Heat the Oil:
Pour about two inches of oil into a deep skillet or frying pot. Heat it on medium high until shimmering but not smoking which ensures crispy results without burning.
Fry the Egg Rolls:
Carefully place a few egg rolls into the hot oil being careful not to overcrowd the pan so they cook evenly. Fry for about three to four minutes on each side until the wrappers turn a deep golden brown and become crisp. Use tongs and a slotted spoon for handling.
Drain and Serve:
Remove egg rolls and place them on paper towels to soak up excess oil. Arrange on a platter garnish if desired with extra sliced jalapeños and green onions. Serve hot and pair with ranch or spicy mayo to enhance the flavors.
You Must Know
Perfect balance of creamy cheese smoky bacon and spicy jalapeño with a crunchy wrapper
Customizable heat level by adjusting jalapeños or removing seeds
Egg rolls can also be baked if you prefer a lighter version which keeps them tasty though less crunchy
My favorite ingredient has to be the fresh jalapeños because they add just the right kick that wakes up the creamy cheese filling. I still remember the first time my kids made these with me and their delight when biting into the crispy outer layer followed by the spicy warm cheesy center.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in a hot oven or toaster oven to bring back the crispiness rather than microwaving which can make them soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a vegetarian option swap bacon for diced bell peppers or black beans to keep it flavorful without meat. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra spicy cheesy bite.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot alongside cooling dips like ranch dressing or a spicy mayo blend made with mayonnaise and hot sauce. They also make a great finger food paired with a cold beer or iced tea for casual entertaining.
Cultural Context
Jalapeño poppers are a popular American appetizer inspired by Tex Mex flavors and typically consist of cheese stuffed jalapeños wrapped in a crispy shell. These egg rolls take that concept and reinvent it with a crunchy fried wrapper that adds an exciting twist and makes it easy to share at parties.
