Name: Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled; 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped; 3 green onions, thinly sliced; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 12 egg roll wrappers; Oil for frying

There’s something so satisfying about taking a favorite appetizer and turning it into something a little more handheld, a little more crispy, and a whole lot more craveable. That’s exactly what happened when I made these Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls. The moment I bit into that golden, crunchy shell and hit the creamy, cheesy, spicy filling inside, I knew these were going to be a hit at any gathering—or just on a lazy Saturday night when I want something indulgent but simple to whip up.

I’ve always loved the classic jalapeño popper: spicy pepper, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon. But stuffing all that flavor into an egg roll wrapper and frying it until perfectly golden? Total game-changer. Whether I’m serving these as party appetizers, game-day snacks, or even dinner with a side salad, they disappear faster than I can make them. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare with just a few ingredients and lots of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls Recipe

These egg rolls are everything you want in a snack: crispy, cheesy, spicy, and addictive. The combination of smoky bacon, creamy cheeses, and jalapeño heat gives you that perfect popper taste, but in a fun new form. Plus, they can be made ahead and frozen, making them a perfect go-to for last-minute guests.

What Kind of Egg Roll Wrappers Should I Use?

For this recipe, standard egg roll wrappers found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores work perfectly. They’re pliable, easy to roll, and fry up beautifully crisp. Avoid spring roll wrappers or rice paper, which are thinner and won’t give you the same satisfying crunch.

Options for Substitutions

Not a fan of spicy foods? You can easily swap out the fresh jalapeños for mild green chiles. Want to keep it vegetarian? Leave out the bacon and add in some sautéed mushrooms for a savory twist. For those who are dairy-free, use your favorite non-dairy cream cheese and shredded cheese blend. And if you’re baking instead of frying, a light brush of oil on the wrappers will still get them crisp in the oven.

Ingredients for This Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls Recipe

Cream Cheese – This is the creamy base that mimics the inside of a jalapeño popper. It helps bind everything together and gives that rich, indulgent texture.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese – A sharp cheddar adds that classic cheesy tang and melt factor.

Cooked Bacon – Crispy, crumbled bacon brings smoky, salty crunch to the filling.

Fresh Jalapeños – These add the signature popper heat and fresh flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.

Green Onions – They provide a bit of freshness and mild oniony sharpness to balance the richness.

Garlic Powder – Just a touch enhances the savory flavor of the filling.

Salt & Pepper – A pinch of both to round out the flavors.

Egg Roll Wrappers – The crispy vessel that holds all the goodness inside.

Oil for Frying – You’ll need a neutral oil like vegetable or canola to get these golden and crisp.

Step 1: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should be thick and creamy, but not runny.

Step 2: Prepare the Wrappers

Lay out your egg roll wrappers on a clean, dry surface. Keep a small bowl of water nearby to help seal the edges. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling into the center of each wrapper, then shape it into a small log to make rolling easier.

Step 3: Roll the Egg Rolls

Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in both sides tightly like a burrito. Roll up the wrapper, sealing the top corner with a bit of water. Make sure they are sealed well to avoid leaking during frying.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to about 2 inches deep. Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test it by dipping the edge of a wrapper in; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Step 5: Fry the Egg Rolls

Carefully lower 3–4 egg rolls into the hot oil at a time, depending on the size of your pot. Fry for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pot or the temperature will drop.

Step 6: Drain and Cool

Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

How Long to Prepare the Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls

Prep Time: Most of your time will go into prepping the filling and assembling the egg rolls. Chopping the jalapeños, bacon, and green onions, then mixing the filling and rolling the egg rolls should take around 25–30 minutes. If you’re experienced with egg roll assembly, it may go faster.

Cook Time: Frying takes about 3–4 minutes per batch, with a total of 12–15 minutes depending on how many you’re making. Be sure to fry in small batches so each egg roll gets crispy without lowering the oil temperature.

Tips for Perfect Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls

Let your cream cheese soften before mixing to make the filling smooth and easy to work with.
Keep your wrappers covered with a damp towel while assembling to prevent them from drying out.
Don’t overfill the wrappers. Too much filling will make them harder to seal and more likely to burst during frying.
Seal the edges tightly using water to avoid leakage.
Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. If it’s too low, the rolls will get greasy; too high, and they’ll brown too fast.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the oil temp check: If you don’t check that your oil is at the right temperature, you risk soggy or burnt egg rolls.
Overcrowding the fryer: Adding too many at once drops the temperature and leads to uneven cooking.
Using wet filling: If your jalapeños or green onions are watery, blot them with a paper towel first. Excess moisture can cause splattering.
Not sealing properly: Open seams during frying can spill out the filling and create a mess.
Reusing old oil: Always use fresh or clean oil for frying to avoid any unwanted flavors.

What to Serve With Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls?

1. Ranch or Chipotle Dipping Sauce

Cool and creamy ranch or a smoky chipotle mayo adds the perfect contrast to the spicy filling.

2. Fresh Garden Salad

A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the egg rolls.

3. Guacamole

Creamy guac adds a buttery, cooling element that pairs well with the heat.

4. Corn on the Cob

Charred or grilled corn with a sprinkle of chili powder and lime juice complements the flavors beautifully.

5. Cold Beer or Sparkling Water

A refreshing drink cuts through the richness and gives a great pairing option.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until crispy again, about 8–10 minutes.

Freezer: These egg rolls freeze beautifully. Lay them uncooked on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cook time.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per egg roll, approximate values):

Calories: 210
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 330mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are these egg rolls?

They have a medium level of spice, depending on the jalapeños you use. Removing the seeds and membranes can help reduce the heat.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Brush them with oil and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prep and roll them in advance and keep them covered in the fridge for up to a day before frying.

What’s the best dip for these egg rolls?

Ranch, chipotle mayo, sour cream, or even queso dip all pair wonderfully.

Can I use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh?

Yes, but the flavor will be tangier and slightly less spicy. Drain them well before mixing.

Conclusion

Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls are the kind of recipe that brings big flavor with minimal fuss. Crispy, cheesy, spicy, and totally addictive, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a party, craving a comforting snack, or just want a fun twist on classic flavors. Make a big batch—they disappear fast!