If you love the spicy, creamy, cheesy goodness of jalapeño poppers, and the crispy, golden crunch of egg rolls, then these Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls are about to become your new favorite snack. Imagine a crispy egg roll wrapper filled with a rich and creamy blend of melted cheese, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapeños—each bite is crunchy, creamy, cheesy, and just a little spicy.
These little bites are perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you’re craving something crispy and cheesy. They’re easy to make, can be prepped ahead of time, and can be fried or baked depending on how indulgent you’re feeling. You can even toss them in an air fryer for a lighter version that still delivers that perfect crunch.
Let’s get into all the delicious details so you can whip up a batch of these irresistible jalapeño popper egg rolls in no time!
Why You’ll Love These Mini Egg Rolls
Crispy & Crunchy – The egg roll wrappers fry up golden and crisp for the perfect texture.
Creamy & Cheesy – The filling is loaded with cream cheese, cheddar, and gooey goodness.
Spicy (But Not Too Spicy!) – The jalapeños bring the heat, but you can adjust to your taste.
Bacon Makes Everything Better – Smoky, crispy bacon adds an extra layer of flavor.
Party-Perfect – They’re small, dippable, and totally addictive!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened – The base of that rich, creamy filling.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – For extra cheesiness.
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – Melts beautifully and balances the spice.
- 3 jalapeños, finely diced – Remove seeds for less heat, or leave them in for extra spice.
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled – Adds smoky, crispy goodness.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a little depth of flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder – Complements the creamy filling.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – Just a pinch to bring it all together.
For the Egg Rolls:
- 12 small egg roll wrappers – You can find them in the refrigerated section near tofu and wonton wrappers.
- 1 egg, beaten – Helps seal the edges.
- Vegetable oil, for frying – If baking or air frying, you’ll need cooking spray instead.
For Dipping:
- Ranch dressing – A cool, creamy contrast to the spicy filling.
- Chipotle mayo – Adds a smoky kick.
- Sour cream with lime juice – A fresh, tangy option.
How to Make Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls
1. Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, jalapeños, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
At this point, give it a quick taste—want more spice? Add an extra jalapeño. Need more cheesiness? Toss in some extra shredded cheese. This filling is super forgiving and easy to adjust!
2. Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner pointing toward you (so it looks like a diamond).
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the jalapeño popper filling onto the lower third of the wrapper. Don’t overfill—too much filling will make rolling harder and could cause them to burst while cooking.
Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, tucking it in tightly. Fold in the side corners like an envelope, then roll it up tightly. Brush the top corner with beaten egg, then press to seal.
Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Cook the Egg Rolls
Option 1: Frying (Best for Crispiness)
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over 350°F (175°C). Fry the egg rolls in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. (source: Ineskohl.info)
Option 2: Baking (Lighter Option)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the egg rolls on a greased baking sheet and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Option 3: Air Frying (Best of Both Worlds)
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray, then air fry for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
4. Serve with Dipping Sauces
Let the egg rolls cool for a minute or two (the filling is HOT!), then serve with ranch, chipotle mayo, or sour cream with lime juice for dipping.
Tips for the Best Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls
Soften the Cream Cheese – This makes it much easier to mix and spread. If it’s too cold, microwave it for 10-15 seconds.
Adjust the Spice Level – Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat, or add red pepper flakes for extra kick.
Seal the Edges Well – Use beaten egg to prevent them from opening while cooking.
Don’t Overstuff – Too much filling can make them hard to roll and may cause them to burst while frying.
Make Ahead for Easy Entertaining – Assemble the egg rolls in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying or baking.
Freeze for Later – Freeze uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the cook time.
Serving Ideas
These Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls are fantastic on their own, but if you’re serving them at a party or game day spread, try pairing them with:
- A cold beer or margarita – The spice and crunch go perfectly with a refreshing drink.
- A side of guacamole – The creamy avocado balances out the heat.
- Loaded nachos – Because more cheesy, crunchy bites are always welcome!
They also make a great appetizer for BBQ nights, taco nights, or any time you need a fun finger food.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To keep them crispy, warm them in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes or air fryer for 4-5 minutes. The microwave works, but they’ll lose some crunch.
- Freeze: Freeze assembled (but uncooked) egg rolls and fry or bake directly from frozen.
Final Thoughts
These Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls are the perfect fusion of two classic appetizers—jalapeño poppers and crispy egg rolls. They’re cheesy, crunchy, spicy, and totally addictive. Whether you’re making them for a party, game day, or just to treat yourself, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
Give them a try and let me know how they turn out! Happy cooking! 😊
