Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups are tasty little bites filled with cheesy goodness and a kick of spice! Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, they’re super easy to make.
Making these cups is a blast! Just fill wonton wrappers with a yummy mix of cream cheese, jalapeños, and cheese, then bake them until golden. I love to serve them with a side of ranch dressing for dipping! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton wrappers: These are the base of your cups. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, dumpling wrappers or even phyllo dough can work in a pinch. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as they may bake differently!
Cream cheese: This adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese. For a dairy-free version, vegan cream cheese is a great substitute.
Jalapeños: The star of the show! If you want less heat, use bell peppers or mild peppers instead. For extra spice, try adding diced serrano peppers or a splash of hot sauce to the mix.
Bacon: For a vegetarian version, you can skip the bacon or use crispy coconut bacon. This adds a nice crunch without the meat flavor. Turkey bacon is also a good leaner alternative.
Cheddar and feta cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice flavor. You can substitute with colby jack or pepper jack for some heat. For feta, try goat cheese or omit it if you prefer.
How Do You Ensure Crispy Wonton Cups?
Achieving perfectly crispy wonton cups is simple if you follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven thoroughly to 350°F (175°C) so the wrappers crisp up nicely.
- Make sure to press the wonton wrappers firmly into the muffin tin to create a good shape, which helps them hold their form and become crispy during baking.
- Keep an eye on them while baking. If they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
Let them cool slightly after baking to firm up and become crunchier. They’ll be the perfect little cups for your cheesy filling! Enjoy your cooking adventures!
Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for extra tang)
- 2-3 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat if preferred)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (plus extra for topping)
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or oil, for greasing the muffin tin
- Jalapeño slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake, totaling around 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick appetizer that will impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Form the Wonton Cups:
Take each wonton wrapper and gently press it into the muffin cups. Make sure to push it firmly to create a nice cup shape that will hold all the delicious filling.
3. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled feta cheese (if you’re using it), chopped jalapeños, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and minced garlic. Stir everything together until well combined. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste!
4. Fill the Wonton Cups:
Using a spoon, fill each wonton cup with about one heaping tablespoon of the cheese mixture. Be generous, as they should be nice and full!
5. Add Extra Bacon (Optional):
If you really love bacon, sprinkle a small piece of crumbled bacon on top of each filled cup for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
6. Bake the Cups:
Now, it’s time to bake! Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are golden brown and the cheese filling is bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish each cup with a slice of fresh jalapeño and a sprinkle of green onion for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These tasty jalapeño popper wonton cups are best served warm. Pair them with ranch dressing, sour cream, or any of your favorite dipping sauces for an extra tasty treat! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Make These Wonton Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the wonton cups with the filling and assemble them a few hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to serve, bake them for 12-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to heat through and crisp up!
How Do I Store Leftover Wonton Cups?
Store any leftover jalapeño popper wonton cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Freeze These Wonton Cups?
Yes, you can freeze these cups! Assemble them, but don’t bake. Freeze the filled cups on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Substitute for Jalapeños?
If you’re looking for a milder flavor, you can substitute jalapeños with diced bell peppers or mild banana peppers. For extra heat, try using serrano or habanero peppers, but be sure to adjust the amount to your heat tolerance!
