Alright, so picture this: you’re at a backyard barbecue, the sun’s setting, and the air is filled with the scent of something tantalizing—crispy, spicy, and oh-so-irresistible.
Enter these Crispy Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls. They’ve got the perfect crunch that echoes the excitement of a summer festival, with a creamy, spicy kick that might just blow your mind.
(And if you’re a fan of the unexpected—think Taylor Swift dropping a surprise album—this dish is your culinary equivalent.
Steps
- Combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, diced jalapenos, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Place 1/3 cup of the prepared jalapeno mixture in the center of an egg roll wrapper. Lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper with water.
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the side corners toward the center. Roll tightly to fully enclose the filling and seal the edges.
- Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F.
- Fry the egg rolls in batches of 2-3, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve the egg rolls hot, accompanied by ranch dressing for dipping.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the egg rolls in the air fryer basket, possibly in batches based on the air fryer size.
- Lightly spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray. Air fry for 3-4 minutes, then flip, spray again, and air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown.
- Serve with ranch dressing.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the egg rolls on the sheet.
- Spray or brush the tops with cooking spray or oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with ranch dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled (about 1 cup)
- 4 large jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 10 egg roll wrappers
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
- Ranch dressing, for dipping
FAQ
- Can I prepare Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare them beforehand. After assembling the egg rolls but before frying, you can either refrigerate them for up to 24 hours or freeze them for a few weeks to months. When you’re ready to serve, fry them directly from the fridge or freezer, adjusting the cooking time slightly if necessary.
- What is the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
- There are two effective methods: the warm water method, where you submerge the wrapped cream cheese in warm water for 10-15 minutes, and the microwave method, where you heat the cream cheese on low power in 15-20-second intervals until soft. Be cautious with the microwave to avoid overheating.
- How should I store and reheat leftover fried egg rolls?
- Allow the fried egg rolls to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness, as microwaving may make them soggy.
- Is it possible to freeze fried egg rolls?
- Yes, you can freeze fried egg rolls. Let them cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Reheat them directly from the freezer using an air fryer, oven, or hot oil without thawing.
- What are the alternative cooking methods for Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls?
- Aside from deep frying, you can use an air fryer or bake them in the oven. For air frying, set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the egg rolls for 3-4 minutes on each side. For baking, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the egg rolls for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Tips
- When softening cream cheese, use the microwave method cautiously by heating in short intervals, as overheating can cause it to become runny or melt.
- For extra heat in your filling, leave the seeds and membranes in the diced jalapenos, as this is where the majority of the heat is concentrated.
- If you prefer a less messy cooking process, consider using an air fryer for your egg rolls. It offers a quick and cleaner alternative to deep frying, resulting in a crispy texture.
- To ensure your egg rolls maintain their crispiness when reheating leftovers, opt for an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave, which can make them soggy.
Equipment
- Deep Fryer – For frying the egg rolls, although a deep pot can also be used.
- Air Fryer – Optional equipment if choosing to air fry the egg rolls.
- Baking Sheet – If opting to bake the egg rolls in the oven.
- Parchment Paper – For lining the baking sheet if baking the egg rolls.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray – For use in the air fryer or oven baking method.
