Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious appetizer that will wow your friends and family, you’ve come to the right place! These Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls are a delightful twist on the classic flavors of jalapeño poppers, wrapped up in a crispy eggroll shell. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; they disappeared in minutes! With their perfect crunch and creamy filling, they’re sure to be a hit at any occasion—be it a busy weeknight or a lively get-together.

What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to whip up. You’ll love the simplicity of using just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have at home. Let’s dive into why this recipe is truly special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of bacon, cheese, and jalapeños creates an irresistible flavor that everyone loves.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in other ingredients or spice levels according to your taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the eggrolls ahead of time and fry them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day or a cozy family dinner, these eggrolls make every meal special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for these delicious Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls. You’ll be amazed at how easily they come together!

• 8 eggroll wrappers
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to tweak it according to your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to get your creativity flowing:

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey bacon or chicken instead of regular bacon for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some finely chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add more jalapeños or even some diced serrano peppers to the filling!

How to Make Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped jalapeño peppers, green onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well incorporated. This step is crucial because blending all these flavors ensures that every bite of your eggroll will be packed with deliciousness!

Step 2: Wrap It Up

Lay an eggroll wrapper on a clean work surface. Place about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture diagonally across the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling; then fold in the sides toward the center and roll tightly to form a burrito shape. Use a bit of water to seal the edges securely. This technique keeps all that creamy goodness inside while frying!

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Getting the oil hot enough is key; it helps achieve that golden-brown crispiness we all love.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Gently place the eggrolls seam side down into the hot oil. Fry them in batches, turning occasionally for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. The sizzling sound alone is enough to make your mouth water!

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Remove the fried eggrolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or sour cream. Trust me—your guests will be reaching for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls

Creating the perfect Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls can be a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll elevate your cooking game!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh jalapeños and cream cheese will significantly enhance the flavor of your eggrolls. Fresh ingredients provide a vibrant taste that frozen or pre-packaged items simply can’t match.

• Don’t Overfill: While it might be tempting to pack in more filling, overfilling can make sealing the eggrolls tricky and lead to bursting during frying. Keeping the filling at a moderate amount ensures they fry beautifully.

• Control Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) is crucial for achieving that perfect crispiness. If the oil is too hot, the eggrolls may burn on the outside while remaining uncooked inside.

• Experiment with Dipping Sauces: While ranch and sour cream are classic choices, don’t hesitate to explore other dipping sauces! A spicy aioli or creamy avocado dip can add an exciting twist to your tasting experience.

• Make Ahead and Freeze: Preparing your eggrolls in advance and freezing them uncooked allows for quick appetizers on busy days. Just fry them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!

How to Serve Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls

Presentation is key when serving these scrumptious Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls! Here are some fun ideas to make your dish shine.

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a refreshing flavor that complements the spicy eggrolls.
• Lime Wedges: Serving lime wedges alongside brings a zesty element that enhances the overall taste with a squeeze of citrus.
• Sliced Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions not only add visual appeal but also reinforce the delicious flavors within.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Veggie Sticks: Serve crunchy carrots, celery, or bell pepper sticks with hummus for a light, refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the eggrolls.

• Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing pairs beautifully. Its crunchiness complements the crispy texture of the eggrolls while providing a colorful addition to your plate.

• Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of baked or fried sweet potato fries contrasts nicely with spicy flavors. Plus, they’re easy to prepare alongside your eggrolls!

• Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip adds richness that perfectly offsets the heat from jalapeños. It’s also incredibly easy to whip up if you want something quick and delicious.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your homemade Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls! Enjoy every crispy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make these delightful treats ahead of time, ensuring you always have a delicious snack or appetizer ready to go. Here’s how to store and manage them:

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover eggrolls in an airtight container.
• Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat as needed for a quick snack!

Freezing

• Allow cooked eggrolls to cool completely before freezing.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen eggrolls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can fry them again briefly in hot oil for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer taste!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls:

Can I use different cheeses in Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match cheeses based on your preference. Cream cheese blends well with mozzarella or pepper jack if you want extra spice.

How spicy are Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls?

The spiciness of these eggrolls depends on the jalapeños used. Removing the seeds and membranes will reduce their heat, making them milder for those who prefer less spice.

Can I bake Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls instead of frying?

Yes! For a healthier version, brush the eggrolls with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

What dipping sauces pair well with Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls?

These eggrolls go wonderfully with ranch dressing, sour cream, or even a zesty salsa. Choose your favorite!

How long do Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls last in the fridge?

If stored properly in an airtight container, they will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this recipe for Bacon Jalapeño Eggrolls as delightful as I do! They bring together crispy textures with creamy and spicy flavors that are simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a cozy snack at home, they’re sure to impress everyone. Enjoy making these tasty treats—your taste buds will thank you! Happy cooking!