Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups – Craving something cheesy, crunchy, and a little bit spicy? These Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups are about to become your new favorite appetizer. With crispy wonton shells, creamy cheese filling, smoky bacon, and just the right touch of heat from jalapeños, they pack a punch in every bite. They’re easy to whip up and perfect for parties, game days, or when you just need a little snack that hits all the right notes.
The first time I made these, I was hosting a last-minute game night, and I needed something quick but impressive. My husband is all about jalapeño poppers, so I thought, why not take that flavor and make it bite-sized and easy to eat? Let me tell you, they were an instant hit! Even my picky eater of a child grabbed one and then came back for another. By the end of the night, the whole tray was gone, and everyone was asking for the recipe. Now, they’ve become a staple at every gathering because they’re just that good.
What makes this Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups truly special?
These wonton cups are everything you love about jalapeño poppers but in a crisp, cute little package. The wonton wrappers turn perfectly golden and crunchy, giving you that satisfying bite, while the filling is all about creamy, melty goodness. And let’s not forget the bacon—because everything’s better with bacon, right? They’re also super easy to make. Mix up the filling, spoon it in, bake, and boom, you’ve got a delicious snack ready to impress. Plus, they’re easy to customize if you want more or less heat, or even a different kind of cheese.
What You Need To Make This Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups Recipe?
Wonton Wrappers: These little squares are like the perfect edible cup. They get crispy around the edges, giving that satisfying crunch, and they’re super easy to shape. You can find them in the refrigerated section near the tofu, usually.
Cream Cheese: The base of all things creamy and dreamy here. Make sure it’s softened, or you’ll be fighting to mix everything together. Just leave it out on the counter for a bit, and you’ll be good to go.
Bacon: This is where the magic happens. You want that smoky, salty flavor running through every bite. Just make sure to save a little for the topping—those crispy bits make all the difference.
Cheddar Cheese: It melts beautifully and adds a sharp, tangy kick. I’m using cheddar, but you could swap it out for Monterey Jack or even pepper jack if you want more spice.
Jalapeños: Okay, this is where you get to play. Want it milder? Use fewer peppers or make sure you get rid of all the seeds. Feeling brave? Leave a few in there. And those reserved bits on top make these look extra fancy.
Green Onions: They bring a little freshness and a pop of color. Plus, they pair so nicely with the other flavors. Just chop up those green parts and you’re set.
Milk or Cream: This just helps the filling come together, making it smooth and easy to scoop. I use whatever I have on hand, but cream will make it extra rich.
Oil for Greasing the Pan: A quick spray or a bit of oil ensures those wonton cups don’t stick. No one wants to wrestle with the pan when all they want is to eat!
Steps To Make Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups:
Preheat & Prep: Set your oven to 375°F. While it heats up, grab a cupcake pan and lightly grease each cup with a bit of oil or cooking spray. This will help those wonton cups pop right out.
Make the Wonton Cups: Take a wonton wrapper and press it gently into each cupcake slot. Want them extra crispy? Give the insides a quick spray with cooking spray.
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Bake the Cups: Once the oven is ready, bake the wonton cups for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a nice golden brown. Take them out and lower the oven temperature to 350°F.
Mix Up the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, chopped bacon, jalapeños, green onion, and milk. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well-mixed. You can almost taste how good it’s going to be!
Fill ‘Em Up: Use a spoon (or a small cookie scoop if you have one) to scoop the creamy filling into each wonton cup. Don’t be shy—fill them right up! Then, sprinkle a little of the reserved bacon, cheddar, and jalapeño on top for that perfect finish.
Final Bake: Pop the pan back in the oven at 350°F and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the cheese on top is all melty and delicious.
Cool & Serve: Let the wonton cups cool for just a few minutes before you dig in, but enjoy them while they’re still warm. They’re crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Tip:
For the ultimate crispy, golden-brown wonton cups, try this little trick: brush the inside of each wonton wrapper with a bit of oil before baking them the first time. This helps them get that extra crunch, almost like they’ve been fried. And if you want to take it up a notch, you can experiment by adding a touch of seasoning to the oil—maybe a pinch of garlic powder or paprika—to give the cups even more flavor before they’re filled. Trust me, these small details can make a huge difference! Plus, if you’re making these ahead of time for a party, you can bake the cups, store them, and then fill and bake them again right before serving. Easy and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can bake the wonton cups ahead and store them in an airtight container for up to a day. Just fill and do the final bake when you’re ready to serve. That way, they’ll be warm and crispy without any extra hassle.
What can I use if I don’t have wonton wrappers?
If you’re in a pinch, you can use phyllo dough or even small tortillas cut into rounds. They might not be as crispy, but they’ll still hold that creamy, cheesy filling nicely. Give it a shot and see what you like best!
Can I make these vegetarian?
Of course! Just skip the bacon and maybe add some extra veggies for flavor. Diced bell peppers or even some extra jalapeños could work. The filling is super adaptable, so you can tweak it to suit your taste.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups
Ingredients
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 4 oz bacon cooked and finely chopped (reserve about 2 tablespoon)
- 2 oz cheddar grated (about 1/2 c; reserve about 2 tablespoon)
- 3 jalapeño peppers deseeded and finely chopped (reserve about 2 tablespoon)
- 2 stalks green onion thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Oil for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and give a cupcake pan a quick grease with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Gently press a wonton wrapper into each of the cupcake cups. If you want that extra crispy crunch, give the inside of each wonton a light spray with cooking spray.
- Once the oven's hot, bake the wonton cups for about 6 to 8 minutes until you see those edges turning a nice golden brown. Take them out and lower the oven temperature to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, jalapeños, green onion, and milk until it’s all creamy and smooth.
- Use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to fill each wonton cup with the cheese mixture. Sprinkle the top with a bit of the reserved bacon, cheddar, and jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Pop the pan back into the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the filling is hot and the cheddar on top is nicely melted. Let them cool for a few minutes before taking them out of the pan.
- Serve them warm, and dig in!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
