Bacon Jalapeno Popper Eggrolls: The Ultimate Appetizer Recipe

Bacon Jalapeno Popper Eggrolls: Prepare to meet your new favorite appetizer! Imagine the creamy, cheesy, spicy goodness of a jalapeno popper, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden eggroll wrapper. It’s an explosion of flavor and texture that will have everyone reaching for more. I first encountered a version of these at a local food truck, and I knew I had to recreate them at home – and make them even better!

While the exact origins of the jalapeno popper are debated, its popularity soared in the latter half of the 20th century, becoming a staple at bars and restaurants across America. The combination of heat from the jalapeno, coolness from the cheese, and often the salty addition of bacon, proved irresistible. Taking that classic flavor profile and encasing it in an eggroll wrapper is a stroke of genius, adding a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire experience.

What makes these Bacon Jalapeno Popper Eggrolls so addictive? It’s the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crispy. The jalapenos provide a pleasant kick, tempered by the rich cream cheese and cheddar. The bacon adds a smoky, savory depth, and the eggroll wrapper delivers that satisfying crunch we all crave. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or even a fun weeknight snack. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible twist on a classic!

Ingredients:

• 12 large jalapenos
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 package (12 count) egg roll wrappers
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Optional: Ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce, for serving

Preparing the Jalapenos and Filling:

1. Prepare the Jalapenos: First, you’ll need to prep the jalapenos. This is probably the most important step, so pay attention! Put on some gloves – trust me, you don’t want jalapeno juice on your hands. Cut each jalapeno in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to carefully remove the seeds and membranes. The membranes are where most of the heat is, so removing them will help control the spice level. If you like it extra spicy, leave some of the membranes intact in a few of the jalapenos.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but you can definitely do it by hand with a sturdy spoon.
3. Stuff the Jalapenos: Now, carefully fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t overstuff them, but make sure each half is nicely filled. You can use a small spoon or even a piping bag to make this process easier. If you’re using a piping bag, just snip off the end and pipe the filling into each jalapeno half.

Assembling the Egg Rolls:

1. Prepare Your Work Station: Lay out a clean, dry surface. Have your egg roll wrappers, stuffed jalapenos, beaten egg, and a small bowl of water ready to go. Working efficiently is key to getting these egg rolls assembled quickly.
2. Position the Wrapper: Place one egg roll wrapper on your work surface in a diamond shape (one point facing you). This orientation is important for proper folding.
3. Add the Filling: Place one or two stuffed jalapeno halves (depending on the size of the jalapenos and your preference) horizontally across the center of the wrapper, closer to the point facing you. Make sure they are snug and not overflowing. You want to be able to seal the egg roll properly.
4. Fold the Bottom Corner: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper (the point closest to you) over the jalapenos, tucking it tightly. This creates a secure base for the roll.
5. Fold the Sides: Fold the left and right corners of the wrapper inward, towards the center, like you’re wrapping a present. Press down gently to seal the edges.
6. Roll and Seal: Brush the top corner of the wrapper (the remaining point) with the beaten egg. This acts as a glue to seal the egg roll. Roll the egg roll tightly away from you, pressing firmly to seal the edge. The egg wash will help create a nice, golden-brown color when fried.
7. Repeat: Repeat steps 2-6 with the remaining egg roll wrappers and stuffed jalapenos. Make sure to keep the assembled egg rolls covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out while you’re working.

Frying the Egg Rolls:

1. Heat the Oil: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for crispy, evenly cooked egg rolls. If the oil is too cold, the egg rolls will be greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn on the outside before the inside is cooked.
2. Fry in Batches: Carefully place 3-4 egg rolls into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy egg rolls.
3. Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry the egg rolls for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Remove and Drain: Once the egg rolls are golden brown, carefully remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This will help them stay crispy.
5. Repeat: Repeat steps 2-4 with the remaining egg rolls.

Serving:

1. Cool Slightly: Let the egg rolls cool slightly before serving. They’ll be extremely hot inside right after frying.
2. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve the Bacon Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls warm with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce. They’re also delicious on their own!
3. Enjoy! These are best enjoyed immediately while they’re still crispy and warm.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeno seeds and membranes you remove to control the spice level.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the filling. Pepper jack cheese would add an extra kick.
• Bacon Alternatives: If you don’t have bacon, you can use cooked and crumbled sausage or ham.
• Air Fryer Option: For a healthier option, you can air fry these egg rolls. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
• Freezing Instructions: You can freeze these egg rolls before frying. Assemble the egg rolls as directed, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until solid. Transfer the frozen egg rolls to a freezer bag or container. When ready to fry, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frying as directed.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and stuff the jalapenos ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the egg rolls.

Troubleshooting:

• Egg Rolls are Soggy: Make sure the oil is hot enough (350-375°F) and don’t overcrowd the pot.
• Egg Rolls are Burning: The oil is too hot. Lower the heat and monitor the temperature.
• Filling is Leaking: Make sure the egg rolls are sealed tightly and don’t overfill them.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per egg roll):

• Calories: 250-300
• Fat: 15-20g
• Saturated Fat: 8-10g
• Cholesterol: 50-60mg
• Sodium: 300-400mg
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 2-3g
• Protein: 8-10g

Remember that these are just estimates, and the actual nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and the size of your egg rolls. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Bacon Jalapeno Popper Eggrolls are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, I might be a little biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of crispy egg roll wrapper, creamy cheese filling, spicy jalapenos, and smoky bacon is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect appetizer for parties, game day gatherings, or even just a fun weekend snack. Seriously, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

But why are these eggrolls a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible flavor profile, they’re surprisingly easy to make. Yes, there’s a little bit of assembly involved, but it’s actually quite therapeutic, and the end result is so worth the effort. Plus, you can easily customize them to your liking. Not a huge fan of spice? Reduce the amount of jalapeno or remove the seeds and membranes. Want to add even more flavor? Try incorporating some shredded cheddar cheese into the filling or adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Speaking of customization, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. These eggrolls are fantastic served with a variety of dipping sauces. I personally love them with a cool ranch dressing or a creamy avocado dip to balance out the heat. But they’re also delicious with a sweet chili sauce, a spicy sriracha mayo, or even just a dollop of sour cream. For a fun twist, try serving them with a side of crispy fried onions or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

And the variations are endless! You could easily swap out the bacon for cooked sausage or shredded chicken. Or, for a vegetarian option, try using crumbled vegetarian bacon or adding some roasted vegetables like corn or bell peppers to the filling. You could even experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack for an extra kick or Gruyere for a more sophisticated flavor. The possibilities are truly limitless!

I’m confident that these Bacon Jalapeno Popper Eggrolls will become a new favorite in your household. They’re the perfect combination of savory, spicy, and satisfying, and they’re guaranteed to impress your friends and family.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your fryer (or oven!), and get ready to experience the deliciousness of these incredible eggrolls. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any modifications? What dipping sauce did you choose? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking, and enjoy your Bacon Jalapeno Popper Eggrolls! I hope you find this recipe as addictive as I do. Let me know what you think!