These Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups are the perfect mix of spicy and cheesy goodness! Crispy wonton wrappers hold a creamy filling that packs a little heat—so tasty!
They’re super fun to make, and I love serving them at parties. Just watch out—you might eat a whole tray before anyone else gets a chance! 😂
Making these is easy! Just fill the wontons, bake them until crispy, and enjoy the smiles they bring. Perfect for a snack or any gathering—everyone loves them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton wrappers: These are essential for the cup structure. If you’re in a pinch, you could use phyllo dough but note that it won’t hold the filling as firmly.
Cream cheese: The base for the filling. If you want a lighter option, you can use low-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt, though it may change the texture a bit.
Cheddar & mozzarella: I love this combo for flavor and meltiness. Switch out the cheddar for Pepper Jack for extra kick, or use any cheese you have on hand like Gouda or Monterey Jack.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños make these pop! If you can’t find fresh, pickled jalapeños are a good substitute, but they do alter the flavor slightly.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a nice crunch. For a vegetarian option, substitute with crispy onions or smoked tempeh. Use turkey bacon for a lighter option too!
How Do You Get the Perfect Wonton Cups?
Creating the perfect wonton cups is key to holding all that delicious filling! Here’s how to do it:
- First, make sure your muffin tin is well-greased to avoid sticking.
- Gently press the wonton wrapper into the cup, but don’t stretch it too much. This helps keep the shape.
- Fill the cups generously, but leave a little space at the top to prevent overflow while baking.
- Watch them closely in the oven—every oven is different—until they’re golden brown and crispy, usually around 15-18 minutes.
For added flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of garlic powder or Italian seasoning on top before baking! Enjoy making these fun snacks!
Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing muffin tin)
For the Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3-4 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat, or keep for more spice)
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- Extra sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Extra crumbled bacon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 15-18 minutes to bake. So you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes total. Just enough time to get everything ready and enjoy the delicious smell wafting through your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that your cups bake evenly and get nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This will prevent the wonton wrappers from sticking to the tin and make it easier to remove the cups later.
3. Shape the Wonton Wrappers:
Take each wonton wrapper and gently press it into a muffin cup. Make sure to press it down well so it forms a cup that can hold all the yummy filling. It’s okay if the edges stick up a little, they’ll get crispy in the oven!
4. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, finely chopped jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until completely mixed—you want a nice creamy consistency!
5. Add the Bacon:
Fold in about half of the crumbled bacon into your cheese mixture. The bacon adds lots of flavor and a lovely crunch!
6. Fill the Cups:
Spoon the cheesy jalapeño filling evenly into each wonton wrapper cup, filling them almost to the top. Don’t worry if some of the filling is a little messy—you’ll still have delicious cups!
7. Add Toppings:
If you like, sprinkle a bit of extra shredded cheddar cheese on top of each filled cup, along with some crumbled bacon and a slice of jalapeño for garnish. This makes them look extra fancy!
8. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the wonton cups are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them as they bake!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove the cups from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes. Carefully take the cups out of the muffin tin, and serve warm. Enjoy your crispy, spicy, cheesy Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups with friends and family!
These tasty bites are sure to be a hit! Perfect for gatherings or just a fun snack at home. Enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are great choices, you can mix in any cheese you have on hand like Pepper Jack for extra spice, or even Gouda for a richer flavor. Just make sure it melts well!
How Can I Make These Wonton Cups Spicier?
If you love heat, keep the seeds in the jalapeños for an extra kick, or add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese mixture. You can also use spicy cheese, like Pepper Jack!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the wonton cups ahead of time. Just cover them and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven as directed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they stay crispy!
