Bacon Jalapeño Popper Eggrolls

This bacon jalapeño popper eggrolls recipe transforms an already irresistible appetizer into a portable, crispy delight. The combination of creamy cheeses, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapeños wrapped in a crunchy eggroll shell creates the perfect handheld treat for any gathering.

I first made these for a Super Bowl party last year, and they disappeared faster than any other appetizer on the table. My brother in law who claims to hate spicy food ended up eating five of them and asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese softened at room temperature for easier mixing and creating that signature creamy base
• Shredded cheddar cheese adds the perfect sharp flavor and creates those irresistible cheese pulls
• Bacon cooked until crispy and crumbled for a smoky flavor dimension
• Fresh jalapeños with seeds removed for manageable heat and bright flavor
• Eggroll wrappers create the perfect crispy vessel for holding all the delicious filling
• Vegetable oil for achieving that golden brown exterior

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the filling

Mix the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar in a medium bowl until completely combined. Fold in the crumbled bacon pieces and chopped jalapeños until evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture. Take your time with this step as a well-mixed filling ensures consistent flavor in every bite.

Rolling technique

Place an eggroll wrapper on a clean, flat surface positioned like a diamond. Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center, being careful not to overfill. Using your fingertip, wet all four edges of the wrapper with water. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, tuck in the sides tightly, and continue rolling upward to seal. Press the edges firmly to ensure no filling escapes during frying.

Heating the oil

Pour vegetable oil into a heavy skillet to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium high heat until it reaches 350°F. This temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect crispiness without burning the wrappers or leaving the center cold. If you dont have a thermometer, test with a small piece of eggroll wrapper it should bubble immediately and turn golden in about 30 seconds.

Frying process

Carefully place 3 4 eggrolls into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for approximately 2 3 minutes per side, using tongs to gently turn them. Look for a deep golden brown color all over. Proper spacing allows them to cook evenly and maintain the oil temperature.

Draining and serving

Remove the fried eggrolls and place them on a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil. Allow them to cool for 2 3 minutes before serving as the filling will be extremely hot. Serve while still warm for the best texture and flavor experience.

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The jalapeños are truly the star ingredient in this recipe. My grandmother always taught me that removing the seeds gives you all the flavor without overwhelming heat. I remember the first time I made these, I left some seeds in for my spice loving friends, and now I always make a separate batch with extra heat.

Make Ahead Options

These eggrolls can be assembled up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply prepare the filling and roll the eggrolls as directed, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, fry directly from the refrigerator, adding about 30 seconds to the cooking time to ensure the filling heats through completely.

Dipping Sauce Suggestions

While these eggrolls are flavorful enough to enjoy on their own, a complementary dipping sauce can elevate them to new heights. Ranch dressing provides a cooling contrast to the spicy jalapeños, while a simple sour cream mixed with a touch of lime juice and zest offers a tangy counterpoint. For those who enjoy extra heat, a sriracha mayo made by combining mayonnaise with sriracha sauce to taste creates a creamy, spicy option that enhances the jalapeño flavor.

Air Fryer Adaptation

For a lighter version with less oil, these eggrolls can be prepared in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and lightly spray both sides of the assembled eggrolls with cooking oil. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they dont touch. Cook for approximately 8 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The texture will be slightly different from traditional frying but still deliciously crunchy.

Ingredient Variations

These eggrolls can be customized to suit your taste preferences or to use ingredients you have on hand. For a milder version, substitute bell peppers for some or all of the jalapeños. Pepper jack cheese can replace the cheddar for an extra layer of spiciness. Turkey bacon works well for those looking to reduce fat content, while vegetarians can omit the bacon entirely and add extra cheese or even black beans for protein.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I bake these eggrolls instead of frying them?

Yes! For a lighter version, brush the assembled eggrolls with a little oil and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy, turning halfway through cooking time.

→ How spicy are these eggrolls?

The heat level is moderate when you remove the jalapeño seeds as instructed. For milder eggrolls, use fewer jalapeños or substitute with bell peppers. For extra heat, keep some seeds or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and assemble the eggrolls up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Fry just before serving for best results.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these eggrolls?

Ranch dressing, sour cream, avocado crema, or sweet chili sauce all complement these eggrolls beautifully. For something special, try mixing equal parts sour cream and ranch with a splash of hot sauce.

→ Can I freeze these eggrolls?

Yes! Freeze uncooked assembled eggrolls in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. They'll keep for up to 3 months.

→ What's the best oil for frying these eggrolls?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil all work well due to their neutral flavors and high smoke points. Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for optimal crispiness without greasiness.