If you are looking for a snack that packs a punch of flavor, crunch, and creamy goodness, look no further than this Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls Recipe. These bite-sized appetizers bring together the smoky richness of bacon, the smooth tang of cream cheese, and the zesty heat of jalapeños, all wrapped up in a perfectly crispy egg roll wrapper. They are easy to whip up, fun to eat, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or cozy night in. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become your new favorite spicy snack to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the key to making these mini egg rolls truly shine. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that irresistible balance of creamy, cheesy, smoky, and spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch.
- Cream cheese, 8 oz, softened: This creates the smooth, rich base that carries all the flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup: Adds sharpness and gooey meltiness for extra indulgence.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon, ½ cup: Brings smoky depth and savory crunch.
- Jalapeños, 2–3 finely chopped (seeds removed for mild heat): Provides just the right spicy kick without overwhelming the palate.
- Mini egg roll wrappers, 16–20: The crispy, golden casing that holds all the delicious filling together.
- Small bowl of water: Used to seal the egg rolls so they stay snug during cooking.
- Cooking spray or oil: Essential for achieving that perfectly crisp exterior when frying or air frying.
How to Make Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and finely chopped jalapeños in a mixing bowl. Stir until everything is smoothly blended and evenly distributed. This mixture is the heart of your mini jalapeño popper egg rolls, full of creamy, cheesy, smoky, and spicy goodness.
Step 2: Roll the Egg Rolls
Lay out each mini egg roll wrapper flat. Scoop about one heaping teaspoon of the filling into the center of the wrapper. Dip your fingertip into the small bowl of water and gently wet the edges of the wrapper; this helps seal the roll tightly. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides before rolling up tightly to seal the edge. Repeat this process until all the filling and wrappers are used.
Step 3: Cook the Egg Rolls
You have two delicious options here. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), spray the egg rolls lightly with cooking spray, and arrange them in a single layer. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crisp. Alternatively, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) for deep frying and cook the egg rolls in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, draining on paper towels afterward.
How to Serve Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or a light dusting of smoked paprika over the warm egg rolls to add a splash of color and a hint of extra flavor. These subtle touches make each bite as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
Pair your mini jalapeño popper egg rolls with creamy dips like ranch dressing, cool sour cream, or a smoky chipotle mayo. These cool, flavorful dips help balance the spiciness and add layers of indulgence. For a fuller snack feast, serve alongside crisp celery sticks or a fresh garden salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange the egg rolls standing upright in small shot glasses or ramekins filled with dipping sauces. You can also thread a toothpick through each roll to make them easy finger foods perfect for mingling. Elevating your presentation adds a wow factor without any extra effort!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mini jalapeño popper egg rolls store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, just reheat them to bring back that satisfying crunch and warm cheesy filling.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these anytime, freeze the uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, simply air fry or bake directly from frozen for a convenient and delicious snack.
Reheating
Reheat your mini jalapeño popper egg rolls in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will restore their crispy exterior and warm, melty filling without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I make these egg rolls vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding finely chopped mushrooms or smoked paprika to keep that savory depth. The cream cheese and cheddar will still deliver plenty of rich flavor.
How spicy are these mini egg rolls?
They have a medium heat level that can easily be adjusted. Removing the jalapeño seeds reduces the heat, or you can add more for an extra kick. It all depends on your taste preference.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a great alternative. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes for a lighter, crispy treat without the extra oil.
Are mini egg roll wrappers easy to find?
Most grocery stores carry them in the refrigerated or frozen sections near Asian foods. You can often find mini-sized wrappers or just cut regular ones in half for perfectly sized bites.
What dipping sauces work best with these egg rolls?
Classic ranch, cool sour cream, and smoky chipotle mayo are fantastic choices. You can also try a tangy salsa or sweet chili sauce to mix things up.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about these Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls Recipe that makes every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a cozy snack, these egg rolls bring warmth, spice, and a comforting cheesy hug all wrapped in a golden, crispy shell. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 mini egg rolls
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls combine spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon all wrapped in a crunchy egg roll wrapper. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or snack, they can be cooked by air frying, deep frying, or baking for a lighter option. Serve warm with ranch, sour cream, or chipotle mayo for a delicious finger food that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2–3 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder heat)
Assembly
- 16–20 mini egg roll wrappers
- Small bowl of water (for sealing)
Cooking
- Cooking spray or oil (for frying or air frying)
Optional for Serving
- Ranch dressing
- Sour cream
- Chipotle mayo
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, and finely chopped jalapeños. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and smooth.
- Assemble the egg rolls: Place 1 heaping teaspoon of the cheese and jalapeño filling in the center of each mini egg roll wrapper. Dip your finger in water and lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the sides tightly and roll up completely, sealing the edges with the dampened water. Repeat this process for all wrappers and filling.
- Cook by air frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray to help them crisp evenly. Arrange them in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Alternatively, cook by deep frying: Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the egg rolls in batches for 2–3 minutes per side or until they become golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Optional baking method: For a lighter option, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Serve the mini jalapeño popper egg rolls warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, sour cream, or chipotle mayo.
Notes
- These egg rolls can be made ahead and frozen uncooked. Freeze on a tray and then store in a sealed bag. Cook from frozen by baking or frying.
- To reduce oil absorption, drain the deep-fried egg rolls on paper towels immediately after cooking.
- For a milder version, remove all seeds from the jalapeños before chopping.
- Adjust the amount of bacon according to preference or substitute with a vegetarian alternative for a meat-free option.
- Use cooking spray when air frying to achieve the best crispy texture without extra oil.
