Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups are everything you love about the classic appetizer, reinvented in crispy bite-sized form. Each cup is loaded with creamy, cheesy filling, smoky bacon, and just the right hit of jalapeno heat—all nestled in crunchy golden wontons you’ll want to gobble up on sight. Perfect for parties, game day spreads, or any time your snack cravings demand something a little extra, these poppers are always the first thing to disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Maximum Crunch: Each bite has an addictively crisp wonton shell that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Irresistible Flavor Combo: Classic jalapeno popper flavors—bacon, cheese, and spicy jalapeno—all together in one glorious mouthful.
- Party-Friendly & Portable: These hand-held cups are perfect for sharing, serving, and snacking—no utensils required!
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level by seeding your jalapenos (or leave some seeds in if you’re feeling bold!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything about Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups starts with simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays an important role in the final taste—think cool creaminess, bright heat, melty cheese, and that irresistible bacon crunch.
- Wonton wrappers: These create the perfectly crispy cup to hold all that luscious filling—look for them in the refrigerated produce section.
- Cream cheese (softened): Makes the filling extra rich and creamy, so be sure it’s soft for easy mixing.
- Sour cream: Adds a slight tang that balances out the richness of the cheeses and bacon.
- Bacon (cooked & crumbled): Smoky, salty, and truly essential—save a little to sprinkle on top for maximum flavor.
- Cheddar cheese (shredded): Sharp cheddar melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Jalapeños (seeded & chopped): These bring the signature popper kick—remove the seeds for mild heat, or leave some in if your crowd likes it spicy!
Variations
One of the best things about Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups is just how easy it is to put your own spin on them. You can tweak the filling, change up the cheese, or make them even more decadent—or lighter—based on your mood and your guests’ cravings!
- Swap the Cheese: Try pepper jack for extra heat or Monterey Jack for a mild, creamy touch.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and add finely chopped sautéed mushrooms or a few sun-dried tomatoes for savory depth.
- Bump Up the Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling, or top with a few thin slices of fresh jalapeno before baking.
- Lighter Option: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and turkey bacon for a slightly lighter version without sacrificing indulgence.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups
Step 1: Bake the Wonton Shells
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spray a standard muffin tin with nonstick spray, then gently press a wonton wrapper into each cup, molding it up the sides to form a little basket. Bake for about 10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and crisp. This is your foundation for all the deliciousness to come!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
While the wonton shells cool slightly, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, crumbled bacon (don’t forget to hold back a couple tablespoons for topping!), shredded cheddar, and those irresistible jalapenos in a bowl. Stir it up until smooth and well-blended—every fold will have a gorgeous mix of color and flavor.
Step 3: Fill and Top
Spoon generous dollops of the cheesy filling into each cooled wonton cup. Sprinkle the reserved crumbled bacon and a pinch more cheddar on top. These little extras crisp up in the oven and make for a picture-perfect savory bite!
Step 4: Final Bake
Pop the filled cups back into the oven for another 8–10 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the wontons are deep golden-brown on the edges. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—if you can wait that long!—so they hold their shape and can be devoured in a single glorious bite.
Pro Tips for Making Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups
- Crisping the Shells: Bake the wonton wrappers on their own first so the bottoms don’t get soggy after adding the filling—you want sturdy, delightfully crunchy cups!
- Perfectly Softened Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese come fully to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Chop the Jalapenos Fine: Tiny, even pieces of jalapeno mean a more consistent pop of heat in every bite—and less risk of surprise fire!
- Double-Batch Tested: These disappear fast! If you’re serving a crowd, make a second tray—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
How to Serve Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups
Garnishes
A little garnish makes these bite-sized poppers extra eye-catching. Finish each cup with a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions, a slice of jalapeno, or even a tiny dollop of sour cream for a cool contrast.
Side Dishes
While Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups are awesome on their own, they shine even brighter on a snack tray with classics like crispy chicken tenders, mini sliders, or a colorful veggie platter. For a casual gathering, a big bowl of tortilla chips and salsa makes the perfect crunchy partner!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cups on a tiered stand for a dazzling appetizer display, or arrange them on a bright platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves for a pop of color. For parties, tuck each cup into a mini cupcake wrapper for easy grab-and-go snacking with zero mess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll lose a bit of their fresh-out-of-the-oven crispiness, but they’re still incredibly tasty as a next-day snack!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cups in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen—they may not be as crunchy as the originals, but they’ll still pack a flavorful punch.
Reheating
To bring back some of that signature crunch, reheat Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for 6–8 minutes rather than the microwave, which tends to soften the wonton shells.
FAQs
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Can I make Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the wonton cups and prepare the filling a day ahead. Store both separately in the fridge, fill and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
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What if I want them milder or spicier?
Control the heat by seeding your jalapenos for milder cups, or leave some seeds in for more spice. You can also add a little hot sauce to the filling if you like things even hotter!
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Can I use store-bought bacon bits instead of bacon?
While real cooked bacon gives the best flavor and crunch, high-quality bacon bits can be a time-saving substitute in a pinch. Just note that they may be slightly less smoky and moist than freshly cooked bacon.
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Are Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups gluten-free?
Traditional wonton wrappers contain wheat, so they’re not gluten-free. However, you can look for or make gluten-free wonton wrappers or try using small gluten-free tortillas pressed into muffin tins as a substitute for a similar effect.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a party snack that’s sure to win raves, Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups are the answer—crispy, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with big flavor in every single bite. Give them a try for your next get-together and don’t be surprised if they vanish in minutes. Enjoy every spicy, gooey, completely addictive morsel!
Print
Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups are a delightful appetizer that combines the creamy, spicy flavors of a classic jalapeno popper in a crispy wonton cup. Perfect for parties or game day gatherings!
Ingredients
Wonton Cups:
- 12 wonton wrappers
Filling:
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 12 oz. bacon, cooked & crumbled (reserve 2 Tbsp.)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, reserve 2 Tbsp.
- 3–4 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin pan with cooking spray.
- Place one wonton wrapper in each muffin cup; bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, bacon, cheddar cheese, and jalapeños. Spoon filling into wonton cups.
- Sprinkle reserved bacon and cheese on top. Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Notes
- For extra spice, leave some jalapeno seeds in.
- These can be made ahead and reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Wonton Cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
