Cream Cheese Wontons

Introduction

Cream Cheese Wontons are a delightful appetizer that perfectly combines a crispy, golden exterior with a creamy, savory filling. These bite-sized treats are made by wrapping a smooth cream cheese mixture inside wonton wrappers, then frying them to crispy perfection. The creamy filling, often enhanced with green onions and seasonings, pairs beautifully with the crunchy wrapper. These wontons are a favorite at Chinese-American restaurants and are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a snack.

I first tried making these for a family get-together, and they were such a hit that I’ve been making them ever since. The combination of creamy, slightly tangy filling with the crispy shell creates an irresistible bite that’s hard to stop at just one. You can even get creative by adding ingredients like crab meat or garlic to the filling for a unique twist. Whether served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce or on their own, these wontons never fail to impress!

Perfect for:

• Appetizers for parties
• Game day snacks
• Family gatherings
• Chinese takeout cravings
• Finger food for events

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Wontons

Here’s why Cream Cheese Wontons will become your go-to appetizer:

• Crispy and Creamy Texture: The contrast between the crispy, golden wrapper and the creamy, savory filling creates a perfect bite.
• Quick and Easy to Make: These wontons are simple to prepare, making them an excellent choice for last-minute appetizers.
• Customizable Filling: You can adjust the cream cheese mixture with seasonings, herbs, or even add cooked shrimp or crab for extra flavor.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These wontons are always a hit at parties and gatherings, loved by both kids and adults.
• Perfectly Dippable: Pair these with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce, for extra flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: 24 wontons
• Calories per serving: Approximately 50-70 calories per wonton
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 3g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cream Cheese Wontons:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 24 wonton wrappers (found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores)
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 cups)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cream Cheese: The base of the filling, cream cheese provides a rich, smooth, and creamy texture that melts perfectly inside the crispy wonton wrapper.
• Green Onions: These add a mild, fresh onion flavor to the filling, balancing the richness of the cream cheese.
• Wonton Wrappers: These thin, square wrappers crisp up beautifully when fried, giving the wontons their signature crunch.
• Soy Sauce: A small amount of soy sauce enhances the flavor of the filling with a subtle, savory undertone.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Cream Cheese Wontons:

Prepare the Filling:

1. Prepare the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, soy sauce, garlic powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and evenly combined.
2. Fill the Wonton Wrappers: Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface and spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill it.
3. Seal the Wontons: Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle or bring the four corners together to make a pouch, pressing the edges to seal completely. Ensure there are no air pockets inside.

Fry the Wontons:

4. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat, ensuring the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature, as this ensures the wontons fry perfectly.
5. Fry the Wontons: Carefully drop the prepared wontons into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
6. Drain Excess Oil: Once the wontons are crispy and golden, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serve:

7. Serve Immediately: Serve the cream cheese wontons hot, with your favorite dipping sauce such as sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or duck sauce.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Wontons

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

• As an Appetizer: Serve them as an appetizer for a dinner party or family gathering.
• With Dipping Sauce: Pair them with sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or a homemade dipping sauce for extra flavor.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them as a delicious, crispy snack with a cold beverage.
• With Other Appetizers: Serve them alongside other appetizers like spring rolls, dumplings, or egg rolls for a variety-filled snack plate.

Additional Tips for Cream Cheese Wontons

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

• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the wontons, as this can make them difficult to seal and fry properly.
• Seal Well: Make sure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
• Fry in Batches: Frying in small batches ensures that the oil temperature stays consistent, and the wontons cook evenly.
• Use Fresh Wonton Wrappers: Fresh wonton wrappers work best for creating crisp, light wontons. If they’re too dry, they may crack when you fold them.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the wontons ahead of time, freeze them, and fry them later. This is a great option for meal prep or if you want to save time on the day of serving.
• Check Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying. If it’s too hot, the wontons will burn before the filling is heated; if it’s too cold, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Recipe Variations for Cream Cheese Wontons

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

• Crab Cream Cheese Wontons: Add crab meat to the filling for a more decadent, seafood-flavored treat.
• Shrimp Cream Cheese Wontons: Add cooked shrimp to the cream cheese mixture for a shrimp-filled wonton.
• Bacon Cream Cheese Wontons: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the filling for a smoky, savory twist.
• Spicy Cream Cheese Wontons: Mix in some diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Vegetable Cream Cheese Wontons: Add finely chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a vegetarian option.
• Buffalo Cream Cheese Wontons: Stir in buffalo sauce and blue cheese for a spicy, tangy variation.
• Cheddar Cream Cheese Wontons: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy, rich filling.
• Sweet Cream Cheese Wontons: Add a spoonful of fruit preserves like strawberry or raspberry for a sweet variation.
• Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Wontons: Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a flavorful, herbed twist.
• Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Wontons: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers to make this recipe gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage for Cream Cheese Wontons

• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled but un-fried wontons for up to 3 months. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.
• Storage: Store leftover fried wontons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until crispy.

Special Equipment for Cream Cheese Wontons

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

• Wok or Deep Fryer: A wok or deep fryer makes frying the wontons easier by allowing the oil to reach a high temperature and cook evenly.
• Slotted Spoon or Tongs: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to safely remove the wontons from the hot oil.
• Cooking Thermometer: A cooking thermometer ensures the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
• Rolling Pin: If your wonton wrappers are too thick, you can roll them out slightly thinner for a lighter texture.
• Baking Sheet: If freezing the wontons, a baking sheet helps prevent them from sticking together.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cream Cheese Wontons

Can I use frozen wonton wrappers?
Yes, frozen wonton wrappers work just as well, but be sure to thaw them completely before using them.

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the wontons at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy, but they won’t have the same deep-fried crunch.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the wontons ahead of time, freeze them, and fry them later.

Can I make these without green onions?
Yes, you can omit the green onions or substitute them with another herb or seasoning of your choice.

What can I dip these in?
These wontons are great with sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, duck sauce, or any dipping sauce you prefer.

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Conclusion

Cream Cheese Wontons are a crispy, creamy, and addictive appetizer that will be the star of any gathering. With their simple yet delicious filling, they are easy to make and customize to your taste. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a snack, these wontons are sure to impress.

This recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. Their crispy exterior and creamy filling make them a treat everyone will enjoy. Whether you serve them with sweet chili sauce or enjoy them on their own, these wontons are bound to be a crowd favorite.

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!