Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups are crispy, cheesy bites filled with spicy jalapeños. They make a fun appetizer that’s perfect for sharing (or not sharing if you’re like me!).
These little cups are super easy to make! Just fill wonton wrappers with cream cheese, cheese, and jalapeños, then bake until golden. Trust me, they’re always a hit at parties!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These are the base of your popper cups. If you can’t find them, you can use phyllo dough or even crescent roll dough. Just roll them out and cut into squares if using dough.
Cream Cheese: A must for that creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese works great too. You can also try dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan alternative.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds nice flavor. Feel free to swap in pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder taste. You could also use a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños are perfect, but if you want less heat, use poblano peppers instead. You can also use pickled jalapeños for a tangy flavor.
Bacon: I recommend using crispy bacon for crunch. If you’re vegetarian, sub with cooked and crumbled tempeh, or skip it altogether!
How Do I Ensure My Wonton Cups Are Crispy?
Getting those wonton cups crispy is all about the method. Here’s how to make sure yours come out perfect:
- Start with a well-greased muffin tin to prevent sticking. You can use cooking spray or brush with oil.
- Don’t overfill your cups with the cheese mixture; this helps them crisp up nicely.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is different, so watch for golden edges and bubbly cheese!
- Let them cool a minute before removing them from the pan; this helps them hold their shape.
Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious appetizer will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. So, in about 30 minutes total, you’ll have a tasty treat ready for serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your cups are ready to bake. Don’t forget to lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or some oil to prevent sticking!
2. Shape the Wonton Wrappers:
Now, grab your wonton wrappers! Place one wrapper in each muffin cup, and gently press down with your fingers to form a cup shape. They should fit snugly!
3. Mix Together the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Add the Fun Ingredients:
Next, fold in half of the chopped green onions, half of the sliced jalapeños (you can adjust how spicy you want it), and half of the crumbled bacon into your cheese mixture. This is where the flavor really comes from!
5. Fill the Wonton Cups:
Grab your cheese mixture and spoon it evenly into each wonton cup. Don’t fill them too much, as you’ll still want them to be able to crisp up nicely!
6. Add the Toppings:
Now it’s time to make them look pretty! Top each cup with the remaining jalapeño slices, more bacon crumbles, and sprinkle the rest of the green onions on top for extra flavor and color.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when the wonton cups are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cups cool for a few moments before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. They can be a little fragile, so take your time!
9. Enjoy!
Finally, serve your luscious Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups warm. They’re the perfect spicy, cheesy treat, and I’m sure everyone will love them. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Cheese in My Wonton Cups?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can try other cheeses like pepper jack for added heat or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just make sure to shred the cheese for easy melting!
How Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the filling and assemble the wonton cups ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just increase the baking time by a few minutes as they’ll be cold from the fridge.
What If I Don’t Have Mini Muffin Tins?
No problem! You can use a regular muffin tin, but the cups will be larger. Just adjust the baking time, as they may need a bit longer to bake thoroughly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture!