Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups

Introduction

Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups are a fun and flavorful twist on classic jalapeño poppers, served in crispy wonton shells. These bite-sized appetizers are loaded with a creamy, cheesy filling that’s perfectly spiced with diced jalapeños, and topped with melted cheese and crunchy bacon bits. They’re easy to make, look impressive, and are always a hit at parties, game days, or as a snack.

I first made these for a game day gathering, and they disappeared so quickly, I barely had a chance to try one myself! The crispy wonton cups give them the perfect crunch, while the creamy, spicy filling offers just the right amount of heat without being overwhelming. What’s great about these little treats is that they’re customizable—if you want to make them milder, you can reduce the number of jalapeños or swap them for another pepper.

These wonton cups are not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. Simply press wonton wrappers into a muffin tin, bake until golden, and fill them with a creamy mixture of cheese, jalapeños, and bacon. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer to impress at a party or a fun snack for yourself, these jalapeño popper wonton cups are sure to be a crowd favorite!

Perfect for:

• Game day snacks
• Party appetizers
• Potlucks and gatherings
• Cheese lovers
• Easy finger foods

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups will become your go-to appetizer:

• Bold Flavor: The combination of creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, crispy bacon, and crunchy wontons makes these cups irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these are perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add toppings, or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves finger foods, and these are guaranteed to disappear fast!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the filling and assemble in advance for convenience.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 12 cups (serves 6 as an appetizer)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 8g, Fat: 11g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups:

• 12 wonton wrappers
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 jalapeños, finely diced
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray or melted butter (for greasing the muffin tin)

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra crumbled bacon
• Sliced green onions
• A drizzle of ranch dressing

Ingredient Highlights

• Wonton Wrappers: These form the crispy base for the cups and bake up beautifully in a muffin tin.
• Jalapeños: Add the perfect level of spice; you can adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
• Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella creates a creamy, melty filling with a rich flavor.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy element that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups:

Prepare the Wonton Cups:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or melted butter.
2. Place the Wonton Wrappers: Press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, shaping it gently to form a cup. Ensure the edges stick up slightly above the rim of the tin.

Make the Filling:

3. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Assemble and Bake:

4. Fill the Cups: Spoon the filling evenly into each wonton cup, filling them generously.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the wonton edges are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbly.

Serve:

6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the wonton cups from the muffin tin and let them cool slightly. Garnish with extra crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of ranch dressing if desired. Serve warm.

How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups

Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups are versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As an Appetizer: Perfect for parties, game days, or potlucks.
• Snack Time Treat: Serve as a fun and flavorful snack for any occasion.
• On a Party Platter: Pair with other finger foods like sliders, meatballs, or veggie platters.
• With Dips: Serve alongside ranch dressing, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.

Additional Tips for Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups

Here are some tips to ensure your Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups turn out perfectly:

• Keep Wonton Wrappers Crispy: Avoid overfilling the cups, as excess filling can cause the wrappers to become soggy.
• Adjust Spice Level: For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling.
• Use Pre-Cooked Bacon: Save time by using store-bought pre-cooked bacon or cooking it in advance.
• Prevent Sticking: Ensure the muffin tin is well-greased to make removing the wonton cups easy.

Recipe Variations for Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups

Here are 10 variations you can try for Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups:

1. Extra Spicy Wonton Cups: Add diced serrano peppers or a splash of hot sauce to the filling.
2. Ranch Jalapeño Wonton Cups: Mix a packet of ranch seasoning into the filling for a tangy twist.
3. BBQ Jalapeño Wonton Cups: Add a drizzle of BBQ sauce to the filling for a smoky flavor.
4. Vegetarian Wonton Cups: Skip the bacon and add diced bell peppers or roasted corn for a veggie version.
5. Creamy Avocado Wonton Cups: Mash avocado into the filling for an extra creamy texture.
6. Buffalo Jalapeño Wonton Cups: Mix in a tablespoon of buffalo sauce for a zesty kick.
7. Spinach Jalapeño Wonton Cups: Add chopped cooked spinach to the filling for a pop of green.
8. Taco Jalapeño Wonton Cups: Season the filling with taco seasoning and top with salsa.
9. Loaded Jalapeño Wonton Cups: Top with diced tomatoes, black olives, and a dollop of sour cream.
10. Sweet and Spicy Wonton Cups: Add a touch of honey to the filling to balance the heat with sweetness.

Freezing and Storage for Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups

• Freezing: Assemble the wonton cups and freeze them unbaked in the muffin tin. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Special Equipment for Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups easier:

• Muffin tin – To mold the wonton wrappers into cups.
• Pastry brush – For lightly greasing the muffin tin or brushing oil on the wonton wrappers.
• Baking sheet – To help with baking and crisping the wontons if you’re not using a muffin tin.
• Sharp knife – For chopping jalapeños and other ingredients like cream cheese and bacon.
• Mixing bowls – For preparing and combining the filling ingredients.
• Spoon or small ice cream scoop – To evenly distribute the filling into the wonton cups.
• Oven mitts – For safely removing hot trays or muffin tins from the oven.
• Measuring spoons – For precise measurement of seasonings and other ingredients.
• Parchment paper – To line the muffin tin if you’re concerned about sticking or want easy cleanup.
• Cooling rack – For letting the wonton cups cool and crisp up after baking.

Frequently Asked Questions for Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the wonton cups and refrigerate them up to 6 hours in advance. Bake just before serving.
2. What if I don’t have wonton wrappers?
   You can use phyllo dough sheets cut into squares or small tortilla pieces as a substitute.
3. Can I make these vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Omit the bacon and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or corn.
4. Can I bake these in an air fryer?
   Yes, cook the wonton cups at 375°F for 8-10 minutes in the air fryer.
5. Can I make them less spicy?
   Yes, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, or use milder peppers like Anaheim or poblano.

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Conclusion

Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups are a flavorful and fun appetizer that perfectly blend creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors into a crispy wonton shell. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by the creamy filling with just the right amount of heat from the jalapeños. These bite-sized treats are fully customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level or add extra ingredients to make them your own.

Ideal for parties, casual gatherings, or even as a savory snack, these wonton cups are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves bold flavors. Whether served as an appetizer or a game day treat, they’ll disappear in no time!

I’d love to see how your Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups 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!