Cream cheese wontons are a popular and delightful appetizer that delivers a satisfying combination of crispy wrappers and creamy, savory filling. These golden, deep-fried morsels are filled with a smooth and slightly sweet cream cheese mixture that’s guaranteed to win over your guests. Whether you serve them with a tangy dipping sauce, sweet chili sauce, or soy sauce, they’re sure to be the star of any gathering. They’re also versatile enough to be customized to suit a variety of taste preferences, making them ideal for parties, holidays, or even casual snacks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, these wontons are a breeze to make.
- Crispy & Creamy – The contrast between the crunchy outer wrapper and the smooth, rich cream cheese filling offers the perfect bite.
- Fully Customizable – Want to spice things up? You can experiment with ingredients such as crab, chives, or your favorite seasonings.
- Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a game night, a holiday gathering, or a simple snack at home, these wontons will impress every time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese
- Wonton wrappers
- Green onions (optional)
- Garlic powder
- Sugar
- Salt
- Water (for sealing the wontons)
- Oil (for frying)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, finely chopped green onions (if using), garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and sugar. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy filling. If you’d like to add any extra ingredients for flavor (such as crab meat, minced shrimp, or spices), now is the time to do it.
Step 2: Fill the Wontons
Place the wonton wrappers on a flat surface, and spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each one. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the wontons more difficult.
Step 3: Seal the Wontons
Moisten the edges of each wonton wrapper with a bit of water. Fold the wrapper into a triangle shape by bringing the opposite corners together, or you can form a pouch by folding all four corners towards the center. Press firmly to seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during frying.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be hot enough to fry the wontons quickly and give them a crispy texture without absorbing too much oil.
Step 5: Fry the Wontons
Carefully drop the sealed wontons into the hot oil in small batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Turn the wontons occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once the wontons are perfectly golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while hot with your choice of dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 20 wontons
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
Crab Rangoon – Add imitation crab or real crab meat to the cream cheese mixture for a classic variation.
Spicy Wontons – For a spicy kick, incorporate sriracha or red pepper flakes into the filling.
Baked Version – If you prefer a lighter option, bake the wontons at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Air-Fried Wontons – For a healthier alternative, cook the wontons in an air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Sweet Wontons – For a dessert twist, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the filling to create a sweet version.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage – Store any leftover wontons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or use an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. This will help regain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the wontons soggy.
- Freezing – If you want to make a big batch, freeze uncooked wontons by laying them flat on a baking sheet and transferring them to a freezer bag once frozen solid. Fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Cream Cheese Wontons
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 20 pieces wonton wrappers
- water as needed for sealing wontons
- oil for frying vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, green onions (if using), garlic powder, sugar, and salt. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Place a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper. Be careful not to overfill.
- Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water. Fold the wrapper into a triangle shape, or bring the corners together to form a pouch. Press the edges firmly to seal.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the wontons into the hot oil, frying in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried wontons from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
How do I keep my wontons from opening while frying?
Make sure the edges are tightly sealed by pressing firmly. If necessary, use a little extra water or egg wash to create a stronger seal. Avoid overfilling the wontons, as this can also cause them to open up.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the wontons a few hours ahead of time and store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them.
What dipping sauces go well with cream cheese wontons?
Sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or a spicy chili sauce all pair wonderfully with these crispy delights.
Can I bake them instead of frying?
Absolutely! Brush the wontons lightly with oil and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until they’re crispy and golden brown.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cream cheese provides the perfect creamy texture, you can experiment by mixing in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella for an interesting flavor twist.
How do I prevent the wontons from getting soggy?
To keep them crispy, avoid stacking them and serve them immediately after frying. This will ensure that they remain crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Can I freeze cooked wontons?
Yes, but they may lose some crispiness upon reheating. To preserve the crunch, reheat them in the oven or air fryer.
What oil is best for frying wontons?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all excellent choices because of their high smoke points, which make them ideal for frying at high temperatures.
Can I use egg wash instead of water to seal the wontons?
Yes, an egg wash will not only help seal the edges but also give the wontons a golden color when fried.
How do I make the wontons extra crispy?
Make sure the oil is at the proper temperature (350°F), and avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. Frying in small batches will ensure a crispy texture.
Conclusion
Cream cheese wontons are a classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone loves. Whether you’re frying, baking, or air frying them, these crispy treats are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. With endless variations, simple ingredients, and easy storage options, you can enjoy these crispy, creamy delights any time you like. Prepare them for your next party, and enjoy the delicious combination of crispy, golden wrappers and smooth, savory filling.
These cream cheese wontons are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack, a game night, or a festive gathering. By following this easy recipe, you’ll be able to serve up a restaurant-quality appetizer in no time!
