Mini Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls

$- 1 cup cream cheese - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup jalapeños, finely chopped - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and black pepper, to taste The main flavors in these egg rolls come from the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Cream cheese gives a rich texture, while sharp cheddar adds a punch. Jalapeños bring heat. You can use fresh or pickled jalapeños based on your taste. Garlic powder and onion powder boost the flavor too. Don't forget to season with salt and black pepper. - Thin wrappers work best. - Look for ones labeled "egg roll" or "spring roll." Egg roll wrappers serve as the base. Choose thin wrappers for a crispy bite. You can find them in most grocery stores. Just check the labels. If they say "egg roll" or "spring roll," you’re good to go. Fresh wrappers are often found in the refrigerated section. - Ranch dressing - Other sauce suggestions: spicy mayo, salsa, or guacamole Dipping sauces add fun to the meal. Ranch dressing is a classic choice. It cools the spice from the jalapeños. You can also try spicy mayo for a kick or salsa for freshness. Guacamole pairs well too! The choice is yours. {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the filling, start with a mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Next, stir in 1/2 cup of finely chopped jalapeños, which can be fresh or pickled. This mix gives a nice heat. Then, add 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder for extra flavor. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients blend together smoothly. Now, let’s roll these tasty treats. Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface. Make sure one corner points at you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of your jalapeño cheese mixture onto the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling snugly. Then, fold in the side corners towards the center. Roll the wrapper tightly away from you. If it feels loose, use a little water on your fingertips to moisten the edges for a better seal. Be careful not to overfill the wrappers, as this can cause them to burst open while frying. It’s also key to roll tightly to keep the filling inside during cooking. Frying is where the magic happens. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat. Aim for about 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles, you’re ready to fry. Carefully place a few egg rolls into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally. Look for a golden brown, crispy exterior. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Enjoy them warm! You can serve them with ranch dressing on the side for dipping, if you like. To make these mini jalapeño popper egg rolls truly shine, you can adjust the spice levels. If you like heat, use fresh jalapeños. Their crispness and bite will add a strong kick. If you prefer mild flavors, pickled jalapeños work well. They add tang without too much heat. Mixing both can bring balance and depth to your filling. When frying, oil selection is key. I recommend vegetable oil because it has a high smoke point. This helps the egg rolls fry evenly. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) for the best results. If the oil is too cool, the egg rolls will soak up oil and become soggy. If it's too hot, they may burn before cooking through. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them to achieve a golden brown color. Plating your mini jalapeño popper egg rolls can be fun. Arrange them in a circle on a nice plate. This makes for an eye-catching display. Serve with ranch dressing on the side for dipping. The coolness of the ranch pairs well with the heat from the jalapeños. You can also try pairing these egg rolls with a light beer or a fruity soda. They complement the flavors nicely. Pro Tips Use Cold Cream Cheese: For easier mixing, ensure your cream cheese is cold. It will blend more smoothly with the other ingredients. Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the egg rolls, as this can cause them to burst while frying. Stick to about 2 tablespoons of filling. Test the Oil: Always test the oil temperature with a small piece of bread before frying. It should sizzle when the oil is hot enough. Keep Them Warm: If frying in batches, keep the cooked egg rolls warm in an oven set to low heat while you finish frying the rest. {{image_4}} You can cook mini jalapeño popper egg rolls in two ways: baked or fried. - Fried: Frying gives a crunchy and golden finish. It also creates a savory flavor that many love. - Baked: Baking is a great choice if you want a lighter option. They will not be as crispy, but they still taste good. If you choose to bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place egg rolls on a baking sheet and spray them with oil. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. This method cuts down on oil and is healthier. You can easily switch some ingredients to meet your needs. - Dairy-free options: If you want a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and cheese. Many brands offer tasty alternatives. - Vegan alternatives: For a vegan option, skip the cream cheese and cheese. Try adding mashed beans or sautéed mushrooms. They add flavor and texture. You can get creative with flavors in your egg rolls. - Adding proteins: Mix in cooked chicken, bacon bits, or ground turkey. This makes the egg rolls more filling and adds a fun twist. - Incorporating different cheeses: Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella. Each cheese brings its own flavor and creaminess. Try these variations to make your mini jalapeño popper egg rolls unique and flavorful! To keep your mini jalapeño popper egg rolls fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They can last up to three days. If you have more than you can eat, freezing is a great option. Wrap each egg roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When it's time to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. For the best crispy texture, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the egg rolls on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This way, you keep them crunchy. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them soft. If you choose the microwave, heat them in short bursts, checking often. These tasty treats can stay fresh for a while. In the fridge, they last about three days. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If they look dry or have an off smell, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your mini jalapeño popper egg rolls while they are fresh! Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also roll the egg rolls, then freeze them. Just fry them when you're ready. This way, you save time and enjoy a fresh snack. If you want a different wrapper, try spring roll wrappers or wonton wrappers. You can also use rice paper for a gluten-free option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may change based on the wrapper you choose. To reduce heat, use fewer jalapeños. You can also use mild peppers like bell peppers. Another trick is to add more cream cheese or cheddar cheese to balance the spice. You can also mix in some sour cream for extra creaminess. Yes, you can air fry them! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the egg rolls with oil. Place them in the basket in a single layer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives a crispy texture without frying. Each egg roll has about 130 calories, with 8 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. The nutritional values may vary based on the brands of ingredients used. Always check labels for accurate information. You now have a clear guide to making awesome jalapeño popper egg rolls. We covered the key ingredients, like cream cheese and jalapeños, and how to choose the right egg roll wrappers. The step-by-step instructions will help you mix, roll, and fry them perfectly. Don’t forget the tips for the crunch and variations to match your taste. With proper storage, you can enjoy these delicious snacks later, too. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your tasty creations!$

Mini Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls

Crispy egg rolls filled with a creamy jalapeno cheese mixture, perfect as an appetizer.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup jalapeños, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and black pepper
12 egg roll wrappers
for frying oil vegetable oil
optional ranch dressing, for dipping

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in the finely chopped jalapeños, followed by the garlic powder and onion powder. Season with salt and black pepper, then mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended.
Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean, dry surface, ensuring that one corner is pointing directly towards you.
Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the jalapeño cheese mixture onto the center of the wrapper.
Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, tucking it snugly. Next, fold in the side corners towards the center. Roll the wrapper tightly away from you to fully enclose the filling. If needed, use a little water on your fingers to moisten the edges, ensuring a secure seal.
Repeat the process with the remaining egg roll wrappers and filling mixture until all are filled and rolled.
In a deep pan or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). To test the oil, drop a small piece of bread into it; if it sizzles and bubbles, it's ready.
Carefully place a few egg rolls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until they achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior.
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls from the hot oil. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serve the mini jalapeño popper egg rolls warm, accompanied by ranch dressing on the side for dipping, if desired.

Notes

Serve warm with ranch dressing for dipping.

Keyword appetizer, egg rolls, jalapeno poppers, snack