Savory & Spicy Jalapeño Wonton Cup
Are you looking for a snack that’s both exciting and easy to make? These Jalapeño Wonton Cups are just that! Imagine crispy wonton wrappers filled with a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy mixture. They’re like tiny treasure chests of flavor, perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun evening treat.
Ingredients
- 1 package about 24 wonton wrappers
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4-6 jalapeños seeded and finely diced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbled
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray for muffin tin
Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prep Muffin Tin:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
Prepare Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Assemble Wonton Cups:
- Gently press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, forming a cup shape.
Fill Wonton Cups:
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each wonton cup, filling almost to the top.
Bake:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Cool and Serve:
- Let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully removing and serving warm.
Notes
Spice it Right: The heat level of jalapeños can vary. Taste a small piece before adding to the filling to gauge its spiciness. For a milder flavor, be diligent in removing all seeds and membranes. For extra heat, leave some seeds in or include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the filling mixture.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to customize the flavor. Pepper jack cheese will enhance the spiciness, Monterey Jack offers a milder and meltier option, and smoked Gouda can add a unique smoky depth. A blend of cheeses can also create a more complex flavor profile.
Bacon Alternatives: If you're looking for a vegetarian option or simply want to switch things up, consider using finely diced sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers instead of bacon. For a smoky flavor without bacon, add a dash of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to the filling.
Make-Ahead Tips: The cream cheese filling can be prepared up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply fill the wonton wrappers and bake as directed. This is a great time-saver when preparing for parties.
Serving Suggestions: Jalapeño Wonton Cups are delicious on their own, but they are even better with a dipping sauce. Ranch dressing and sour cream are classic choices that cool down the spice. For a tangier option, try guacamole or a lime crema. For a spicy kick, sriracha mayo or a chipotle aioli would be excellent.
Crispy Wonton Cups: To ensure your wonton wrappers bake up crispy and not soggy, avoid overfilling them with the cream cheese mixture. Also, make sure to bake them at the recommended temperature to allow the wrappers to crisp up properly.
Freezing Considerations: While baked Jalapeño Wonton Cups are not ideal for freezing due to potential texture changes in the wonton wrappers, you can freeze the prepared filling. Thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight and then assemble and bake the wonton cups fresh for the best results.
Uniform Baking: For even baking and crisping, make sure the wonton wrappers are placed evenly in the muffin tin cups and are not overlapping excessively. This allows for hot air circulation around each cup.