These crunchy bacon jalapeño popper eggrolls are packed with flavor! Imagine crispy wrappers filled with cheesy goodness and a kick from jalapeños. Yum!
Making these is a fun adventure! I love the sound of that crunch when you take a bite. Perfect for sharing, or just enjoying all by myself! 🤫
Serving these with a creamy dipping sauce is my secret weapon to make things even tastier. They disappear fast at parties, so double the batch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This gives the filling a rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt. They work well and have less fat!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This adds great flavor. For a twist, you can use pepper jack cheese for extra spice, or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Bacon: Who doesn’t love bacon? You can swap it out for turkey bacon for a healthier version or leave it out for a vegetarian option. The filling will still be tasty!
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add a nice kick! If you prefer less heat, use roasted red peppers or mild banana peppers. You can also adjust the amount of jalapeños to your liking.
Eggroll Wrappers: These are usually available in most grocery stores. If you can’t find them, you can use wonton wrappers folded into triangles, or even make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Do I Roll Eggrolls Properly?
Rolling eggrolls correctly is key to ensuring they stay together while frying. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Start with a wrapper in a diamond shape, with a corner facing you.
- Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center. Don’t overfill; it makes rolling tricky!
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tucking it in for security.
- Fold the left and right corners over the filling, like an envelope.
- Roll tightly towards the top corner and seal the edge with water or egg wash.
Practice makes perfect! With a little time, you’ll get the hang of it!
Crunchy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Eggrolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped (about 6 slices)
- 3-4 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Wrappers and Frying:
- 10-12 eggroll wrappers
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy dish will take about 20 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes for frying. So in just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering appetizer ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped bacon, chopped jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper until everything is well combined. It should be creamy and full of delicious flavors!
2. Roll the Eggrolls:
Take an eggroll wrapper and lay it on a clean flat surface, diamond shape facing you. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese and bacon mixture into the center. Next, fold the bottom corner over the filling, then bring the left and right corners in towards the center. Finally, roll it up tightly towards the top corner, sealing the edge with a bit of water or beaten egg to keep it from opening during frying.
3. Fry the Eggrolls:
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is hot, carefully add a few eggrolls at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping occasionally for even cooking.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the eggrolls and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or spicy mayo. They’re sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your crunchy bacon jalapeño popper eggrolls! Happy snacking!
FAQ for Crunchy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Eggrolls
Can I Prepare the Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese and bacon filling up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the eggrolls, let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften before rolling.
What If I Don’t Have Eggroll Wrappers?
No problem! If you can’t find eggroll wrappers, you can use wonton wrappers instead. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the amount of filling used since wonton wrappers are smaller. Alternatively, you could also try making your own wrappers if you’re feeling adventurous!
How to Store Leftover Eggrolls?
Store any leftover eggrolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy or use an air fryer for a few minutes, which will help retain their crunch.
Can I Make These Eggrolls Spicier?
Definitely! If you love heat, you can add more jalapeños or include some chopped serrano or habanero peppers in the filling. You could also mix in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for an extra kick!
