These Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups are a fun and tasty treat! They are filled with a creamy mixture of cheese and spicy jalapenos, all wrapped in crispy wonton shells. Yum!
Every bite is like a little party in your mouth! 🎉 I love serving these at gatherings because they’re easy to make and everyone always wants seconds. Try them hot out of the oven for extra crispiness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These are the perfect base for the cups. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you can use spring roll wrappers or even phyllo dough cut to fit the muffin tin. Just adjust the baking time as needed since they may cook faster.
Cream Cheese: This is key for that creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese. For a dairy-free alternative, vegan cream cheese can work well, although the flavor might differ slightly.
Cheddar and Mozzarella: I love this combo for flavor and stretchiness. You can substitute pepper jack cheese for an extra kick or use a dairy-free cheese blend if you’re vegan. Shredding your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded can really boost the flavor.
Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos add spice! If you want less heat, remove the seeds and membranes or use milder peppers like banana peppers. Canned jalapenos are also an option if fresh ones are unavailable.
Bacon: For a vegetarian option, try using smoky tofu or tempeh bacon. For a healthier twist, you might just omit the bacon altogether, and the poppers will still taste fantastic!
How Do I Make Sure My Wonton Cups Are Crispy?
Crispy wonton cups are all about how you handle them. First, grease the muffin tin well—it makes a big difference! Make sure to press the wrappers firmly into the tin to create a good shape. The key is to bake them until the edges are nice and golden.
- Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing your mini muffin tin.
- After shaping the wonton wrappers, keep an eye on baking time; they should be done in about 12-15 minutes. If they’re not golden brown, give them a couple more minutes!
- Let them cool for a couple of minutes in the tin after baking before lifting them out; this helps maintain their shape.
Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to customize the flavors to your liking!
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3-4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped (reserve some slices for garnish)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: cilantro or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, totaling around 25-30 minutes. The time spent is well worth it as you create these tasty, cheesy bites that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin so the wonton cups don’t stick.
2. Shape the Wonton Wrappers:
Take a wonton wrapper and press it into each muffin cup, forming a little cup shape. Make sure it fits snugly, as this will hold your delicious filling.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped jalapenos, crumbled bacon (save some for later), green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything together until it’s well blended and creamy.
4. Fill the Cups:
Now, carefully spoon the creamy cheese and jalapeno mixture evenly into each wonton cup. Don’t be shy, fill them up!
5. Add More Bacon:
For that added crunch and flavor, sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top of each filled cup.
6. Bake the Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 12–15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown around the edges and the filling bubbly.
7. Final Touches:
Once they are out of the oven, immediately top each cup with a fresh slice of jalapeno for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Let the wonton cups cool slightly before taking them out of the tin. Optionally, sprinkle some chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a fresh touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
These Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups are best enjoyed warm. Serve them at parties, game days, or as a fun snack at home. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, creamy, spicy bites!
Can I Use Frozen Wonton Wrappers?
Yes! If you’re using frozen wonton wrappers, make sure to thaw them completely before shaping them into cups. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Make These Vegan or Dairy-Free?
To make these wonton cups vegan and dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use plant-based shredded cheeses. You can also skip the bacon or use a vegan bacon substitute for added flavor.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Prepare the Filling in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just fill the wonton cups and bake them when you’re ready to serve. This makes for a quick and easy appetizer when you have guests over!
