Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
The first time I made Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls was for a casual summer get-together at my best friend’s place. It was one of those spontaneous evenings where everyone was hungry, but no one wanted anything too heavy or complicated. As I rummaged through my fridge, inspiration struck. A handful of fresh jalapenos, cream cheese, and a stack of egg roll wrappers suddenly transformed into what quickly became the star of the evening.
I remember the first crunch and burst of creamy, spicy flavor—everyone immediately asked for more. Since that day, these egg rolls have become my go-to appetizer for everything from game nights to weekend hangouts. They’ve never failed to please, and there’s just something irresistible about their crispy exterior and creamy, spicy filling.
Quick Ingredient Snapshot
- Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos give just the right amount of heat without overpowering.
- Cream Cheese: Adds that classic creamy texture you expect in poppers.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: Thin and crispy wrappers that perfectly encase the filling.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding richness and gooeyness.
- Garlic Powder: Brings depth and enhances the flavor without overpowering.
- Green Onions: Adds freshness and a subtle crunch.
Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls
These crispy Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling and fresh jalapenos. Quick to make and impossible to resist, they're the ultimate appetizer for parties, gatherings, or game-day snacking!
Ingredients
- 6 fresh jalapenos, finely diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
<ol><li>In a bowl, mix diced jalapenos, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and garlic powder until smooth.</li><li>Place about 2 tablespoons of filling onto each egg roll wrapper, fold in the sides, and roll tightly, sealing with water.</li><li>Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry egg rolls until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.</li><li>Drain on paper towels, let cool slightly, and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.</li></ol>
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls are an absolute lifesaver for busy evenings or impromptu gatherings. They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, taking minimal prep time, yet they taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. The crunchy, golden wrappers paired with the creamy filling hit every note perfectly.
They’re ideal for picky eaters too, as the spice level can be adjusted by simply removing the jalapeno seeds. This recipe manages to capture all the beloved flavors of traditional jalapeno poppers but wrapped in a fun, handheld snack.
Unlike this scrumptious Loaded Mashed Potato Egg Rolls recipe from Spend With Pennies, which wraps creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes in egg roll wrappers, these Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls bring a spicier, more savory kick
Let’s Talk Ingredients
The star ingredient here, jalapenos, should be firm and vibrant green. Always handle them carefully—wearing gloves can save you from uncomfortable chili burns. If spice isn’t your thing, remove all seeds and white membranes, as that’s where the heat resides.
Cream cheese is essential for the filling, and I recommend using full-fat cream cheese for maximum richness. You can easily swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for an extra punch. Fresh green onions bring a touch of freshness that balances out the rich cheeses beautifully.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls
Prepping the Ingredients
Start by finely dicing your jalapenos and green onions. Combine them in a bowl with softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Give everything a thorough mix until it’s well combined and creamy.
Assembling the Egg Rolls
Lay your egg roll wrapper flat, placing about two tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture in the center. Fold the sides inward, and roll from the bottom up, sealing the top edge with a bit of water. It’s crucial to wrap them snugly to avoid any leaks during cooking.
Cooking to Golden Perfection
Heat your oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, gently place your egg rolls into the pan and fry until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan to keep the temperature steady. Drain them briefly on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.
Recipe Don’ts
Variations You’ll Love
For a vegetarian twist, mix in roasted corn or black beans into your filling. Vegans can swap dairy cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and vegan cheese shreds.
Try adding finely diced cooked chicken or shredded beef for extra protein. You could also explore Asian-inspired flavors by adding a splash of soy sauce or ginger into the filling.
Seasonal veggies like finely chopped bell peppers or spinach make delightful variations, perfect for adding extra nutrients and colors.
If you’re in the mood to try another crispy, flavor-packed twist, my Cheeseburger Egg Rolls are a must. They wrap up all those classic cheeseburger flavors in a golden, crunchy shell
Expert Tips, Swaps & Storage Advice
What to Serve This With
These egg rolls are a fantastic crowd-pleaser for parties or casual dinners. Pair them with creamy ranch dressing or a sweet chili dipping sauce for extra flavor. They’re perfect alongside a fresh, crunchy salad for a balanced meal, or serve them as appetizers with refreshing lemonade or mint iced tea during warm summer evenings.
If you’re hosting game day, these pair exceptionally well with veggie sticks and various dipping sauces for a fun spread.
If you’d like to keep this recipe handy, pin it to your Pinterest board! That way, you can revisit it whenever the craving strikes. Plus, pinning helps others discover this recipe too!
Common Questions
Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying them? Yes! Bake them at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
How do I control the spice level in this recipe? Simply adjust the jalapeno seeds and membranes. Removing them reduces the spice significantly.
Can I make Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls ahead of time for a party? Absolutely. Assemble them ahead, refrigerate covered for up to a day, or freeze for longer storage. Fry or bake them just before serving.
