Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups are a fun and tasty treat! These little cups are packed with creamy cheese and spicy jalapenos, all wrapped in crispy wonton skins. Yum!
Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in, they’re super easy to make. You can even have fun filling them with other goodies. I always say, the more cheese, the better! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These are the star of the show for a crispy base! If you can’t find them, you could use phyllo dough or even pie crust cut into small rounds as a substitute.
Cream Cheese: This gives the cups a creamy texture. If you want to lighten them up, Neufchâtel cheese works well too. For a dairy-free option, try using a soft vegan cream cheese.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: I love the sharp flavor of cheddar paired with the gooey mozzarella. You could use a blend of your favorite cheeses, like pepper jack for extra spice or a mild cheese for a milder flavor.
Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos bring that signature kick. If you prefer less heat, opt for banana peppers or even roasted red peppers. You can also add a little smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
Bacon: For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon or substitute with crispy tempeh or coconut bacon for a similar crunch!
How Do You Make Perfectly Crispy Wonton Cups?
To get those wonton cups nice and crispy, start by pressing each wrapper directly into the mini muffin tin. Make sure to push them down so they form a good shape. Don’t overcrowd them—leave some air space for even cooking.
- Preheat the oven properly. Cooking at 350°F ensures they crisp up without burning.
- Keep an eye on them while baking; they’ll take about 12-15 minutes. Look for golden edges as your indicator.
- Let them cool slightly before removing. This helps them hold their shape better!
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 24 wonton wrappers
For the Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped (reserve some slices for garnish)
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Greasing:
- Cooking spray or oil, for greasing the muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to bake, making it a quick and delicious appetizer! You’ll have perfectly crispy, cheesy, and spicy wonton cups ready in just about 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, take a 24-cup mini muffin tin and lightly grease each cup with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Form the Wonton Cups:
Take one wonton wrapper at a time and gently press it into each muffin cup. Make sure to mold it into the shape of a cup, pushing the edges down so they fit snugly.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, chopped jalapenos, green onions, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
4. Fill the Wonton Cups:
Spoon the cheesy jalapeno mixture into each wonton cup, filling them almost to the top. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will puff up a bit while baking.
5. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the wonton edges to turn golden brown and the cheese filling to be bubbly.
6. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the cups hold their shape when you remove them. Before serving, garnish each cup with a slice of fresh jalapeno for a pop of color and extra heat!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully take the cups out of the tin and serve them warm. Enjoy these crispy, cheesy, and spicy delights as a perfect snack or appetizer!
Can I Make These Wonton Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the wonton cups a day in advance. Store the filled cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the fridge, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
What Can I Substitute for Wonton Wrappers?
If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you can use phyllo dough or even small tortillas as a base. Just cut them into the appropriate size and mold them into the muffin tin to create your cups.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Customize the Filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your filling by adding other ingredients like cooked sausage, different cheeses, or even veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a unique twist!
