Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls are a spicy, crispy, and creamy appetizer that combines the flavors of classic jalapeño poppers with the crunch of egg roll wrappers. These bite-sized treats are filled with a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, and diced jalapeños, then wrapped up and fried (or baked) to golden perfection. They’re the ultimate party snack—ideal for game days, gatherings, or when you’re just craving something indulgent and delicious.
What’s even better? These egg rolls are versatile! You can customize the filling to suit your heat tolerance and cooking preferences. Let’s get our Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Roll.
Ingredients
For the Egg Rolls:
- 12-16 egg roll wrappers
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced pickled jalapeños (adjust to taste)
- 2 fresh jalapeños (seeded and finely diced, optional for extra heat)
- 4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions
1: Prepare the Filling
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickled jalapeños, fresh jalapeños (if using), crumbled bacon, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you, like a diamond shape.
- Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling near the bottom corner of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides tightly like an envelope. Roll upward until the wrapper is fully sealed.
- Moisten the top corner with a little water to seal the egg roll completely. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3: Fry the Egg Rolls
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer to 350°F.
- Carefully add a few egg rolls to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4: Optional Baking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brush the egg rolls lightly with vegetable oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
5: Make the Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice. Serve alongside the egg rolls.
6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the egg rolls warm with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear!
Tips
- Adjust the Heat: For a milder version, use only pickled jalapeños and skip the fresh jalapeños. For more spice, leave the seeds in the fresh jalapeños.
- Seal Properly: Make sure the egg rolls are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the egg rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying or baking.
- Air Fryer Option: Spray the egg rolls with oil and cook in an air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Creative Fillings: Add diced chicken, shrimp, or extra veggies like bell peppers for a unique twist.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Cook straight from frozen, adding extra time for frying or baking.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the egg rolls soggy.
Variations
- Buffalo-Style: Add a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce to the filling and serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and add chopped sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a meat-free version.
- Southwestern Twist: Include black beans, corn, and a dash of cumin in the filling for a Tex-Mex flavor.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in pepper jack or mozzarella for an extra cheesy filling.
Nutrition Details (Per Egg Roll)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
FAQ
Can I make these egg rolls in advance?
Yes! You can assemble them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them for longer storage. Fry or bake them when ready to serve.
Are these egg rolls spicy?
They have a mild to medium spice level depending on the amount and type of jalapeños used. Adjust the spice to your preference by reducing or increasing the jalapeño quantity.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Absolutely! Baking is a great alternative. Brush the egg rolls with oil to ensure they crisp up in the oven.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Ranch dressing is a classic choice, but sour cream, guacamole, or a spicy chipotle mayo also pair wonderfully with these egg rolls.
Can I use wonton wrappers instead of egg roll wrappers?
Yes, but keep in mind that wonton wrappers are smaller, so you’ll need to adjust the filling amount accordingly.