Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls take the classic creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors of jalapeño poppers and wrap them in a crispy, golden egg roll shell. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat, crunch, and melty goodness, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack.
I first made these when I wanted to combine two of my favorite party foods, and they were an instant hit! The crispy exterior gives way to a rich, cheesy filling with just the right amount of jalapeño kick. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize—add crispy beef bacon, extra cheese, or even a touch of smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.
What’s great about Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls is how simple they are to make. Whether baked or fried, they come together quickly and pair perfectly with a cool ranch or chipotle dipping sauce. Ideal for game nights, parties, or just a fun twist on a favorite snack, these egg rolls are guaranteed to disappear fast!
Perfect for:
- Game day snacks
- Party appetizers
- Spicy food lovers
- Potlucks and gatherings
- Quick and easy finger food
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls will be your new favorite snack:
- Crispy & Crunchy: The egg roll wrapper fries up perfectly crisp for an amazing texture.
- Creamy & Cheesy Filling: A blend of cream cheese and cheddar creates a rich, creamy bite.
- Spicy Kick: Fresh jalapeños add just the right amount of heat.
- Savory & Smoky: Crispy beef bacon brings a smoky, salty balance to the filling.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy prep make this a hassle-free appetizer.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap cheeses, or add extra ingredients like chicken or corn.
- Great for Dipping: Pairs well with ranch, sour cream, or a spicy aioli.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep and freeze for a quick snack anytime.
- Perfect Party Food: A crowd-pleaser that’s great for any event.
- Fun Twist on a Classic: Combines the flavors of jalapeño poppers with the crunch of an egg roll.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 12 egg rolls
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 7g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 16g
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4-5 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 6 strips cooked beef bacon, crumbled
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Egg Rolls:
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional Dipping Sauces:
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy aioli
- Sour cream with lime juice
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Jalapeños: Provide the signature heat and flavor.
- Cream Cheese & Cheddar: Create a rich, melty filling.
- Crispy Beef Bacon: Adds smoky depth to every bite.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: Fry up golden and crunchy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, beef bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir until well blended.
Assemble the Egg Rolls:
- Lay Out Wrappers: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner facing you (like a diamond shape).
- Add Filling: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the jalapeño mixture into the center of the wrapper.
- Fold & Roll: Fold in the side corners, then roll up tightly, sealing the edge with beaten egg. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
Fry the Egg Rolls:
- Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Until Golden: Fry egg rolls in batches for 3-4 minutes per side or until crispy and golden brown.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve:
- Cool Slightly: Let the egg rolls rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Dip & Enjoy: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Serve
Here are 9 ways to enjoy Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls:
- As a Party Appetizer: Serve at game nights or BBQs.
- With Ranch Dressing: Classic cool and creamy contrast.
- Spicy Dipping Sauce: Pair with sriracha mayo or chipotle aioli.
- Topped with Hot Honey: A sweet and spicy combo.
- With Guacamole: Adds a creamy, fresh element.
- Alongside Wings: The perfect sidekick for buffalo wings.
- Cut in Half for Sharing: Great for party platters.
- As a Side Dish: Serve with burgers or tacos.
- Dipped in Queso: Because more cheese is always better!
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Jalapeños – For the best flavor, choose firm, bright green jalapeños with no soft spots. Removing the seeds and membranes will reduce heat, but leave some if you like it spicy!
- Cream Cheese Consistency – Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing. You can also blend it with a bit of sour cream for an extra creamy texture.
- Crispy Wrappers – To achieve golden, crispy egg rolls, fry them at 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the wrappers will burn before the filling is heated through.
- Seal Them Tight – Use a dab of water on the edges of the wrapper to ensure a secure seal. This prevents the filling from leaking out during frying.
- Bake or Air Fry for a Lighter Option – For a healthier alternative, brush the egg rolls with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Try Different Cheeses – Mix in shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for a unique twist on flavor and texture.
- Make Ahead & Freeze – Assemble the egg rolls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a bag. Fry straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
- Dipping Sauce Matters – Serve with ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or a sweet chili sauce to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness or creaminess.
- Don’t Overfill – Too much filling can cause the egg rolls to burst open while cooking. Stick to about 1–2 tablespoons per roll.
- Test One First – Fry a single egg roll to check for seasoning, texture, and cooking time before frying the rest. This ensures the perfect batch!
Recipe Variations
- Beef Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls – Add crispy beef bacon crumbles to the filling for an extra smoky, savory kick.
- Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls – Mix in shredded buffalo chicken with the cream cheese filling for a spicy, tangy twist.
- Philly Cheesesteak Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls – Incorporate thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and peppers alongside the jalapeños and cheese.
- BBQ Pulled Beef Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls – Stuff with tender pulled beef and a drizzle of BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor boost.
- Chorizo and Cheddar Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls – Swap out the traditional cheese for sharp cheddar and spicy crumbled chorizo.
- Mac and Cheese Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls – Add a spoonful of creamy mac and cheese to the filling for extra richness.
- Southwest-Style Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls – Mix in black beans, corn, and a touch of taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex-inspired version.
- Crab Rangoon Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls – Blend in crab meat and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a seafood-inspired variation.
- Pizza Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls – Combine chopped turkey pepperoni, mozzarella, and marinara sauce for a pizza-flavored twist.
- Avocado & Lime Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls – Add mashed avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a fresh, creamy contrast to the heat.
Special Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Heavy Skillet: For frying to crispy perfection.
- Tongs: For safe handling while frying.
- Paper Towels: To absorb excess oil.
- Air Fryer (Optional): For a healthier cooking method.
- Pastry Brush: To apply egg wash for sealing.
- Sharp Knife: For finely dicing jalapeños.
FAQ Section
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and freeze before frying. Cook from frozen for a few extra minutes. - Can I bake instead of fry?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. - What’s the best dipping sauce?
Ranch, sour cream, or spicy aioli work great! - Can I use pre-cooked beef bacon?
Yes, but freshly cooked beef bacon gives the best flavor. - Can I use pickled jalapeños?
Yes, but they will add a tangy flavor and less crunch. - How do I keep them crispy?
Serve immediately or reheat in an air fryer for a few minutes. - Can I add meat?
Yes! Shredded chicken or ground beef make great additions. - How do I prevent them from opening while frying?
Make sure the edges are sealed well with egg wash. - Can I use wonton wrappers instead?
You can, but they will be smaller and cook faster. - What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Conclusion
Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls are the ultimate crispy, cheesy, and spicy appetizer! These golden-fried rolls take everything you love about classic jalapeño poppers—creamy cheese filling, spicy jalapeños, and crispy beef bacon—and wrap it all in a crunchy egg roll shell for the perfect bite.
Customize them by adding shredded chicken for extra heartiness, using pepper jack cheese for a kick, or baking them for a lighter option. Serve them with ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or a cool avocado dip for the perfect balance of flavors!
I can’t wait to see how your Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this recipe your own!