Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls

Name: Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 egg rolls
Ingredients: 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled); 1/4 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 egg roll wrappers; Oil for frying

Highlighted under: Easy Everyday Meals

I absolutely love making Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls for gatherings! The combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and the crispy exterior creates a delightful bite that everyone enjoys. The best part is how simple they are to whip up. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, I can have a tray of these tasty treats ready in no time. Whether they’re served as an appetizer or a snack, they always disappear quickly, and I can't wait for you to try them yourself!

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2026-02-18T15:38:18.796Z

When I first tried making Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls, I was amazed by how well they turned out. The crispy egg roll wrappers perfectly complement the creamy jalapeño filling, creating a delicious contrast. I remember serving them at a party; they vanished within minutes!

One key tip I learned is to make sure the filling isn’t too wet; otherwise, the egg rolls will become soggy during frying. It's essential to balance the cream cheese with just the right amount of jalapeños to achieve that spicy kick while ensuring it’s still creamy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crispy and golden outside with a creamy, spicy filling inside.
Perfectly portioned bites make them great for parties.
Easily customizable with different cheeses or veggies!

Mastering the Technique

Rolling the egg rolls might seem tricky at first, but it’s all about finding the right technique. When you moisten the edges with water, you create a seal that keeps the filling inside while frying. I find that using a brush or your fingers works best for an even layer. Be cautious not to overfill; 2 tablespoons is the sweet spot. Overstuffed rolls may burst in the hot oil, leading to messy fry results and wasted filling.

When frying the egg rolls, maintain the oil temperature between 350°F to 375°F. A drop of water should cause the oil to sizzle when it's ready. If the oil is too cool, the egg rolls will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Conversely, too hot oil may brown them too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked. I use a candy thermometer to keep track of the temperature, ensuring they come out crispy and golden every time.

Ingredient Insights

The combination of cream cheese and cheddar in the filling gives a rich, creamy texture that's essential to the overall taste. Cream cheese provides smoothness, while cheddar adds a sharpness that balances the spice of the jalapeños. Feel free to experiment! For a twist, try substituting pepper jack cheese for added heat or using a vegan cream cheese alternative to suit dietary preferences.

Fresh jalapeños bring a vibrant flavor but can be quite spicy depending on the variety. To tone down the heat, consider using pickled jalapeños instead, as they add acidity that complements the richness of the cheeses. Just be sure to drain them well to prevent excess moisture from making the filling too loose, which could lead to ruptured egg rolls during frying.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls are perfect on their own, but they shine when paired with dipping sauces. A creamy ranch or tangy salsa can elevate the experience. I also enjoy a sweet chili sauce for a delightful contrast to the spicy filling. Consider setting up a dipping station at your next gathering, giving guests the chance to customize their flavor experience with assorted sauces.

If you're looking to make these in advance, prepare your filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the egg rolls just before frying to maintain their crispness. Alternatively, fully cooked egg rolls can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Just reheat them in the oven at 400°F until heated through, ensuring they retain that desired crunch.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you get started:

For the Filling

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Egg Rolls

12 egg roll wrappers
Oil for frying

Make sure to have everything ready to assemble the egg rolls!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls:

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and all ingredients are incorporated.

Fill the Egg Rolls

Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface diagonally. Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling at the center of the wrapper. Moisten the edges with water and roll the wrapper tightly, folding in the sides to secure the filling.

Fry the Egg Rolls

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, gently add the egg rolls in batches, frying until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Ensure to turn them occasionally for even cooking.

Drain and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the egg rolls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy these deliciously crispy Mini Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls!

Pro Tips

For extra crunch, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked egg rolls for later use. Just fry them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your egg rolls start to burst in the oil, it’s often due to overstuffing or an inadequate seal on the edges. Always aim for the recommended filling amount and press firmly while sealing, making sure no air pockets remain. If you notice your sealing efforts are lacking, consider using a mixture of flour and water to create a stronger adhesive that holds the edges tightly.

Another common issue is greasy egg rolls. This usually results from frying at too low a temperature. If your egg rolls come out oily, increase the oil temperature gradually next time. A quick test to ensure the oil is hot enough is to drop a small piece of leftover wrapper into the oil; if it bubbles and rises to the surface quickly, you’re good to go.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs. When increasing the quantity, maintain the same ratio of filling to wrappers for best results. This will ensure consistent flavor and texture. For example, doubling the recipe works seamlessly — just be sure to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.

If you want to make smaller bites, consider using wonton wrappers instead of egg roll wrappers. They’ll require less filling and will fry quickly, making them a fun change in presentation. Keep in mind that cooking time might be less, so monitor them closely to prevent burning.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re planning a gathering and want to save time, make the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. This not only allows the flavors to meld beautifully but also makes the assembly process much quicker the day of your event. Just bring the filling back to room temperature before use, which will make it easier to work with.

For storing leftover egg rolls, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to three days. Recrisp them by baking at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method ensures they maintain that crispy exterior while reheating the filling thoroughly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I bake these instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them! Brush the egg rolls with oil and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for added zest or mozzarella for a milder flavor.

→ Are these spicy?

The level of spice depends on the jalapeños you use. For a milder option, you can deseed the jalapeños or use less spicy varieties.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven to restore crispiness.