Bacon Jalapeno Popper Eggrolls: The Ultimate Appetizer Recipe

Bacon Jalapeno Popper Eggrolls: Prepare to meet your new favorite appetizer! Imagine the creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness of a jalapeno popper, perfectly encased in a crispy, golden-brown eggroll wrapper. It’s an explosion of flavor and texture that will have everyone reaching for more.

While the exact origins of the eggroll are debated, its roots trace back to Chinese spring rolls, a celebratory dish symbolizing wealth and new beginnings. Over time, the eggroll evolved, adapting to different cultures and culinary preferences. This particular fusion, the Bacon Jalapeno Popper Eggroll, is a modern marvel, born from the American love affair with both spicy appetizers and convenient, handheld snacks.

What makes these eggrolls so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of heat from the jalapenos, the smoky richness of bacon, the smooth, comforting cream cheese, and the satisfying crunch of the fried wrapper. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for parties, game days, or even a fun weeknight treat. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked! I know I am!

Ingredients:

• 12 large jalapenos
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 package (12 count) egg roll wrappers
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Optional: Ranch dressing or sour cream, for dipping

Preparing the Jalapenos and Filling:

1. Handle the jalapenos with care! I always recommend wearing gloves when working with hot peppers to avoid any burning sensations on your skin.
2. Carefully slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or knife to remove the seeds and membranes. This is crucial, as the seeds are where most of the heat resides. If you prefer a milder popper, be very thorough in removing all traces of seeds and membranes. If you like it spicy, leave a few seeds in some of the peppers.
3. Once the jalapenos are deseeded, set them aside.
4. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but a sturdy spoon will work just fine too. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
5. Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt, more garlic powder, or even a dash of hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.

Assembling the Egg Rolls:

1. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface, positioning it so that one of the corners is pointing towards you (like a diamond).
2. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of the wrapper. Don’t overfill it, or the egg roll will be difficult to close and may burst open during frying.
3. Place two jalapeno halves on top of the cream cheese mixture, facing the same direction.
4. Now, it’s time to fold the egg roll. Start by folding the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, tucking it tightly underneath.
5. Fold in the left and right corners towards the center, creating a sealed envelope shape.
6. Brush the top corner of the wrapper with the beaten egg. This will act as a glue to seal the egg roll.
7. Roll the egg roll tightly away from you, pressing firmly to seal the edge. The egg wash will help the wrapper stick together.
8. Repeat this process with the remaining egg roll wrappers and filling. As you finish each egg roll, place it on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Frying the Egg Rolls:

1. Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer.
2. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). You can use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of egg roll wrapper into it. If it sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
3. Carefully place 3-4 egg rolls into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy egg rolls.
4. Fry the egg rolls for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. Once the egg rolls are golden brown, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Repeat the frying process with the remaining egg rolls.

Serving and Enjoying:

1. Let the egg rolls cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, when the filling is still melty and the wrapper is crispy.
2. Serve the Bacon Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch dressing and sour cream are classic choices, but you could also try a spicy mayo, blue cheese dressing, or even a sweet chili sauce.
3. These egg rolls are perfect as an appetizer for parties, game day gatherings, or just a fun snack.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapenos or the amount of seeds you leave in to control the heat level. For a milder version, use poblano peppers instead of jalapenos.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack cheese would add an extra kick, while Monterey Jack would provide a milder flavor.
• Bacon: You can use pre-cooked bacon bits to save time, or cook your own bacon and crumble it. For a smoky flavor, try using bacon that has been smoked with applewood or hickory.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version. You could add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
• Air Fryer Option: For a healthier alternative, you can air fry the egg rolls. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Brush the egg rolls with a little oil and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the egg rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out. Fry them just before serving.
• Freezing: To freeze the egg rolls, assemble them as directed, but do not fry them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Dipping Sauces: Get creative with your dipping sauces! A creamy avocado ranch, a spicy sriracha mayo, or even a sweet and tangy mango salsa would all be delicious with these egg rolls.

Troubleshooting:

• Egg Rolls Bursting: This is usually caused by overfilling the egg rolls or not sealing them properly. Make sure to use the egg wash to seal the edges tightly.
• Egg Rolls Not Crispy: This could be due to the oil not being hot enough or overcrowding the pot. Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature and fry the egg rolls in batches.
• Egg Rolls Too Greasy: Make sure to drain the egg rolls on a wire rack lined with paper towels after frying. This will help remove excess oil.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per egg roll):

• Calories: 250-300
• Fat: 15-20g
• Saturated Fat: 8-10g
• Cholesterol: 50-60mg
• Sodium: 300-400mg
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 2-3g
• Protein: 8-10g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s recap why these Bacon Jalapeno Popper Eggrolls are about to become your new favorite appetizer (or, let’s be honest, your new favorite dinner!). We’ve taken the classic, creamy, spicy goodness of jalapeno poppers and wrapped it all up in a crispy, golden eggroll wrapper. The result? An explosion of flavor and texture that’s simply irresistible. Seriously, these are addictive!

But it’s not just about the taste. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make. I know, I know, sometimes “easy” recipes aren’t really that easy. But trust me on this one. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll be whipping up a batch of these bad boys in no time. And the best part? You can totally customize them to your liking.

Feeling adventurous? Try adding some shredded chicken or pulled pork to the filling for an even heartier eggroll. Or, if you’re a vegetarian, swap out the bacon for some sautéed mushrooms or black beans. You could even add a touch of sweetness with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. The possibilities are endless!

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions. These Bacon Jalapeno Popper Eggrolls are perfect as an appetizer for parties, game day gatherings, or even just a fun weeknight snack. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce – ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo would be amazing. I personally love them with a cool and creamy avocado ranch. You can also cut them in half and arrange them on a platter for easy sharing.

For a complete meal, pair them with a side salad or some crispy sweet potato fries. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, why not add a side of mac and cheese? Hey, you deserve it!

I’m telling you, these eggrolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re the perfect combination of savory, spicy, and creamy, all wrapped up in a crispy, crunchy package. What’s not to love?

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to make some magic. I promise you won’t regret it. And once you’ve tried them, I want to hear all about it!

Head over to the comments section and let me know what you think. Did you make any variations? What dipping sauce did you use? What did your friends and family think? I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I love hearing from you guys.

Don’t forget to snap a picture of your Bacon Jalapeno Popper Eggrolls and share it on social media using the hashtag #BaconJalapenoPopperEggrolls. I can’t wait to see your creations!

Seriously, go make these. You’ll thank me later. Happy cooking! I am confident that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. The perfect blend of flavors and textures makes it a winner every time. Enjoy!

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