There’s something irresistible about the creamy, spicy, and crispy bite of a good Jalapeno Popper, and lately, I’ve found a way to take that flavor to the next level. These Mini Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls are everything I love about classic jalapeno poppers, but wrapped in a golden, crackly shell that stays crisp even after cooling slightly.
In my kitchen, this appetizer has become the ultimate crowd-pleaser whether I’m hosting a game night or just craving something indulgent yet easy.
When I first tested this recipe, I remember the aroma of sizzling egg rolls filling the room it was rich with roasted peppers, smoky bacon, and tangy cream cheese. Every bite bursts with heat and creamy goodness, making it one of my favorite jalapeno popper recipes to share.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These little rolls are everything you could want in a party snack warm, cheesy, spicy, and crunchy. The filling melts perfectly, creating a velvety texture that contrasts with the crisp egg roll wrapper. Because they’re mini-sized, they’re perfect for sharing (or not sharing, no judgment here).
I love that they can be made ahead and frozen, then fried or baked just before serving. You can also play with the filling add more bacon for smokiness or a handful of shredded cheddar for extra flavor depth.
If you’ve ever loved jalapeno poppers recipe appetizers, this version will surprise you with how neatly they combine the best parts of comfort food and snack-time joy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Jalapeños – Fresh jalapeños bring the heat and a little crunch. I like to deseed some for mild spice, and keep a few seeds for a kick.
- Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese is the creamy heart of this dish. It mellows the spice beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar balances the creaminess and adds that signature melted cheese pull.
- Cooked bacon – Crisp, crumbled bacon adds smoky flavor and texture. You can also use turkey bacon or skip it for a vegetarian version.
- Green onions – Fresh, slightly sharp, and aromatic; they bring brightness to the rich filling.
- Garlic powder and black pepper – Just a touch enhances every bite.
- Egg roll wrappers – The crispy shell that holds everything together. I like to cut them in half diagonally to make mini rolls.
- Oil for frying – Neutral oil like vegetable or canola works best for achieving even crispiness.
Optional Add-Ins
- Pepper jack cheese – For an extra layer of heat and creaminess.
- Chopped cilantro – Adds freshness and color.
- Crumbled sausage – For a heartier snack with a meaty depth.
- Dipping sauce – Ranch, chipotle mayo, or even a sweet touch like pepper jelly pairs beautifully with the spicy rolls.
Recipe Card
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Mini Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini egg rolls
Description
Crispy, creamy, and perfectly spicy, these Mini Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls combine all the flavors of classic jalapeno poppers in a crunchy bite-sized wrapper.
Ingredients
- 6 jalapeños, diced and deseeded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 12 egg roll wrappers, cut in half diagonally
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold and roll tightly, sealing the edge with water.
- Heat oil to 350°F and fry rolls 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dip.
Notes
For a lighter version, air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
Add pepper jack or mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
Freeze unbaked rolls for up to 2 months; fry from frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American Fusion
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the filling
In a medium bowl, I mix softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, chopped jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. The key is to stir until everything is evenly combined and creamy but still textured you want little bits of jalapeño visible in every spoonful.
Step 2: Assemble the egg rolls
I set an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner pointing toward me like a diamond. Then, I place a small spoonful of the jalapeño mixture in the center. Folding is easy pull the bottom corner up over the filling, fold in the sides tightly, and roll it up. To seal, I dip my fingertip in water and brush it along the top edge before closing.
Because I’m making Mini Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls, I often slice larger wrappers in half diagonally before filling to keep them bite-sized and fun.
Step 3: Fry until golden
I heat about two inches of oil in a skillet to 350°F. Once hot, I gently lower the rolls into the oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown usually 2 to 3 minutes per side. The sizzling sound and the aroma of fried dough mixed with roasted jalapeños are heavenly.
If you prefer baking, arrange them on a parchment-lined sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp.
Step 4: Serve hot
I drain the rolls on paper towels, sprinkle them with a pinch of salt, and serve them warm. My favorite pairing is a creamy ranch dip, but a sweet-spicy glaze like the one from my pomegranate goat appetizer adds an elegant twist.
For a full party platter, I like serving these alongside my cocktail meatballs, stuffed mushrooms, chicken wings, and corn fritters with whipped feta. It’s a combination that disappears fast.
Variations and Customization Ideas
Air Fryer Method
I often make these in my air fryer for a lighter version. Spray the basket with oil, place the rolls in a single layer, and air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. They come out crisp without any deep-frying mess.
Spicy Buffalo Style
Toss the cooked rolls in a mix of melted butter and buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy kick.
Sweet and Savory
Add a touch of honey or a drizzle of pepper jelly inside the roll before sealing. The sweet heat contrast is amazing.
Extra Cheesy
Use a blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy filling.
Vegetarian Version
Skip the bacon and mix in roasted corn or diced bell peppers for color and crunch.
Make-Ahead and Freeze
These freeze perfectly. I lay them in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be fried or baked straight from frozen just add a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
These Mini Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls capture everything I love about comfort snacks spice, crunch, and creamy indulgence all wrapped up in a golden bite. Every time I make them, friends ask for the recipe before the plate is even empty. Whether you serve them for a party, game night, or as a fun side, they’ll steal the spotlight.
If you loved this recipe, don’t miss trying my stuffed mushrooms or corn fritters with whipped feta for your next gathering. And if you make these rolls, share how they turned out I’d love to see your kitchen creations.
