Description
Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls
Ingredients
10 egg roll wrappers
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
5 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Directions
Mix the Filling:
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth.
Assemble the Egg Rolls:
Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the filling and a few slices of jalapeño in the center. Roll tightly, sealing the edges with water. Repeat with all wrappers.
Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry to Perfection:
Carefully place egg rolls in the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10 egg rolls
Calories: 200 kcal per egg roll
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect egg rolls every time. First, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for easy mixing. In your bowl, thoroughly combine the cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and garlic powder until no streaks remain. Prepare your jalapeños by removing seeds and ribs for less heat, or leave them in for extra spice. When assembling, keep unused wrappers under a damp towel to prevent drying. To roll, place the filling slightly below the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides. Brush the top corner with water and roll tightly to seal, pressing firmly.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy, spicy rolls are incredibly versatile. Serve them hot as a standout game day appetizer or party snack. For dipping, classic cool ranch dressing is perfect, but consider spicy sriracha mayo, creamy avocado cilantro sauce, or a sweet chili sauce for contrast. Pair them with a light salad or coleslaw to balance the richness for a fuller meal. For presentation, slice them in half on a diagonal to show off the cheesy interior and arrange on a platter with lemon or lime wedges.
How-to Summary
In short: Mix cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and garlic powder. Place a portion of filling and jalapeño slices on an egg roll wrapper. Roll tightly, sealing with water. Fry in 350°F oil for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with dipping sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes. For a lighter version, brush rolls with oil and bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness; microwaving will make them soggy.
Can I make them ahead of time? You can assemble the rolls, place them on a baking sheet not touching, and freeze solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cooking time.
How can I make them less spicy? Carefully remove all seeds and white membranes (the ribs) from the jalapeños before slicing. You can also reduce the number of jalapeños or substitute with milder peppers.
What’s a good substitute for bacon? For a vegetarian version, use finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or meatless bacon bits. Cooked, crumbled sausage is also an excellent alternative.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overfilling the wrappers, as this can cause them to burst during frying. Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (350°F); oil that’s too cool makes rolls greasy, while oil that’s too hot burns the outside before the inside heats through. Do not skip sealing the wrapper edge with water, as a poor seal leads to filling leakage. Finally, let the fried rolls drain adequately on a wire rack or paper towels to prevent a soggy bottom.
Conclusion
These Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls are the ultimate fusion snack, combining beloved flavors in a crispy, dippable package. They are surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve perfectly golden, cheesy, and spicy rolls every time. Experiment with the serving suggestions and dipping sauces to make them your own. Enjoy this delicious twist on two classics!