If you love all things cheesy, smoky, and just a bit spicy, Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls are about to become your next obsession. Imagine everything you adore about jalapeno poppers—creamy, melty cheese, crispy bacon, and that signature kick—bundled up in a golden, crunchy egg roll shell. It’s the perfect appetizer, game day snack, or “just because” treat you’ll want to make again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Crunch: Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch thanks to perfectly golden egg roll wrappers.
- Easy Crowd-Pleaser: These Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls disappear fast at parties and pair beautifully with so many dips and sauces.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble them in advance and fry (or bake) just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
- Bold, Balanced Flavors: The creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh jalapeno create a flavor combo that’s both indulgent and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls is essential to building that perfect bite: creamy, crunchy, a little spicy, and totally addictive. Here’s what makes them shine—and a few little tips to guarantee your batch turns out as incredible as possible.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): This forms the luscious, creamy base—let it come to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds melty, tangy goodness and a pop of color.
- Thick-Cut Bacon (8 strips, cooked and crumbled): It’s all about that smoky, savory punch—crisp it up well, then crumble for the best texture.
- Jalapeno Peppers (4 large, seeded and finely diced): The star ingredient for heat and bright green vibrance; remove all seeds for milder results.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a savory depth that ties all the flavors together.
- Egg Roll Wrappers (10): Essential for that shatteringly crispy shell—look for these in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
- Vegetable or Canola Oil (for frying): Ensures your egg rolls cook up evenly golden and crisp without overpowering other flavors.
- Ranch Dressing (for dipping): Cooling and creamy, ranch is the perfect partner for these spicy, savory egg rolls.
Variations
One of the best things about Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls? They’re endlessly customizable! Don’t be afraid to swap, add, or tweak ingredients to suit your taste buds, veggie-lovers, or anyone avoiding gluten or meat—these egg rolls have room for everyone at the table.
- Spicy Pepper Lovers: Add diced serrano or habanero for extra kick, or leave in a few jalapeno seeds for more heat.
- Vegetarian Twist: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or black beans for a satisfying meatless version.
- Southwest Style: Stir in a handful of fresh corn or chopped green onions for extra color and sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers and pan-fry instead of deep-frying for an allergy-friendly bite.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls
Step 1: Mix the Delicious Filling
In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, diced jalapenos, and garlic powder. Use a sturdy spatula or spoon to mix until everything’s beautifully combined—the cream cheese should hug all those bacon and jalapeno nuggets, so every bite is jam-packed with flavor.
Step 2: Fill and Roll Each Egg Roll
Lay out one egg roll wrapper at a time, scoop about ⅓ cup of the filling mixture into the center, and shape it into a log. Lightly wet the wrapper’s edges with water (your secret glue!), then fold up the bottom, tuck in the sides, and roll it up nice and snug. Make sure all the filling is fully sealed—no leaks allowed!
Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat 2 to 3 inches of oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven until it reaches 350°F—use a thermometer for best results! Carefully add 2-3 egg rolls at a time, frying for 2-3 minutes per side until gloriously golden all over. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate so they keep their crunch, not extra oil.
Step 4: Serve Hot with Ranch
Enjoy Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls piping hot, right out of the fryer, with plenty of cool ranch for dipping. If you’re making them for a crowd, keep them warm in a low oven while you fry off the rest—they’re at their best fresh and crispy!
Air Fryer or Oven-Baked Option
No fryer? No problem! You can air fry or bake your egg rolls instead. For the air fryer, simply spray and cook at 400°F for 3-4 minutes per side; they’ll emerge crisp and golden. For oven-baked egg rolls, arrange on a parchment-lined tray, spray with oil, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. You’ll still get a beautiful crunch, with less mess and way less oil.
Pro Tips for Making Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls
- Crispier Bacon, Better Texture: For that irresistible crunch, cook your bacon until extra crispy before crumbling and adding to the filling.
- Seal It Tight: Lightly wet the edges of each egg roll wrapper as you roll—they should stick firmly, keeping every bit of cheesy goodness inside during frying.
- Mind Your Oil Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to keep oil at 350°F; cooler oil means soggy rolls, while hotter oil can brown the outside before the center gets hot.
- Batch Frying for Success: Fry in small batches so the egg rolls have plenty of room to float and crisp up—crowding drops the heat and gives less crunch.
How to Serve Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls
Garnishes
Give your Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls a finishing touch with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or thinly sliced green onions. For extra sparkle, a pinch of flaky sea salt as soon as they come out of the fryer makes all the flavors pop—even more inviting for your guests!
Side Dishes
Pair these crunchy wraps with refreshing sides like a crisp garden salad, grilled corn, or creamy avocado dip. For your next party platter, serve them alongside buffalo wings, potato skins, or even a batch of classic nachos—you’ll have a snack spread to remember!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls upright in a mason jar or basket lined with parchment for salty-sweet bistro vibes. Cut them in half on the diagonal and arrange on a platter with colorful dipping sauces for a truly eye-catching spread. Mini egg rolls are also a fun way to serve bite-sized versions at cocktail parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls keep surprisingly well! Pop any extras in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll stay crisp and delicious with the right reheating strategy.
Freezing
If you want to have a stash ready for whenever a snack-attack strikes, freeze the uncooked, rolled egg rolls on a parchment-lined tray until hard, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—cook directly from frozen (add a few extra minutes to the cooking time) for best results!
Reheating
To revive their crispy coating, reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crunchy on the outside. The microwave works in a pinch but may soften the wrapper, so a quick oven re-crisp after is always a good idea.
FAQs
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Can I prepare Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to cook. Just keep them well-wrapped to prevent the wrappers from drying out, and fry or bake when you’re ready to serve for maximum crispiness.
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What’s the best way to make these egg rolls less spicy?
For a milder version, remove all jalapeno seeds and membranes—they hold most of the heat. You can even use fewer jalapenos or substitute in sweet mini peppers for a totally mild, family-friendly batch.
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Can Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls be baked instead of fried?
Yes! For a lighter alternative, arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray the tops with oil, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden. The texture is slightly different from frying but still super delicious.
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What dipping sauces go well with Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls?
Classic ranch is always a winner, but don’t be afraid to get creative—try spicy chipotle mayo, avocado crema, or even a tangy salsa verde for a fun twist!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, smoky, and spicy, Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls are your new must-make recipe. Grab your ingredients, invite a few friends, and get ready for a crunchy snack that will have everyone coming back for seconds. I can’t wait to hear how much you love them!
Print
Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 10 egg rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying, Air Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls are a delightful fusion of spicy jalapenos, creamy cheeses, and crispy bacon all wrapped up in a crunchy egg roll wrapper. Perfect for parties or as a tasty snack!
Ingredients
Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled (about 1 cup)
- 4 large jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Wrapping:
- 10 egg roll wrappers
- vegetable or canola oil, for frying
- ranch dressing, for dipping
Instructions
- Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, jalapenos, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Wrapping: Place ⅓ cup of the jalapeno mixture onto each egg roll wrapper. Roll tightly, sealing edges with water.
- Frying: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry egg rolls 2-3 at a time until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Air Fryer Egg Rolls: Preheat to 400°F, air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Baking In Oven: Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
