What Are Shrimp and Bacon Egg Roll Bombs?
Shrimp and Bacon Egg Roll Bombs are bite-sized, crispy rolls filled with a rich, creamy mixture of chopped shrimp, crispy bacon, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and savory seasoning. Wrapped in classic egg roll wrappers and deep-fried or air-fried to golden perfection, these little bombs explode with bold flavor and crunchy texture.
They’re the ultimate party appetizer, perfect for game days, potlucks, holidays, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing finger food. Whether served with sriracha mayo, sweet chili sauce, or a garlic aioli dip, these bombs will disappear as soon as they hit the plate.
Think of them as an upgraded fusion between shrimp rangoon and bacon jalapeño poppers all in one crispy roll.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy, golden shell with a warm, creamy seafood filling
- Quick to prep and cook perfect for last-minute gatherings
- Customizable spice levels and easy to adapt with what you have
- Works in deep fryer, air fryer, or oven
- Great make-ahead appetizer that can be frozen and fried later
- Combines two irresistible ingredients: shrimp + bacon
Best Occasions to Serve
These crispy bombs are a hit for any casual or festive occasion:
- Game day or Super Bowl parties
- Holiday appetizer platters
- Cocktail hours or happy hours
- Potluck parties
- Birthday celebrations and BBQs
They’re also perfect for date nights or as a crispy side dish for an Asian-style dinner.
Preparation Phase
Make sure everything is prepped before wrapping and frying:
1. Cook the Bacon
- Fry or bake bacon until crispy
- Let cool, then chop into small pieces
2. Cook the Shrimp
- Use pre-cooked shrimp or sauté raw shrimp until pink
- Chop shrimp finely so it mixes well and doesn’t tear wrappers
3. Make the Filling
- Combine shrimp, bacon, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic, green onions, and seasoning
- Taste and adjust salt, heat, or creaminess
4. Prepare the Wrappers
- Lay egg roll wrappers on a clean, dry surface
- Keep them under a damp towel to prevent drying out while working
5. Prep for Frying or Air Frying
- Heat oil to 350°F for deep frying
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet or sauté pan – for cooking bacon and shrimp
- Mixing bowl – to combine filling
- Pastry brush – for sealing with egg wash
- Tongs – for flipping and removing egg rolls
- Paper towels – for draining fried egg rolls
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer – for safe oil removal
- Air fryer – if opting for a healthier method
Importance of Each Tool
- Pastry brush ensures wrappers seal properly and don’t open during frying
- Slotted spoon or tongs prevent burns when handling hot oil
- Paper towels absorb excess oil, keeping egg rolls crisp
- Mixing bowl ensures an evenly distributed creamy filling
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 green onion, sliced thin
- ½ tsp Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
Optional Dips (Highly Recommended)
- Sriracha mayo
- Garlic aioli
- Sweet chili sauce
- Ranch with smoked paprika
- Spicy remoulade
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Chopped shrimp
- Chopped bacon
- Softened cream cheese
- Shredded cheese
- Minced garlic
- Green onion
- Cajun or Old Bay seasoning
- Mix until smooth and well combined
Pro Tip: Let the filling chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes. It makes wrapping easier.
2. Assemble the Egg Roll Bombs
- Place an egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape on a clean surface
- Spoon about 1–1½ tablespoons of the shrimp-bacon filling into the center
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in both sides
- Roll up tightly to the top corner
- Brush the top corner with beaten egg and press to seal
Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
3. Fry or Air Fry
Option A: Deep Frying
- Heat oil to 350°F
- Carefully drop egg rolls in, 3–4 at a time
- Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until golden brown
- Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels
Option B: Air Fryer
- Preheat to 400°F
- Spray egg rolls lightly with oil
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway
- Cook in batches for even crisping
4. Serve Immediately
- Plate with your favorite dipping sauces
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley or sesame seeds
- Serve hot for the ultimate crispy bite
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat
- Chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms for depth
- Crab meat for a seafood trio variation
- Boursin cheese instead of cream cheese for a herby kick
Serving Suggestions
Shrimp and Bacon Egg Roll Bombs are meant to be enjoyed hot and fresh, right out of the fryer or air fryer. Their crisp outer shell and rich, creamy interior make them ideal finger food for casual gatherings or elegant appetizers.
Best Ways to Serve
- On a platter with multiple dipping sauces
- With toothpicks or skewers for easy grab-and-go snacking
- Garnished with fresh herbs, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika
- With lemon wedges for a pop of brightness
- Serve on a bamboo tray or parchment-lined board for rustic presentation
Recommended Dipping Sauces
Offer 2–3 contrasting dips to elevate flavor:
- Sriracha Mayo – spicy and creamy
- Garlic Aioli – savory and smooth
- Sweet Chili Sauce – tangy and sweet
- Smoked Paprika Ranch – cool with a kick
- Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce – refreshing and herby
8 Great Side Dishes to Pair
Pairing your egg roll bombs with the right side dish balances out the richness and adds variety to your table.
1. Spicy Asian Coleslaw
A zesty blend of shredded cabbage, carrots, and spicy sesame vinaigrette provides a crisp, refreshing contrast.
2. Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad
Thin cucumber slices tossed in rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a hint of sugar help cut through the fried texture.
3. Mango Chili Salsa
Bright, fruity, and slightly spicy perfect served chilled next to hot egg rolls.
4. Crispy Wonton Chips
An easy, crunchy companion that fits the theme and adds texture to your spread.
5. Edamame with Garlic Salt
Simple, protein-packed finger food that keeps the menu light and satisfying.
6. Sticky Rice Balls
Serve warm with a drizzle of soy or hoisin sauce an excellent fusion pairing.
7. Pickled Carrots and Daikon
Add acidity and color with these crunchy, tangy pickled vegetables often found in Vietnamese cuisine.
8. Roasted Sesame Green Beans
Crispy-tender green beans tossed with sesame seeds and garlic for a flavorful and healthy contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These tips help ensure your Shrimp and Bacon Egg Roll Bombs are crispy, intact, and delicious every time.
1. Overfilling the Wrappers
- Too much filling leads to bursting or uneven cooking
- Stick to 1–1½ tablespoons per roll for best results
2. Not Sealing Properly
- Loose edges allow filling to leak into the oil or air fryer
- Use egg wash to seal and press edges tightly
3. Frying at the Wrong Temperature
- Too hot = burnt outside, cold inside
- Too cool = greasy and soggy
- Maintain 350°F for deep frying
4. Skipping the Resting Time
- Drain egg rolls on paper towels or wire racks
- Let them sit for 2–3 minutes before serving to stay crispy
5. Using Cold or Runny Filling
- Cold filling doesn’t melt as evenly and can break wrappers
- Let filling sit at room temp for 10 minutes before wrapping
6. Letting Wrappers Dry Out
- Dry wrappers crack and split when rolling
- Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel
7. Crowding the Fryer or Air Fryer Basket
- Cook in small batches for even browning
- Overcrowding lowers the temperature and causes soggy results
8. Serving Without a Dip
- Dips enhance flavor, contrast the rich filling, and make it feel more complete
- Offer at least one creamy and one sweet/spicy dip
Pro Tips for Perfect Egg Roll Bombs
Make your shrimp and bacon egg roll bombs even better with these simple, high-impact tips:
1. Chill the Filling First
- Refrigerate the filling for 10–15 minutes before rolling
- Makes it firmer, easier to work with, and less likely to leak
2. Use Fresh Wrappers
- Dry, cracked wrappers will split during frying
- Always check the date and keep them sealed until use
3. Don’t Skip the Egg Wash
- This is essential for sealing the rolls
- Prevents them from unraveling during cooking
4. Preheat Oil or Air Fryer Properly
- Ensure the fryer is at 350°F or air fryer at 400°F before cooking
- Inconsistent temps = uneven cooking
5. Double Wrap for Extra Crunch
- Want more crunch or worried about leaks?
- Use 2 wrappers per roll, especially for juicy fillings
Storage & Reheating Instructions
These crispy appetizers are surprisingly freezer-friendly and reheat well with the right technique.
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer:
- Wrap uncooked rolls in parchment or plastic
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag
- Freeze for up to 2 months
Reheating Instructions
For Cooked Rolls:
- Air Fryer: 350°F for 4–6 minutes
- Oven: 375°F for 10–12 minutes on a wire rack
- Microwave: Not recommended (softens the wrapper)
For Uncooked Frozen Rolls:
- Deep Fry: Add directly to hot oil, add 1–2 minutes to cooking time
- Air Fryer: 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flip halfway
Pro Tip: Spray lightly with oil before air frying for an extra-crispy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes. Brush with oil or egg wash and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip halfway for even cooking.
Can I make them spicy?
Absolutely. Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes. You can freeze them before or after cooking. For best texture, freeze before frying or air frying and cook from frozen when needed.
What’s the best dip to serve with them?
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha mayo
- Garlic aioli
- Spicy ranch
- Lemon dill yogurt
Each adds a contrasting element heat, creaminess, or acidity.
Can I use canned or frozen shrimp?
Yes. Just be sure to drain and dry well to avoid watery filling. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry.
Can I substitute the bacon?
Yes. Use turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon alternative if needed. You can also leave it out and double the shrimp.
How long do they stay crispy?
They’re crispiest right after cooking, but will stay crisp for about 30–45 minutes at room temperature. Re-crisp in an air fryer if needed.
Can I prep the filling ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in advance. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before rolling.
Conclusion
Shrimp and Bacon Egg Roll Bombs are the ultimate crispy, creamy appetizer that brings serious flavor in just a few bites. With tender shrimp, smoky bacon, and a creamy filling wrapped in golden-crisp wrappers, they’re the definition of party perfection.
Whether you’re hosting a game night, planning a potluck, or simply craving a savory snack, these little rolls deliver big on flavor and texture. They’re easy to prep ahead, fun to fry (or air fry), and endlessly customizable with your favorite herbs, cheeses, and dips.
Don’t forget to serve with multiple dips and consider doubling the batch they disappear fast!
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