If you’re searching for an unbelievably crispy, creamy appetizer that brings restaurant flavor straight to your kitchen, Cream Cheese Wontons are your new go-to. These delightful little pockets are filled with silky, tangy cream cheese wrapped in ultra-crunchy wonton skins, then fried to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting friends, enjoying a cozy night in, or just want a fun snack, Cream Cheese Wontons never disappoint — they’re a crave-worthy, crowd-pleasing treat that always disappears first!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cream Cheese Wontons is in their simplicity. Every ingredient serves a purpose, creating the perfect contrast of textures and flavors — the creamy interior, the crispy exterior, and just a hint of savory seasoning. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Cream Cheese: The star of the show! A full-fat block will give you the richest, creamiest filling possible.
- Wonton Wrappers: These thin, square wrappers get gorgeously crisp when fried; look for them in the refrigerated section.
- Green Onions: For a pop of color and gentle onion flavor that cuts through the richness.
- Garlic Powder: A touch of this enhances the filling with mellow, savory depth.
- Soy Sauce: Just a dash balances the cheese with umami saltiness — don’t skip it.
- Egg: You’ll use a beaten egg as “glue” to seal your wontons tight, so none of that dreamy filling escapes.
- Oil for Frying: A neutral oil like canola or peanut delivers golden, shatteringly crisp wontons every time.
How to Make Cream Cheese Wontons
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, finely chopped green onions, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Mix well until smooth and everything is evenly distributed. The filling should be thick and scoopable; taste and adjust the seasoning if you want a little extra zing!
Step 2: Set Up Your Wrapping Station
Lay out your wonton wrappers on a clean, dry surface. Beat the egg in a small bowl; this will act as your edible “glue.” Have a teaspoon handy for quick and consistent filling scoops to make the process smooth and efficient.
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Wontons
Place about a teaspoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Dip your finger in the beaten egg and trace the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper into a triangle, pressing out air, then seal the edges firmly. For a classic look, bring the two side corners together and press to stick — now you have that signature wonton shape! Repeat until all wrappers are filled.
Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat oil in a sturdy, deep-sided pan to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, fry the wontons, turning as needed, until they are puffed and deliciously golden all over, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate right away to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy your Cream Cheese Wontons immediately while they’re hot and irresistibly crunchy! Arrange them on a platter and watch them vanish with every crunchy, creamy bite.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Wontons
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely sliced green onions or chives adds a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor to contrast the richness. If you want a hint of heat, scatter on a few red pepper flakes, or try a drizzle of sweet chili sauce for a little sparkle and tang.
Side Dishes
Cream Cheese Wontons pair beautifully with practically any Asian-inspired meal, from a bowl of fried rice to a quick noodle stir-fry. They’re perfect next to sweet and sour chicken, or alongside other appetizers like egg rolls or spring rolls for the ultimate snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Cream Cheese Wontons high on a tiered appetizer platter for eye-catching height, or serve them in a bamboo steamer basket lined with parchment for a playful, restaurant-style presentation. Tiny dipping bowls of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or even plum sauce finish the look and invite guests to dive in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with any leftovers (it’s rare!), let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They won’t be quite as crispy after chilling, but they’ll still be delicious, especially if you reheat them properly.
Freezing
For make-ahead magic, assemble the Cream Cheese Wontons completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a zip-top freezer bag; they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. You can fry them straight from frozen — just add a minute or two to the cook time.
Reheating
To recapture that perfect crunch, reheat wontons in a 350°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes until piping hot and crispy. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the wrappers chewy rather than crispy.
FAQs
Can I bake Cream Cheese Wontons instead of frying?
Absolutely! Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly brush with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp. They won’t have quite the same depth of crunch as fried but are still plenty tasty and lighter.
What’s the difference between Cream Cheese Wontons and crab rangoon?
Great question! While both use cream cheese as a base, crab rangoon includes flaked crab meat (real or imitation) folded into the filling, which changes both the flavor and texture. Cream Cheese Wontons keep things delightfully simple with just the creamy, savory filling.
Can I add other flavors to the filling?
Definitely! Try mixing in finely minced cooked shrimp, fresh herbs like cilantro, or even a tiny pinch of sriracha for heat. The basic Cream Cheese Wontons filling is a blank slate for your favorite flavors.
What dipping sauces go best with Cream Cheese Wontons?
Sweet chili sauce is a classic, but you can’t go wrong with soy sauce, spicy mustard, or a splash of rice vinegar. For something a little different, try a ginger-garlic soy dipping sauce or honey for a sweet twist.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! Assemble the wontons up to a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge, or freeze them raw and fry just before serving. Your guests will be blown away by fresh-from-the-fryer Cream Cheese Wontons, no stress required.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you whip up a batch of Cream Cheese Wontons at home, you’ll wonder why you ever waited for takeout night. They’re addictively crunchy, lusciously creamy, and guaranteed to delight everyone around your table. Give them a try — your snack game will never be the same!
Print
Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 wontons 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cream Cheese Wontons are a delicious appetizer that combines creamy, savory filling with a crispy fried wrapper. Perfect for parties or as a snack!
Ingredients
Wontons:
- 1 package wonton wrappers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, green onions, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Assemble the Wontons: Place a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of a wonton wrapper. Moisten the edges with water, then fold the wrapper over the filling to create a triangle. Press to seal.
- Fry the Wontons: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the wontons in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Enjoy the Cream Cheese Wontons hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- You can customize the filling with additional ingredients like crab meat or spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 wontons
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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