Cream Cheese Wontons

Introduction

Cream Cheese Wontons are crispy, golden-brown pockets filled with a creamy, savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and seasonings. These delightful little bites are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or as part of a larger meal. The combination of crispy wrappers and smooth, flavorful filling is irresistible. Whether served with sweet and sour sauce or on their own, these wontons are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

I first made these for a family gathering, and they were gone in no time! The crunchy exterior and creamy filling make them a hit with everyone. What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, or even add a little cooked shrimp or chicken for a heartier option. They’re simple to prepare, and once you have the filling mixed, it’s just a matter of wrapping and frying.

These wontons are a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving them as a starter or enjoying them on their own, they’re always a favorite!

Perfect for:

• Appetizers at parties
• Game day snacks
• Chinese takeout-style meals
• Finger foods for gatherings
• Cream cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Wontons

Here’s why Cream Cheese Wontons will become your new favorite:

• Crispy and Golden: The wonton wrappers fry up to a perfect crisp, providing a satisfying crunch.
• Creamy Filling: The cream cheese filling is rich, smooth, and flavorful with hints of garlic and seasoning.
• Simple and Quick: This recipe is easy to make, with just a few ingredients, and takes only about 20 minutes to prepare.
• Customizable: You can add extras to the filling, like herbs, crab meat, or even a little spice to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: These bite-sized treats are great for sharing at parties or family gatherings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 24 wontons
• Calories per serving: Approximately 50-60 calories (per wonton)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 1g, Carbs: 7g, Fat: 3g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make this recipe:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 24 wonton wrappers (can be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For Dipping Sauce (optional):

• Sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or chili sauce

Ingredient Highlights

• Cream Cheese: The creamy filling adds richness and texture, making each bite smooth and indulgent.
• Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the flavor, adding a savory kick to the filling.
• Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a slight crunch and a burst of freshness that complements the cream cheese perfectly.
• Wonton Wrappers: These thin, square wrappers become crispy and light when fried, offering the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Cream Cheese Wontons:

Prepare the Filling:

1. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Wontons:

2. Prepare the Wonton Wrappers: Lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean, flat surface. Keep a small bowl of water nearby to seal the wrappers.
3. Fill the Wrappers: Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper.
4. Seal the Wontons: Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water. Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle, pressing the edges together to seal. For extra security, you can fold the two side corners of the triangle toward the center, creating a little “pouch.”
5. Repeat: Repeat the process until all the wonton wrappers are filled and sealed.

Fry the Wontons:

6. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. You need enough oil to submerge the wontons halfway.
7. Fry the Wontons: Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the wontons in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking.
8. Drain: Remove the wontons from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serve:

9. Serve: Serve the cream cheese wontons warm with your choice of dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or chili sauce.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Wontons

Cream Cheese Wontons are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• As an Appetizer: These are perfect for serving as a snack or appetizer at any gathering or party.
• With Dipping Sauces: Pair these wontons with sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or a spicy chili sauce for extra flavor.
• On a Platter: Arrange them on a platter alongside other appetizers, like spring rolls, dumplings, or egg rolls, for a complete spread.
• As a Side Dish: Serve them as a side dish with Chinese takeout or an Asian-inspired meal.
• For a Fun Meal: Pair with a side of fried rice or noodles for a fun, finger-food meal.

Additional Tips for Cream Cheese Wontons

Here are some tips to ensure your Cream Cheese Wontons are perfect every time:

• Use Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients to get a smooth filling.
• Seal the Wrappers Properly: Ensure the edges of the wontons are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during frying.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the wontons in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy wontons.
• Test the Oil Temperature: If you’re unsure if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of wonton wrapper into the oil. It should bubble immediately when the oil is ready.
• Store Leftovers: If you have leftover wontons, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a crispy texture or reheat in a pan with a small amount of oil.

Recipe Variations for Cream Cheese Wontons

Here are 10 variations you can try for Cream Cheese Wontons:

• Crab Cream Cheese Wontons: Add crab meat (imitation or real) to the filling for a seafood twist.
• Spicy Cream Cheese Wontons: Add a dash of sriracha or chili sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
• Herbed Cream Cheese Wontons: Mix fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the filling for added flavor.
• Cheddar Cream Cheese Wontons: Add shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy filling alongside the cream cheese.
• Bacon Cream Cheese Wontons: Mix cooked, crumbled bacon into the filling for a smoky, savory flavor.
• Vegetarian Cream Cheese Wontons: Add finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to the filling for a vegetarian version.
• Sweet Cream Cheese Wontons: Sweeten the cream cheese filling with a little sugar and vanilla extract for a dessert version.
• Garlic Parmesan Cream Cheese Wontons: Add grated Parmesan cheese and extra garlic for a savory, cheesy filling.
• Cheese and Jalapeño Wontons: Add chopped jalapeños and cream cheese for a spicy, creamy filling.
• Baked Cream Cheese Wontons: Bake the wontons at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of frying them for a lighter option.

Freezing and Storage for Cream Cheese Wontons

• Freezing: You can freeze the unfried wontons. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until firm, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Storage: Store leftover fried wontons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best crispiness.

Special Equipment for Cream Cheese Wontons

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Cream Cheese Wontons easier:

• Frying Pan or Wok: A deep frying pan or wok will allow you to fry the wontons evenly and safely.
• Slotted Spoon: A slotted spoon is useful for removing the wontons from the hot oil without excess grease.
• Small Bowl of Water: A small bowl of water helps to seal the edges of the wonton wrappers properly.
• Paper Towels: Paper towels are essential for draining excess oil from the fried wontons.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cream Cheese Wontons

1. Can I use other fillings in the wontons?
   Yes, you can experiment with different fillings, such as crab, shrimp, or vegetables, to make custom wontons.
2. Can I bake the wontons instead of frying them?
   Yes, you can bake the wontons at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes for a healthier version.
3. How do I keep the wontons crispy?
   Serve them immediately after frying for the best crispiness, and store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
4. Can I freeze these wontons?
   Yes, you can freeze the un-fried wontons and fry them later. They freeze well for up to 3 months.
5. What dipping sauces go best with cream cheese wontons?
   Sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or chili sauce are great options for dipping.

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Conclusion

Cream Cheese Wontons are a crispy, creamy, and utterly delicious snack or appetizer. The contrast between the crunchy wrapper and the smooth, flavorful filling makes these little bites irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual meal, these wontons are sure to impress. Make them your own by adding different fillings or experimenting with dipping sauces.

This recipe is as simple as it is tasty, perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to more festive gatherings. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or indulging in a snack, these cream cheese wontons will definitely be a hit.

I’d love to see how your Cream Cheese Wontons turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!