Wonton jalapeño poppers are a fun twist on a classic snack! They’re filled with creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños, all wrapped in crispy wonton wrappers.
These little goodies are perfect for gatherings or just a movie night at home. I love popping them fresh out of the oven and enjoying the crunchy bite! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These are the stars of the show! They provide a delightful crunch. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, egg roll wrappers can work in a pinch, but they may be thicker and need more cooking time.
Cream Cheese: This adds rich creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese is a great substitute, with a similar taste but less fat.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Pepper jack adds a nice extra kick, or you can use mozzarella for milder flavor and great melt.
Jalapeños: Spicy jalapeños are a must. If you want less heat, use sweet bell peppers instead. For a spicier option, go for serrano peppers.
Cilantro: This adds freshness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, use green onions or omit it entirely. Your palate will still be happy!
How Do You Safely Fry Wontons Without a Mess?
Frying can be tricky, but it’s manageable with a few tips! First, make sure your oil is hot enough—350°F (175°C) is just right. If it’s too cold, your wontons will absorb too much oil and get soggy.
- Test the oil: Drop a small piece of wonton wrapper in the oil; it should sizzle and rise immediately.
- Fry in batches: This keeps the temperature constant. Don’t crowd the pot!
- Drain properly: Let your fried wontons sit on paper towels to soak up excess oil.
With these tips, you’ll have crisp poppers every time!
Wonton Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 20 wonton wrappers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 jalapeño peppers, halved and seeded (leave seeds if you like extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil)
- Sweet chili sauce or ranch dressing for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to fry the poppers. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes, which is quick for a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Jalapeños:
Start by cutting the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes if you prefer less heat. If you’re more adventurous, leave some seeds for an extra kick. Set them aside for later.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. This creamy mixture will be the delicious filling!
3. Fill the Jalapeños:
Now, take each jalapeño half and spoon in a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture. Make sure they’re nicely filled, but don’t overfill them so they don’t spill out while frying.
4. Assemble the Wonton Poppers:
Place one filled jalapeño half in the center of a wonton wrapper. Lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper with a bit of water using your finger. Fold the wrapper over to form a triangle or a neat pouch around the jalapeño, pressing the edges firmly to seal them. It’s important to seal them well to avoid bursting in the oil.
5. Fry the Poppers:
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is hot, carefully drop in the wonton poppers in batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Turn them occasionally to get an even fry.
6. Drain and Serve:
After frying, place the poppers on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. If you’d like, garnish with chopped cilantro before serving. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or ranch dressing, and enjoy the cheesy, spicy goodness!
Each bite of these wonton jalapeño poppers is sure to be a hit—crispy on the outside and bursting with creamy flavor on the inside!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can mix it up with pepper jack for added heat, mozzarella for a milder flavor, or even feta for a tangy twist. Just ensure the cheese melts well!
Can I Make Wonton Jalapeño Poppers in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filled jalapeños and wrap them in wonton wrappers ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge for up to a day before frying. If you want, you can also freeze them and fry directly from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
How Do I Adjust the Heat Level?
If you prefer milder poppers, be sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. Conversely, you can add finely chopped fresh jalapeño or even a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for extra heat!
