-55°F) to highlight the bright citrus notes that complement the sesame oil in the filling. 🍷
Tangy Balance
A Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand works beautifully with the sweet chili dipping sauce. Look for a Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc ($20-$25)—its zesty lime and grapefruit flavors cut through the richness of the pork filling while enhancing the cabbage's natural crunch. The crisp finish cleanses your palate between each bite of crispy egg roll. I like to serve it at 45-48°F to preserve its vibrant acidity.
Beer Pairings
For beer lovers, a Belgian Witbier like Stella Artois Wit ($10-$12) is perfect—its coriander and orange peel notes complement the sesame and hoisin flavors. The effervescence also helps balance the dish's richness. If you prefer something bolder, try a German Helles Lager like Weihenstephaner Original ($12-$15), which provides a malty contrast to the egg rolls' crispy texture. Serve both at 40-45°F for optimal flavor.
Non-Alcoholic Options
For a refreshing non-alcoholic pairing, try sparkling apple cider like Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider ($8-$10). The effervescence and apple notes enhance the sweet chili sauce while balancing the savory filling. Alternatively, a ginger beer like Feather Ginger Beer ($5-$7) adds a spicy kick that mirrors the black pepper in the egg rolls. Both options keep the meal light and refreshing. 🥤
Regional Variations
In Southern China, these egg rolls would traditionally be served with a lightly sweetened tea like jasmine tea to balance the dish's richness. The floral notes complement the sesame and hoisin flavors beautifully. For a modern twist, try a matcha latte—the earthy bitterness contrasts wonderfully with the crispy shells and tangy filling. 🍵
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
Assemble the egg rolls and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for 2 months. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 15-18 minutes—no thawing needed! The filling stays freshest when kept unassembled until ready to bake.
What if I don't have wonton wrappers?
Use spring roll wrappers instead—they're slightly larger but work perfectly. If you're in a pinch, phyllo dough can substitute, but it requires more skill to fold tightly. For a chewier texture, try egg roll wrappers, though they're harder to find. Just adjust the filling quantity to 1.5 tbsp per wrapper since they're smaller.
Can I make these egg rolls vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground pork for 1 cup cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles (like Beyond Meat). Add 1 extra tbsp soy sauce and ½ tsp smoked paprika for depth. The coleslaw mix provides enough moisture, so no additional binding is needed. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious!
Why did my egg rolls get soggy?
Overstuffing or underbaking are the most common culprits. Keep filling portions to 1 tbsp per wrapper and bake until golden (20-25 minutes). For extra crispiness, brush with olive oil + egg wash before baking. If using pre-shredded coleslaw mix, squeeze out excess moisture with a paper towel to prevent sogginess.
How do I reheat leftover egg rolls?
Place egg rolls on a baking sheet and reheat at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy again. For microwave reheating, cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 30-45 seconds—they'll lose some crispness but stay warm. The best method? Bake fresh from frozen for maximum crunch!
