These Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups are a tasty treat filled with spicy jalapenos and creamy cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy wonton shell. Perfect for a fun snack or party appetizer!
Every bite offers a nice crunch with a zesty kick! I love serving them warm; they disappear faster than I can make them. Trust me, your friends will be asking for more! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton wrappers: These are the stars of this recipe, giving you a nice crispy base. You can substitute with phyllo dough if needed, but it will change the texture somewhat.
Cream cheese: It creates that creamy filling. Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter option that works similarly. For a dairy-free alternative, try vegan cream cheese.
Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos give a nice kick! If jalapenos are too spicy for you, feel free to use banana peppers or bell peppers instead for a milder flavor.
Bacon: It adds a nice crunch and flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use crispy tofu or tempeh bacon as a substitute.
Sharp cheddar: This cheese provides a strong flavor, but feel free to mix it up and use pepper jack for an extra spicy kick or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
How Do I Ensure My Wonton Cups Are Perfectly Crispy?
Creating perfectly crispy wonton cups comes down to a few important steps. First, make sure your wonton wrappers are arranged well in the muffin tin. Press them into each cup firmly to hold their shape.
- Don’t skip greasing the muffin tin – this helps the wrappers to release easily once baked.
- Allow enough space for the filling; overstuffing can cause sogginess.
- Watch the baking time closely – they can go from golden to burnt quickly!
Letting them cool for a few minutes helps them crisp up further. Enjoy your tasty creations!
Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups
Ingredients:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2-3 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped (reserve some slices for garnish)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing muffin tin
Time Estimate:
You will need about 10 minutes for preparation and 12-15 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll have these delicious bites ready in about 25-30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your wonton cups will cook evenly and get crispy. While the oven warms up, grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together your softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapenos, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything until it’s well combined and creamy.
3. Assemble the Wonton Cups:
Take a wonton wrapper and place it into each muffin cup, gently pressing down to shape it like a cup. This is where all that delicious filling will go! Spoon in about 1 tablespoon of the jalapeno cream cheese mixture into each wonton cup. Try to fill them evenly so every bite has the same great flavor.
4. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges of the wonton wrappers to be golden brown and crispy. The aroma will be irresistible!
5. Garnish and Cool:
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven. Immediately place a fresh jalapeno slice on top of each cup for a vibrant garnish. Let the wonton cups cool for a few moments in the tin—this helps them firm up and makes them easier to remove.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully take the wonton cups out of the muffin tin and place them on a serving platter. Serve them warm, and watch how quickly they disappear. Enjoy your crispy, creamy Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups!
Can I Make These Wonton Cups Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and even assemble the cups in advance. Just cover them and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven straight from the fridge. You might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Wonton Wrappers?
If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you can use phyllo dough or tortilla chips as alternatives! Phyllo dough will give a different texture (lighter and flakier), while tortilla chips will create a more casual crunch. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
How Can I Store Leftover Wonton Cups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them up again.
Can I Make These Spicy Without Jalapenos?
If jalapenos aren’t your thing or you want to tone down the heat, you can substitute them with milder peppers like sweet bell peppers or banana peppers. For a different flavor twist, try adding some cooked spinach or even artichokes for a creamy filling!