Cream Cheese Wontons

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Introduction

Cream Cheese Wontons are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence—crispy, golden parcels filled with a rich, creamy, and slightly sweet cream cheese filling. Whether enjoyed as a takeout-inspired snack or a homemade appetizer, these crunchy wontons are always a crowd-pleaser. Wrapped in delicate wonton wrappers and fried to perfection, they offer the perfect contrast of crispiness on the outside and smooth, velvety goodness on the inside.

The first time I made these, I was amazed at how simple yet satisfying they were. Folding each wonton felt like a fun, hands-on process, and watching them turn perfectly golden in the fryer was so rewarding. When I finally bit into one, the crunch followed by the warm, creamy filling was pure bliss—it was hard to stop at just one!

What I love most about Cream Cheese Wontons is their versatility. You can keep them classic, add a touch of garlic or green onion for extra flavor, or even mix in crab meat for the ever-popular crab rangoon. Serve them with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or even a drizzle of honey for a unique twist. Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or just to satisfy a craving, these wontons are guaranteed to disappear fast!

Perfect for:

  • Party appetizers
  • Game day snacks
  • Asian-inspired meals
  • Potluck gatherings
  • Late-night cravings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Cream Cheese Wontons will become your favorite crispy treat:

  • Crispy and Creamy: A perfect contrast between the crunchy wonton shell and the smooth, rich cream cheese filling.
  • Quick to Make: These fry up in just a few minutes, making them a fast and easy appetizer.
  • Customizable Fillings: Keep them classic or add crab, green onions, or spices for extra flavor.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Snack: Their bite-sized shape makes them a favorite at any gathering.
  • Better Than Takeout: Homemade wontons taste fresher and crispier than restaurant versions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings (about 20 wontons)
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cream Cheese Wontons:

  • 20 wonton wrappers
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for sealing wontons)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Sweet and sour sauce or duck sauce, for dipping

Ingredient Highlights

  • Wonton Wrappers: Thin dough squares that crisp up beautifully when fried.
  • Cream Cheese: The star of the filling, providing a rich, creamy texture.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds a slight umami depth to balance the richness.
  • Garlic and Onion Powder: Enhance the flavor without overpowering the filling.
  • Green Onions: Optional, but they add freshness and a mild onion flavor.
  • Egg Wash: Helps seal the wontons so they don’t open while frying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Soften the Cream Cheese: Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature for easy mixing.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and green onions (if using). Stir until smooth.

Assemble the Wontons:

  1. Prepare Wonton Wrappers: Lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean surface.
  2. Add Filling: Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each wrapper.
  3. Seal the Wontons:
    • Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with the beaten egg.
    • Fold into a triangle, pressing the edges together to seal.
    • (Optional) Bring the two opposite corners together and pinch to create a classic wonton shape.

Fry the Wontons:

  1. Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry in Batches: Carefully place wontons in the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
  3. Drain Excess Oil: Remove wontons with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Let Cool Slightly: Allow the wontons to cool for 2 minutes before serving.
  2. Serve with Sauce: Enjoy with sweet and sour sauce, duck sauce, or soy sauce for dipping.

How to Serve

  • With Sweet & Sour Sauce – Serve with a side of sweet and sour sauce for a classic dipping option.
  • Plated with Soy Sauce & Sesame Seeds – Drizzle with soy sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds for an umami-rich bite.
  • On a Dim Sum Platter – Arrange alongside egg rolls, dumplings, and spring rolls for a complete appetizer spread.
  • With a Spicy Kick – Pair with sriracha mayo or a spicy chili crisp for those who love heat.
  • Over a Bed of Greens – Place on a bed of mixed greens with a light dressing for a crispy salad twist.
  • As a Party Appetizer – Serve in a large basket with multiple dipping sauces like honey mustard, teriyaki, and Thai sweet chili.
  • With a Soup Pairing – Enjoy alongside hot and sour soup or miso soup for a cozy meal.
  • Drizzled with Honey – For a sweet and savory contrast, drizzle with honey or a light glaze before serving.
  • On a Skewer – Thread onto skewers with cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes for a fun presentation.
  • With a Side of Pickled Veggies – Balance the richness with pickled ginger, carrots, or daikon radish.

Additional Tips

  • Soften the Cream Cheese – Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
  • Enhance the Filling – Add minced garlic, green onions, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
  • Seal Properly – Use a small amount of water or egg wash on the edges of the wonton wrapper to ensure a tight seal and prevent leaks.
  • Avoid Overfilling – Use about 1 teaspoon of filling per wonton to prevent them from bursting open during frying.
  • Use Fresh Wonton Wrappers – Dry or old wrappers can crack, so keep them covered with a damp towel while working.
  • Fry at the Right Temperature – Maintain oil at 350-375°F (175-190°C) for crispy wontons without excess grease.
  • Try Air Frying – For a lighter version, spray the wontons with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Experiment with Sweetness – Add a touch of powdered sugar or honey to the filling for a sweet and savory twist.
  • Drain on a Rack – Instead of paper towels, place fried wontons on a wire rack to keep them crispy.
  • Pair with the Right Dip – Serve with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a mix of honey and sriracha for the best flavor contrast.

Recipe Variations

  1. Crab Rangoon: Add ½ cup of flaked crab meat to the cream cheese mixture.
  2. Spicy Wontons: Mix in ½ teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes.
  3. Sweet Wontons: Add a tablespoon of honey and omit the soy sauce for a dessert-style treat.
  4. Baked Wontons: Brush with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
  5. Buffalo Wontons: Mix in 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
  6. Bacon-Wrapped Wontons: Wrap the filled wontons in bacon before frying or baking.
  7. Sesame Wontons: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before frying for extra crunch.
  8. Dairy-Free Wontons: Use dairy-free cream cheese for a lactose-free version.
  9. Taco Wontons: Add taco seasoning and shredded cheddar for a fusion twist.
  10. Peanut Butter Wontons: Mix in peanut butter and powdered sugar for a unique sweet variation.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze assembled but uncooked wontons on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry or bake directly from frozen.
  • Storage: Store cooked wontons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes to regain crispiness.

Special Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl – For blending the cream cheese filling with seasonings.
  • Fork or Small Whisk – To mix and smooth out the cream cheese filling.
  • Pastry Brush – For brushing water or egg wash on the wonton edges to seal them.
  • Small Spoon or Cookie Scoop – To portion the cream cheese filling evenly into the wonton wrappers.
  • Wonton Wrapper Press (Optional) – Helps create uniform folds and seals for a neat presentation.
  • Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot – For frying the wontons to crispy perfection.
  • Kitchen Thermometer – Ensures the oil stays at the ideal frying temperature (around 350°F/175°C).
  • Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer – Helps safely remove the wontons from hot oil without excess grease.
  • Cooling Rack or Paper Towels – To drain excess oil and keep wontons crispy.
  • Air Fryer (Alternative) – A healthier option for making crispy wontons without deep frying.

FAQ

  1. Can I use store-bought wonton wrappers? Yes, pre-made wrappers make this recipe quick and easy.
  2. Can I bake instead of fry? Yes, baking at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes works well.
  3. What’s the best oil for frying? Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
  4. Can I air-fry them? Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. Can I make them ahead of time? Yes, assemble and freeze them, then fry or bake when ready.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Wontons are the ultimate crispy and creamy appetizer, perfect for parties, snacks, or adding a delicious touch to any meal. With their golden, crunchy shell and rich, savory filling, these wontons are better than takeout and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, these bite-sized treats deliver the perfect balance of crispiness and creamy goodness in every bite. Serve them with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or your favorite dip for an extra flavor boost. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable—try adding garlic, green onions, or even a hint of spice to make them your own!

I can’t wait to see your homemade Cream Cheese Wontons! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments. Happy cooking!

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