Get ready to discover your new favorite appetizer! These Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls are an absolute game-changer, combining the creamy, cheesy, and spicy goodness of a classic jalapeño popper with an irresistibly crispy egg roll wrapper.
Perfect for any gathering, these bite-sized treats are incredibly popular and simple to prepare. Follow our easy steps and bring this delightful snack to life!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls
These delightful popper egg rolls are a must-try for many reasons:
- They are a perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears quickly at parties.
- The recipe is quick and straightforward, making it ideal for busy parents and beginners.
- You can easily customize the spice levels to suit everyone’s preference.
- Enjoy the flexibility of baking, frying, or air frying these crispy snacks.
- They offer a delicious combination of creamy, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite.
- These mini jalapeño popper egg rolls are simply fantastic for game days, holidays, and casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
To create these irresistible Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls, gather these simple items:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4-6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
- 3-5 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wonton wrappers (around 22)
- Cooking spray or oil for cooking
- Optional for baking: 2 tablespoons melted butter and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Notes & Substitutions
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, creamiest filling.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend are great alternatives to cheddar.
- Bacon: Use pre-cooked bacon bits for convenience, or cook fresh and crumble it.
- Jalapeños: Adjust the quantity of jalapeños based on how much heat you prefer.
- Wonton Wrappers: You typically find these thin wonton wrappers in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, often near the produce or tofu.
- Spice Level: For a milder flavor, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
- Less Spicy: Briefly boil the diced jalapeños for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the filling to reduce their heat.
- No Spice: Substitute diced green bell pepper for the jalapeños if you want zero heat.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this recipe. Here is what comes in handy:
- A large mixing bowl for the creamy filling.
- A cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping ingredients.
- A baking sheet if you choose to bake your egg rolls.
- A pastry brush is useful for applying the butter-oil mixture when baking.
- A deep pot or Dutch oven for frying, if that’s your preferred method.
- Tongs help with flipping and removing the egg rolls safely.
- A paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil after frying.
- An air fryer is an excellent option for a crispy, less oily result.
How to Make Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls
Making these Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls is simpler than you might think. Just follow these steps:
- Prepare the Filling: In your large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked, crumbled bacon.
- Next, add the diced fresh jalapeños, finely sliced green onions, and garlic powder to the mixture.
- Mix all these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. Season the filling with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring it in evenly.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay one wonton wrapper on a clean surface, positioning it with one point facing towards you like a diamond.
- Place about one tablespoon of the prepared filling onto the bottom third of the wrapper. Don’t overfill, as this can cause bursting.
- Lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper with water using your finger. This helps create a secure seal.
- Fold the bottom point of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the two side corners towards the center.
- Roll the wrapper up tightly from the bottom towards the top point, ensuring the entire wrapper is fully sealed to prevent any filling from escaping during cooking.
- Repeat this process with the remaining wonton wrappers and filling until all are assembled.
- Choose Your Cooking Method:
- To Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Arrange the assembled egg rolls on the baking sheet, placing them seam-side down. For extra crispiness, in a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Brush some of this butter-oil mixture over the tops of the egg rolls. Bake for 5 minutes. Flip the egg rolls, brush them again with the butter-oil mixture, and bake for another 4-5 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- To Fry: Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the mini jalapeño popper egg rolls into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Deep fry them for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. Once golden brown, remove them with tongs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- To Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (185°C). Lightly spray the assembled egg rolls with cooking oil. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, again working in batches if necessary. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden and wonderfully crispy.
- Serve your crispy Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls
Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful egg rolls is easy with these insider tips:
- Don’t Overfill: Use only about a tablespoon of filling per wrapper to prevent them from bursting open during cooking.
- Seal Tightly: Make sure all edges are completely sealed with water to keep the delicious filling inside.
- Crispy Baking: Brushing with a butter and oil mixture before baking truly makes a difference for a golden, crispy shell.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the filling 1-2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the egg rolls just before cooking.
- Batch Cook: Whether baking, frying, or air frying, cook your egg rolls in small batches for the best and most even results.
- Monitor Heat: Keep an eye on your cooking method’s heat. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on your specific oven, fryer, or air fryer.
Highlighting the nutritional content of ingredients like jalapeños adds value, as they are known to be high in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
These versatile popper egg rolls offer many ways to enjoy them.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these mini jalapeño popper egg rolls piping hot with a variety of delicious dipping sauces.
- Offer classic ranch dressing, a zesty chipotle mayo, or a sweet chili sauce.
- Consider serving them alongside warm queso or a cool, creamy avocado crema.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of extra green onions or fresh cilantro for added flavor and color.
Storage
- Refrigerate any leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container.
- For the best quality and flavor, consume them within 2-3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.
The USDA provides comprehensive guidelines for handling cooked bacon and other prepared meats, ensuring food safety and preventing spoilage.
Freezing Instructions
- Uncooked: To freeze uncooked egg rolls, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Cooked: You can also freeze cooked egg rolls similarly. Once cooled, freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until they are hot and crispy again.
Variations
- Cheese Blends: Experiment with other cheese blends like pepper jack for an extra kick, or mozzarella for a stretchier texture.
- Additions: Incorporate other delicious ingredients into the filling, such as diced cooked chicken, a small amount of corn, or black beans.
- Wrapping: While wonton wrappers are perfect, you could also try using puff pastry cut into small squares for a different, flaky texture.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls. Please note these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120-150 |
| Total Fat | 8-10g |
| Saturated Fat | 4-5g |
| Cholesterol | 25-30mg |
| Sodium | 200-250mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8-10g |
| Fiber | 0-1g |
| Sugars | 0-1g |
| Protein | 4-6g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation. This information is for general guidance only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can certainly prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I make these egg rolls less spicy?
Absolutely! Remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, or briefly boil the diced jalapeños before mixing them into the filling to reduce the heat. You can also substitute green bell pepper for no spice.
Are these Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls freezer-friendly?
Yes, they are! You can freeze them either uncooked or cooked, then reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Conclusion
These Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls are truly an ultimate party appetizer, guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. With their irresistible blend of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors wrapped in a crispy shell, they offer a delightful bite every time.
We hope you’ll try making these easy and incredibly delicious snacks soon. Share your creations and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, diced jalapeños, green onions, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper and mix thoroughly.
- Place one wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Add 1 tbsp filling to the lower third. Moisten edges with water, fold and roll tightly. Seal edges.
- Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling until all are assembled.
- To Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray baking sheet. Brush egg rolls with butter-oil mix. Bake 5 min, flip, brush again, bake 4–5 min until golden.
- To Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry egg rolls in batches for 3–4 min until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- To Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 370°F (185°C). Spray rolls with oil. Air fry 8–10 min, flipping halfway, until crispy.
Nutrition
Notes
- Turkey bacon can be used instead of pork bacon.
- Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blends can substitute cheddar.
- For less heat, boil jalapeños briefly or use bell pepper instead.
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