Get ready for the ultimate party appetizer that everyone will rave about! These irresistible Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls deliver a perfect balance of crispy texture, creamy cheese, and a delightful spicy kick. They are incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making them an ideal choice for any gathering, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. You’ll love bringing this crowd-pleasing snack to life!
While the exact origins are debated, the stuffed and fried jalapeño, or “jalapeño popper,” became widely popular in the U.S. around the 1970s, evolving from traditional Mexican chile relleno dishes. For more details on its spicy journey, explore the history of the jalapeño popper.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls
- Irresistible Texture: Enjoy a perfectly crispy, golden exterior that gives way to a warm, creamy, and cheesy interior.
- Classic Flavors, New Twist: All the beloved flavors of a traditional jalapeño popper are packed into a fun, dippable egg roll format.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, these mini jalapeño popper egg rolls are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
- Customizable Spice: Easily adjust the heat level to suit everyone’s preference, from mild to extra spicy.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These bites are always a hit, making them the ultimate appetizer for game days, parties, or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Making these delicious Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls starts with simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces diced jalapeños, 1 can, drained
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 package wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying
Notes & Substitutions
- Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature. This helps you achieve a smooth, lump-free filling that’s easy to mix.
- Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts far better and provides a creamier texture than pre-shredded varieties.
- Jalapeños: Adjust the quantity of diced jalapeños based on your preferred heat level. For more spice, use fresh jalapeños and leave some of the seeds. For a milder flavor, rinse canned jalapeños well.
- Green Onions: These add a lovely fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the filling.
- Garlic Powder: A quick and essential way to add a savory depth of flavor to the cheese mixture.
- Wonton Wrappers: Look for these in the produce or refrigerated section of your grocery store. They are key for creating those perfect mini bites.
For deep frying, it’s important to use oils with a high smoke point to prevent burning and maintain flavor, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
- Oil: Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, which is suitable for deep frying.
- Optional Addition: Stir in some cooked and crumbled bacon bits into the filling for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
Equipment
You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to create these crispy treats.
- Medium mixing bowl
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven)
- Slotted spoon or spider for safe removal of fried items
- Tongs for handling
- Paper towel-lined plate or wire rack set over a baking sheet
(Optional: air fryer if you choose that cooking method)
How to Make Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls (Instructions)
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls every time.
Prepare the Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, drained diced jalapeños, garlic powder, and finely sliced green onions. Stir everything together thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and smooth.Assemble the Egg Rolls:
Lay one wonton wrapper diagonally on a clean, dry surface. Place about one tablespoon of the jalapeño popper filling just below the center of the wrapper. Lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water using your fingertip. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, tucking it in snugly. Next, fold in both side corners towards the center.Now, starting from the bottom, roll the wrapper tightly upwards towards the remaining corner, pressing gently to ensure the seam is completely sealed. This tight seal prevents the cheese from leaking during cooking. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Deep Fry (or Air Fry):
If deep frying, preheat your vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature accurately for best results. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the assembled Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls into the oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and beautifully crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove them from the oil.Serve:
Transfer the cooked egg rolls to a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. This helps maintain their crispness. Allow them to cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
Air Fryer Instructions
For a lighter option, you can air fry these crispy bites!
- Lightly spray the assembled egg rolls with cooking oil spray on all sides.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
- Place the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry for 6-7 minutes.
- Halfway through the cooking time, flip the egg rolls to ensure even crisping.
- Continue cooking until they are golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Softened Cream Cheese: Always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Cold cream cheese makes for a lumpy filling that’s hard to spread and mix evenly.
- Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to add too much filling. One tablespoon is just right; overfilling can cause the wrappers to burst during cooking, leading to a cheesy mess.
- Seal Tightly: This is crucial! A tight seal around the edges of the wonton wrapper is essential to prevent the melty cheese from leaking out into the hot oil.
- Oil Temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C). Too low, and the egg rolls absorb excess oil and become soggy; too high, and they burn before the inside is properly heated.
- Drain Well: After frying, always place your egg rolls on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. This step helps them stay extra crispy.
- Leaking Cheese: If cheese leaks out, your wrappers were likely not sealed tightly enough. Double-check all edges before frying.
- Soggy Wrappers: Soggy wrappers are usually a sign that your oil temperature was too low. The egg rolls sat in lukewarm oil, soaking it up instead of crisping.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
These savory bites are incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion!
- Serving: These mini jalapeño popper egg rolls are always best served warm, allowing the creamy, melted cheese to shine.
- Dipping Sauces: Elevate the experience with a delicious dipping sauce. Ranch dressing, sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, or even a simple honey mustard are fantastic choices.
- Storage: Store any leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze these either uncooked or cooked. For uncooked, assemble them, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag. For cooked, allow them to cool completely before freezing in a single layer.
- Reheating: For the best crispness, reheat refrigerated or frozen egg rolls in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in an oven at 375°F (190°C) until hot and crispy again.
Flavor Variations
Get creative and customize your jalapeño popper experience!
- Savory Additions: Stir in some cooked and crumbled bacon bits, shredded cooked chicken, or even a few corn kernels for extra texture and flavor.
- Cheese Blends: Experiment with different cheeses! Pepper Jack will add more kick, Monterey Jack offers extra meltiness, or try Colby for a milder flavor.
- Spice Level: To increase the heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling, or use fresh jalapeños and leave some of their seeds intact.
- Less Spicy: If you prefer a milder version, use canned mild green chilies instead of jalapeños, or thoroughly rinse and seed your jalapeños before dicing.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the nutritional values provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, preparation methods, and serving sizes. These delicious jalapeño popper egg roll bites offer a good balance of flavors in each serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 108 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 123 mg |
| Potassium | 64 mg |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 470 IU |
| Vitamin C | 11.6 mg |
| Calcium | 89 mg |
| Iron | 0.2 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes, you can! Lightly spray the assembled egg rolls with cooking oil, then bake them in a preheated oven at 400-425°F (200-220°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely. You can assemble the egg rolls up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them, covered, until ready to fry. You can also freeze them uncooked for longer storage.
What’s the difference between wonton and egg roll wrappers? Wonton wrappers are typically smaller and thinner, making them perfect for these “mini” egg rolls. Standard egg roll wrappers are larger and thicker.
How do I prevent them from bursting? The key is not to overfill the wrappers and to ensure all edges are tightly sealed with water before rolling.
Are they very spicy? The spice level is easily adjustable. You can control the heat by seeding the jalapeños (removing the seeds and membranes makes them milder) or using canned diced jalapeños, which are often less potent than fresh ones.
Conclusion
These crispy Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls are an absolute triumph in flavor and simplicity. With their irresistible combination of a crunchy exterior and a warm, creamy, and spicy interior, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you need a quick appetizer for guests or a fun snack for your family, this recipe is a perfect choice. Give them a try, and watch them disappear!
Don’t forget to share your creations and tell us your favorite dipping sauce in the comments below!
Crispy Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls
Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Pot
- mixing bowl
- Tongs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces diced jalapeños 1 can
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 green onions finely sliced
- 1 package wonton wrappers
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your cooking oil to 350°F to prepare for frying.
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeño peppers, garlic powder, and finely sliced green onions, mixing well.
- Place a wonton wrapper diagonally and add one tablespoon of the filling in the center; lightly brush water along the edges, fold in half, and pinch to seal, then fold in the sides and roll completely, ensuring it is sealed.
- Carefully drop each sealed egg roll into the preheated hot oil and fry for about 3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.