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I've combined two of my favorite appetizers into one amazing snack. These crispy egg rolls stuffed with spicy jalapeños creamy cheese and crispy bacon disappear in minutes at every party. My friends joke that they need to grab them fast because even the kids who claim they don't like spicy food come back for seconds.
A Game Day Must Have
This recipe grew from my love of both egg rolls and jalapeño poppers. I wanted something easy to eat while watching football that wouldn't make a mess. Now they're requested at every game day gathering. The best part is you can make them as spicy or mild as you want.
Grabbing Your Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: Let it soften on the counter first it makes mixing so much easier.
- Sharp Cheddar: Grate it yourself it melts better than the pre-shredded stuff.
- Fresh Jalapeños: I usually grab 4 or 5 nice big ones.
- Bacon: Cook it nice and crispy then crumble it up.
- Green Onions: They add such a nice fresh pop.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: Just a pinch of each does the trick.
- Smoked Paprika: My secret ingredient for extra flavor.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: Find them in the produce section near the tofu.
- Water: Just a little to seal the edges.
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Let's Roll
- Mix Up That Filling
- I throw all my cheesy ingredients in a bowl with the bacon and jalapeños. Mix it up until it's nice and creamy. Sometimes I sneak a taste just to make sure the spice level is right.
- Rolling Time
- Here's where it gets fun. Scoop about 3 spoons of filling onto each wrapper. I fold like I'm wrapping a tiny present keeping it tight so the cheese doesn't escape.
- Get Them Crispy
- Once my oil hits that perfect temperature I fry them up in small batches. They turn this beautiful golden color after about 3 minutes. Don't crowd the pan or they'll stick together.
- Ready to Serve
- I lay them on paper towels first then move them to a rack. That way they stay crispy until serving time.
Other Ways to Cook Them
Sometimes I pop these in my air fryer when I want to keep things lighter. They get just as crispy. The oven works great too. Just brush them with a little oil first and they'll turn golden brown in about 25 minutes at 400 degrees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and roll them ahead of time. Store uncooked rolls in the fridge, separated by wax paper, for up to 24 hours before frying.
- → Can I use an air fryer instead?
Yes, you can air fry these at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes. Spray with oil first for best browning and crispiness.
- → How spicy are these egg rolls?
With seeds removed, the heat is moderate. Keep some seeds for more heat, or remove all jalapenos and replace with bell peppers for a mild version.
- → What oil is best for frying?
Peanut oil is recommended for its high smoke point. Vegetable or canola oil work well too for deep frying these egg rolls.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep them crispy.
Conclusion
These egg rolls combine the best of jalapeno poppers and crispy wrappers. Stuffed with a creamy, cheesy, spicy filling and fried until golden brown - they're perfect party food.