Cream Cheese Wontons are the crispy, creamy appetizer you didn’t know you were missing—until now. These golden parcels of joy are filled with a rich cream cheese mixture, folded into perfect little pillows, and fried (or baked!) until irresistibly crunchy. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a quick savory snack, these are ridiculously easy to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they pair wonderfully with sweet chili sauce or soy-based dips for that restaurant-style experience at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, these come together in about 25 minutes. Perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: The filling is creamy, tangy, and garlicky—no complicated prep involved.
- Crispy & Creamy Combo: Few things are as satisfying as that contrast between crispy wonton wrappers and a warm, melty filling.
- Customizable: Add a little kick, some seafood, or go sweet—these wontons are the ultimate blank canvas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make these addictive bites:
- Wonton Wrappers: Thin, square wrappers made for crisping up beautifully—don’t skip these.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the show. Use full-fat for best texture and flavor.
- Green Onions: For a bit of freshness and mild onion bite.
- Garlic Powder: Adds just the right hint of savory depth to the filling.
- Sugar: A tiny pinch balances the creaminess with a subtle sweetness.
- Soy Sauce (optional): Adds a touch of umami to elevate the flavor.
- Cooking Oil: For frying. Use something neutral like vegetable or canola oil.
- Water: Just a dab to seal the wontons before frying.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Mix in a dash of sriracha or finely minced jalapeños into the cream cheese.
- Crab Rangoon Style: Add imitation crab or real crab meat for a seafood twist.
- Baked, Not Fried: For a lighter option, spray the wontons with oil and bake at 375°F until golden and crispy.
- Sweet Version: Swap out garlic and onions for a teaspoon of sugar and a touch of vanilla extract—serve with a fruit compote!
How to Make Cream Cheese Wontons
Step 1: Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, a tiny pinch of sugar, and soy sauce (if using). Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
Step 2: Assemble the Wontons
Lay out the wonton wrappers. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each. Moisten the edges with a bit of water using your finger. Fold into a triangle or bring all corners to the center and pinch to seal tightly.
Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat oil in a deep pan to about 350°F. Fry the wontons in batches, 3–4 at a time, until golden brown—usually just 2–3 minutes per batch. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Step 4: Drain and Serve
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried wontons to a paper towel-lined plate. Let them cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Seal Well: If the edges aren’t sealed tightly, the filling may leak out while frying. Don’t skimp on that water seal!
- Work in Batches: Frying too many at once drops the oil temp and leads to soggy, uneven results.
- Use Room Temp Cream Cheese: It blends easier and gives a smoother texture.
- Avoid Overfilling: Too much filling makes sealing tricky and can lead to bursts during frying.
How to Serve
Cream Cheese Wontons are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving:
Dipping Sauces:
Pair with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey garlic dip, or even a spicy mayo for an extra punch.
As a Side:
Serve alongside stir-fried noodles, fried rice, or a fresh Asian-style salad.
Party Platter:
Add to a platter with egg rolls, dumplings, and spring rolls for a fun and festive appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover wontons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll lose their crispiness but are still delicious.
Freezing
Uncooked wontons freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Cook from frozen—no need to thaw!
Reheating
For best results, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F until hot and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy.
FAQs
Can I bake cream cheese wontons instead of frying?
Absolutely! Brush or spray them with oil and bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as golden but still crispy and delicious.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and freeze them uncooked. When you’re ready to serve, fry or bake straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.
What dipping sauces go best with cream cheese wontons?
Sweet chili sauce is the classic go-to, but soy sauce, garlic sauce, or even a honey-mustard dip work wonderfully. Try a few and find your favorite!
How do I prevent my wontons from opening during frying?
Use enough water to moisten the edges and press firmly to seal. You can also double-fold or use a little beaten egg to reinforce the seal.
Final Thoughts
Cream Cheese Wontons are everything you want in a snack—crispy, creamy, and completely crave-worthy. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and seriously fun to eat. Whether you’re serving them up at a party or treating yourself to a little at-home indulgence, this recipe guarantees satisfaction in every bite. Give them a try and get ready for your new favorite appetizer!
PrintCream Cheese Wontons Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 wontons 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and creamy cream cheese wontons are a popular appetizer made with wonton wrappers filled with a savory cream cheese mixture and fried until golden brown.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp sesame oil
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 20 wonton wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined.
- Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of each wonton wrapper.
- Brush the edges of the wrapper with the beaten egg and fold into a triangle or desired shape, sealing tightly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the wontons in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with dipping sauce of your choice.
Notes
- Make sure the wontons are sealed well to prevent filling from leaking during frying.
- You can bake or air-fry the wontons for a healthier option.
- Add a bit of crab meat or chopped shrimp for a seafood variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 wontons
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *