These Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups are a tasty treat! Crispy wonton wrappers hold a cheesy, spicy filling that will make your taste buds dance. Yum!
They are super easy to make, too. Just fill the cups, bake, and watch them disappear at parties. Trust me, you’ll want to keep the recipe handy for next time! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton wrappers: These are essential for creating the crispy cups. If you can’t find them, you can use phyllo dough or even spring roll wrappers, but the texture will differ slightly.
Cream cheese: This adds creaminess and richness. For a lighter option, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a reduced-fat cream cheese.
Cheddar and mozzarella cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor. If you’re looking for a twist, try pepper jack for extra heat and flavor, or use a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos deliver spice and flavor! If you’re sensitive to heat, use mild peppers like Anaheim or skip them altogether. Pickled jalapenos can also work.
Bacon: This adds a lovely crunch and flavor. You could replace it with cooked sausage, turkey bacon, or even omit it for a vegetarian version. Crunchy fried onions can also add a nice touch!
How Do I Ensure My Wonton Cups Don’t Get Soggy?
One of the challenges is to keep the wonton wrappers crispy. Here are some tips:
- Lightly grease your muffin tin before adding the wrappers. This helps them brown nicely.
- Pre-bake the empty wonton cups for about 5 minutes before filling them. This gives a head-start on crispiness.
- Don’t overfill the cups; leave a little room to avoid spills and sogginess.
- Serve the cups shortly after baking for the best texture!
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
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped (reserve some slices for garnish)
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious appetizer takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake. So, set aside about 25-30 minutes to have these mouth-watering Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a mini muffin tin and lightly grease it. This will help prevent your wonton wrappers from sticking.
2. Form the Wonton Cups:
Next, take your wonton wrappers and gently place one into each muffin cup. Press down a bit to mold them into a cup shape. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—just get them in there!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped jalapenos, green onions, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
4. Fill the Wonton Cups:
Spoon about 1 to 2 teaspoons of your creamy filling into each wonton cup. Fill them nearly to the top but be careful not to overflow them.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Now, pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You want the wonton edges to turn golden brown and the filling to be bubbly. It’s gonna smell amazing!
6. Let Them Cool:
Once they’re ready, take the tin out of the oven and let the cups cool for a few minutes. This will help them firm up a little before you dig in.
7. Garnish for Greatness:
To make them pretty (and even tastier), garnish each cup with a slice of jalapeno, a sprinkle of crumbled bacon, and if you’d like, some fresh parsley or cilantro.
8. Time to Serve:
Serve the cups warm and enjoy your crispy, cheesy, spicy Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups! They’re perfect as an appetizer for any gathering or just for your own snack attack!
Can I Make Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the wonton cups a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate. Bake them just before serving for crispy results!
What Can I Use Instead of Wonton Wrappers?
If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you can use phyllo dough or egg roll wrappers. Keep in mind that phyllo dough will require layering for proper structure, while egg roll wrappers will yield a different texture.
How Can I Make These Spicier?
For a kick, you can leave some seeds in the jalapenos, add extra jalapeno slices on top, or include a bit of spicy pepper jack cheese in the filling. You could also serve with a spicy dipping sauce!
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 10 minutes, which helps keep the wonton cups crispy.