These jalapeño popper wonton cups are a fun twist on a classic snack! Crispy wonton wrappers are baked to golden perfection and filled with spicy cream cheese, cheese, and chopped jalapeños.
Perfect for parties or game day, everyone loves popping these tasty bites in their mouth! I can’t help but munch on a few too many, especially when they are hot out of the oven! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These are the base of our cups, providing a crispy shell. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using rice paper wrappers, but keep in mind they’ll bake differently.
Cream Cheese: The star ingredient for that creamy filling! You can also use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option. For a dairy-free choice, look for a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend a sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor. If you want something milder, go for a regular cheddar or even mozzarella. Feel free to experiment with pepper jack for extra spice!
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños are perfect for that kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can opt for canned jalapeños or even bell peppers for crunch without the heat.
Bacon: For a vegetarian version, leave out the bacon and add some smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. You can also substitute with turkey bacon or vegan bacon bits.
How Do I Get My Wonton Cups Crispy?
Achieving perfectly crispy wonton cups is all about the right technique! Here are some tips to ensure they come out just right:
- Make sure to press the wonton wrappers firmly into the muffin cups to avoid any air pockets.
- Greasing the muffin tin is key! This helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
- Keep an eye on them while they bake—remove them when the edges start to turn golden brown!
- Let them cool slightly in the tin to help set, but don’t leave them too long; they’re best enjoyed warm!
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (reserve a few slices for garnish)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to bake, making the total time approximately 25 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This will help our wonton cups come out nice and crispy without sticking!
2. Shape the Wonton Wrappers:
Gently press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, allowing the points to stick up above the edges. This will create a cute little cup shape to hold all the tasty filling!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped jalapeños (remember to save a few for later!). Also, toss in the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. Season everything with a pinch of salt and pepper, then mix until all the ingredients are blended together well. It should be creamy and yummy!
4. Fill the Wonton Cups:
Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly into each wonton wrapper, filling them almost to the top. Don’t worry if it’s a little heaped; that just means more deliciousness in every bite!
5. Add Garnish:
Now for the fun part! Take the reserved jalapeño slices and place one on top of each filled wonton cup. This not only looks nice but adds a little extra kick!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop those yummy wonton cups into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the wonton wrappers should turn a lovely golden brown and be nice and crispy, with the filling bubbly and warm!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they are done baking, carefully remove the cups from the oven. Let them cool for just a few minutes before gently lifting them out of the muffin tin. Serve warm and enjoy these spicy, cheesy jalapeño popper wonton cups with your friends and family!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix it up with mozzarella, pepper jack for a kick, or even a cream cheese blend for more creaminess. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will alter the flavor and texture a bit!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make these wonton cups vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added flavor and texture. Smoked paprika can also give a nice smoky flavor without using meat!
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fill the wonton cups. Just allow it to come to room temperature before filling and baking for the best results!
How to Store Any Leftovers?
Leftover jalapeño popper wonton cups can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy again. Enjoy!
