These Tasty Finger Food Mini Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls are a fun twist on a classic favorite! Imagine crispy, golden egg rolls filled with creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and a little bit of savory bacon or seasoning all wrapped up in a crunchy shell. They’re perfect for when you want something bite-sized with a little kick and loads of flavor.
I love making these for parties or casual get-togethers because they’re easy to share and always disappear fast. The best part is that you can adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapenos depending on your taste. I usually dip mine in ranch dressing or a simple cool sour cream dip to balance out the spice — it’s such a nice combo.
Serving these little poppers warm and fresh out of the fryer or oven really makes a difference. I like plating them with some fresh veggies or a light salad for a nice mix of crunchy and cool alongside the rich egg rolls. These finger foods always bring a little smile, and I’ve noticed they’re a hit with friends who love snacks that pack a punch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This gives the poppers their creamy texture and mild tang. Use full-fat for the best melt and flavor. You can swap with vegan cream cheese if needed, but expect a slight change in texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor and helps bind the filling. You can try pepper jack for a little extra spice or mozzarella for a milder, stretchy melt.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños give the poppers their spicy kick. Removing seeds lowers the heat, so start with that if you want a milder bite. For no spice, use chopped bell peppers instead.
Bacon: Adds smoky, savory notes and crunch to balance the creamy filling. For a vegetarian version, try smoked tempeh or omit entirely and add extra seasoning.
Egg Roll Wrappers: These create the crisp, crunchy shell. If you want a lighter option, try baking instead of frying, or use wonton wrappers for a smaller, thinner shell.
How Can I Wrap the Egg Rolls So They Don’t Open During Frying?
Wrapping mini egg rolls so they stay sealed is key to keeping the filling inside and getting a crispy outside.
- Lay your wrapper with a corner pointing at you to form a diamond shape. This helps give a tight roll.
- Place the filling in a neat line close to the corner near you, but leave enough space around edges to fold.
- Fold the corner nearest you over the filling, press gently to remove air pockets.
- Fold in the two side corners towards the center to lock the filling in.
- Roll it away from you, keeping it tight but not tearing the wrapper.
- Seal the final edge with a little water or beaten egg—this acts like glue and prevents leaks.
- If you see any cracks or thin spots, fold or patch before frying.
Following these steps will help keep your egg rolls whole, crisp, and delicious!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot – heats oil evenly and keeps a steady temperature for perfect frying.
- Cooking thermometer – helps you keep the oil at the right 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt egg rolls.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – makes lifting out egg rolls safe and lets excess oil drip off.
- Mixing bowl – roomy enough to mix the cream cheese filling easily without mess.
- Paper towels – great for draining fried egg rolls to keep them crisp.
- Small bowl with water – used to seal egg roll wrappers cleanly and securely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap jalapeños for mild poblano peppers to reduce heat but keep a smoky flavor.
- Add cooked sausage or chorizo instead of bacon for a spicier, heartier bite.
- Mix in chopped spinach or kale for extra greens and a bit of earthiness.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a creamier texture and extra spice kick.
Tasty Finger Food Mini Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4-5 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package egg roll wrappers (about 20 wrappers)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional garnish: sliced jalapeños and chopped green onions
- Ranch or sour cream, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the filling and wrap the egg rolls, plus about 10-15 minutes to fry them in batches. Total time needed is around 30 minutes, making it a quick and tasty snack to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Jalapeno Popper Filling:
In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, sliced green onions, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until well combined.
2. Wrap The Egg Rolls:
Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you (diamond shape). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling near the corner closest to you. Fold this corner over the filling tightly, then fold in the two side corners. Roll up the wrapper toward the opposite corner and seal the edge with a little water to keep it closed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Fry and Serve:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the mini egg rolls in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove them and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, garnished with extra sliced jalapeños and green onions if you like, with ranch or sour cream for dipping.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying These Mini Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
How Do I Store Leftover Egg Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy instead of using a microwave, which can make them soggy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and wrap the egg rolls, then freeze them on a tray until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, fry straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
What Can I Use as a Substitute for Fresh Jalapeños?
If fresh jalapeños aren’t available, try using pickled jalapeños drained and chopped, or substitute with a milder pepper like poblano for less heat, or omit peppers for a creamy cheese filling only.
