Name: Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 24 wonton wrappers; 8 oz cream cheese; ½ tsp sugar; ½ tsp onion powder; 1 egg; oil; 2 tsp chives

Cream cheese wontons are delightful bite-sized treats that combine the creamy richness of cream cheese with the crispy goodness of wonton wrappers. Perfect as an appetizer or a snack, these wontons are sure to impress your guests and family alike.

Photos of Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe

If you don’t already have wonton wrappers in your pantry, you’ll need to pick them up from the refrigerated or frozen section of your local supermarket. These thin sheets of dough are essential for creating the perfect crispy exterior of the wontons.

Ingredients For Cream Cheese Wontons

wonton wrappers: Thin sheets of dough used for wrapping the filling.

cream cheese: A soft, spreadable cheese that forms the creamy filling.

sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.

onion powder: Provides a subtle onion flavor without the moisture.

egg: Acts as a glue to seal the wonton wrappers.

oil: Used for frying the wontons to a golden brown.

chives: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor as a garnish.

One reader, Erwin Parnell says:

These cream cheese wontons are absolutely delicious! The crispy exterior perfectly complements the creamy, flavorful filling. They were a hit at my party, and everyone kept asking for the recipe. Easy to make and incredibly tasty!

Erwin Parnell

Essential Techniques for Making Cream Cheese Wontons

How to combine ingredients: Mix the cream cheese, sugar, and onion powder until well blended. How to fill wonton wrappers: Place a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of a wonton wrapper and brush the edges with egg. How to shape wontons: Bring two opposite corners together and pinch, then repeat with the other two corners to form a package shape. How to heat oil: Heat 4 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. How to fry wontons: Fry 5 to 6 wontons at a time for 3 to 5 minutes, turning them to ensure even browning. How to drain fried wontons: Place cooked wontons on paper towels to drain excess oil.

How To Make Cream Cheese Wontons

These cream cheese wontons are stuffed with a mix of cream cheese, sugar, and onion powder then fried until perfectly brown. Serve them in 30 minutes!

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

24wonton wrappers
8ozcream cheese,softened
½tspsugar
½tsponion powder
1egg,beaten
oil,for frying
2tspchives,minced, optional

Instructions

Combine the cream cheese, sugar, and onion powder. Stir until well mixed.
Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface and drop a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center. Brush the edges of the wonton with the egg.
Bring 2 opposite corners together in the middle of the wonton and pinch. Repeat with the other 2 corners and pinch to form a package shape.
Repeat with the remaining wontons and cream cheese until all are filled.
Heat 4 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350 degrees F.
Fry 5 to 6 wontons at a time for 3 to 5 minutes, turning them as needed to make sure they brown evenly.
Drain the cooked wontons on paper towels and repeat the frying process with the remaining wontons.
Sprinkle with chives and serve immediately with a dipping sauce of choice.

Nutrition

Calories: 535.04kcal
Fat: 17.91g
Saturated Fat: 8.03g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.27g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.13g
Carbohydrates: 76.22g
Fiber: 2.34g
Sugar: 1.61g
Protein: 15.72g
Cholesterol: 79.76mg
Sodium: 880.46mg
Calcium: 102.29mg
Potassium: 169.98mg
Iron: 4.58mg
Vitamin A: 155.66µg
Vitamin C: 0.24mg

Crucial Technique for Perfecting Cream Cheese Wontons

When sealing the wonton wrappers, make sure to press out any air pockets around the cream cheese mixture to prevent them from bursting open during frying. Additionally, using a small brush or your finger to apply the egg wash ensures a tight seal, which helps maintain the shape and prevents leaks.

Substitute Ingredients For Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe

wonton wrappers - Substitute with rice paper: Rice paper can be used as a gluten-free alternative and provides a similar texture when fried.
cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a good replacement.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.
onion powder - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a different but equally savory flavor that enhances the overall taste.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to create a vegan binding agent.
oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a healthier alternative and works well for frying, adding a subtle coconut flavor.
chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

Presentation Ideas for Serving Cream Cheese Wontons

Use elegant plating: Arrange the cream cheese wontons in a circular pattern on a large, white plate. This creates a visually appealing presentation and allows each wonton to be the star of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Finely chop additional chives and sprinkle them generously over the wontons. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic element to the dish.
Add a dipping sauce: Serve the wontons with a small bowl of dipping sauce in the center of the plate. Consider using a sweet chili sauce or a soy-based dipping sauce to complement the flavors of the wontons.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few edible flowers around the plate to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle flavor.
Use microgreens: Scatter a few microgreens around the plate for an additional layer of texture and a burst of freshness. They also add a modern touch to the presentation.
Create height: Stack a few wontons on top of each other to create height and dimension on the plate. This adds visual interest and makes the dish look more dynamic.
Drizzle with sauce: Lightly drizzle some of the dipping sauce over the wontons for added flavor and a polished look. Use a squeeze bottle for precision.
Serve immediately: Ensure the wontons are served hot and crispy. This maintains their texture and ensures the best dining experience for your guests.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Wontons

Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the cream cheese, sugar, and onion powder until well mixed.
Spoon: This will help you drop a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each wonton wrapper.
Pastry brush: Essential for brushing the edges of the wonton wrappers with the egg to help seal them.
Deep pan: Necessary for heating the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and frying the wontons.
Thermometer: Use this to ensure the oil reaches and maintains the correct temperature for frying.
Tongs: Handy for turning the wontons while frying to ensure they brown evenly.
Paper towels: Place these on a plate to drain the cooked wontons and remove excess oil.
Plate: Use this to hold the paper towels and the fried wontons.
Knife: Needed for chopping the chives to sprinkle on the wontons before serving.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the chives.
Small bowl: Useful for holding the beaten egg that you will use to brush the wonton wrappers.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Cream Cheese Wontons

Once the cream cheese wontons have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat refrigerated wontons, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled wontons. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the wontons to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To cook frozen wontons, you can either fry them directly from the freezer or bake them in the oven. If frying, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the frozen wontons for 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the frozen wontons on a baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
To maintain the best quality and texture, it's recommended to consume the cream cheese wontons within the suggested storage times. Prolonged storage may result in a softer texture and less optimal flavor.

How To Reheat Leftover Cream Cheese Wontons

To reheat leftover cream cheese wontons in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Another option is to reheat the wontons in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the wontons in the basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the wontons are crispy and heated through.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can reheat the wontons in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 15-second intervals until they are warm. Be careful not to overheat them, as the cream cheese filling can become very hot and may burst.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the wontons in a skillet. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the wontons and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are crispy and heated through.
If you have a steamer, you can also reheat the wontons by steaming them for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method will result in a softer texture, similar to when they were first cooked.

Interesting Trivia About Cream Cheese Wontons

A random fact about this recipe is that cream cheese wontons are a popular appetizer in American Chinese cuisine, often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Is Making Cream Cheese Wontons at Home Cost-Effective?

This cream cheese wontons recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like wonton wrappers, cream cheese, and basic seasonings are relatively inexpensive. A pack of 24 wonton wrappers costs around $3, an 8 oz block of cream cheese is about $2, and the remaining ingredients like sugar, onion powder, and chives add up to roughly $2. Including the cost of oil for frying, the total comes to approximately $10. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $10.

Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

The cream cheese wontons recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe is high in fat due to the cream cheese and the deep-frying process. Consuming excessive amounts of saturated fat can lead to health issues like heart disease and obesity.
The wonton wrappers are made from refined flour, which is low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
Deep-frying the wontons adds a significant amount of oil to the dish, increasing the calorie count and potentially introducing harmful compounds formed during high-heat cooking.

However, there are ways to make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste:

Use a reduced-fat cream cheese or a combination of cream cheese and ricotta or cottage cheese to lower the overall fat content.
Bake the wontons instead of deep-frying them. Brush them with a small amount of oil and bake in a preheated oven until crispy.
Experiment with whole wheat or vegetable-based wonton wrappers for added fiber and nutrients.
Include finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach in the cream cheese mixture to boost the nutritional value.
Serve the wontons with a side of fresh vegetables or a light, broth-based soup to balance out the meal.

Editor's Opinion on These Delightful Wontons

This cream cheese wonton recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. The combination of cream cheese, sugar, and onion powder creates a rich and slightly sweet filling that contrasts beautifully with the crispy wonton wrapper. The addition of chives adds a fresh, subtle onion note that enhances the overall taste. Frying the wontons to a golden brown ensures a satisfying crunch. This recipe is straightforward and perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Serve with a dipping sauce for an impressive appetizer that will surely please any crowd.

Enhance Your Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Asian Slaw: Imagine a vibrant Asian Slaw that brings a refreshing crunch to your table. The crispiness of cabbage and carrots mixed with a tangy sesame dressing will perfectly complement the creamy texture of the wontons. This colorful side dish not only adds a burst of flavor but also a delightful contrast in textures.

Mango Salsa: Add a tropical twist with a zesty Mango Salsa. The sweetness of ripe mangoes combined with the heat of jalapeños and the freshness of cilantro creates a symphony of flavors that will dance on your palate. This vibrant salsa is the perfect partner to the rich and savory wontons.

Miso Soup: Warm up your guests with a comforting bowl of Miso Soup. The umami-rich broth made from miso paste, tofu, and seaweed provides a soothing and savory experience. This classic Japanese soup is a gentle and harmonious accompaniment to the crispy wontons.

Edamame: For a simple yet satisfying side, consider Edamame. These steamed soybeans sprinkled with a touch of sea salt offer a delightful, protein-packed snack. The natural, nutty flavor of edamame pairs wonderfully with the rich cream cheese filling of the wontons.

Coconut Rice: Elevate your meal with a fragrant bowl of Coconut Rice. The creamy and slightly sweet coconut milk infused into fluffy jasmine rice creates a luxurious base that complements the savory wontons. This aromatic side dish adds a touch of elegance and exotic flavor to your appetizer spread.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Cream Cheese Wontons

Crab Rangoon: If you love cream cheese wontons, you'll adore Crab Rangoon. These crispy delights are filled with a creamy mixture of crab meat, cream cheese, and a hint of garlic. Perfect for dipping in sweet and sour sauce.

Pork Potstickers: For a savory twist, try Pork Potstickers. These pan-fried dumplings are stuffed with a flavorful blend of ground pork, cabbage, and ginger. Serve them with a tangy soy dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer.

Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crispy, Vegetable Spring Rolls are a fantastic option. Packed with fresh vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers, these rolls are perfect for dipping in a spicy peanut sauce.

Shrimp Tempura: For a seafood treat, Shrimp Tempura is a must-try. These shrimp are coated in a light, crispy batter and fried to perfection. Serve them with a side of tempura dipping sauce for a delightful crunch.

Chicken Satay: If you're in the mood for something grilled, Chicken Satay is an excellent choice. Skewered chicken marinated in a blend of spices and coconut milk, then grilled to perfection. Pair it with a creamy peanut sauce for a delicious appetizer.

Ideal Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Cream Cheese Wontons

Main Courses:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Infuse your chicken with the bright flavors of lemon and herbs. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a blend of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Grill the chicken until it's perfectly charred and juicy. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a wholesome and flavorful meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a vibrant and satisfying dish by stuffing bell peppers with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and vegetables. Season the filling with spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano. Top the stuffed peppers with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden. Pair with a side of quinoa or garlic bread for a complete and hearty meal.

Desserts:

Cheesecake Brownies: Imagine the rich, velvety texture of cheesecake combined with the fudgy goodness of brownies. This decadent treat features a marbled effect, where swirls of creamy cheesecake batter are artfully mixed into a dense, chocolatey brownie base. The result is a visually stunning and utterly delicious dessert that offers the best of both worlds. Serve these squares of indulgence at your next gathering, and watch them disappear in no time.

Lemon Blueberry Tart: Brighten up your dessert table with a lemon blueberry tart. This delightful creation features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a tangy lemon curd and topped with fresh, juicy blueberries. The tartness of the lemon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the blueberries, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few mint leaves for an elegant presentation that will impress your guests.

Why trust this Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe:

This recipe for cream cheese wontons is a must-try because it combines the perfect balance of creamy cream cheese with a hint of sweetness from sugar and a touch of savory from onion powder. The use of wonton wrappers ensures a crispy exterior, while the chives add a fresh finish. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow, and frying them to a golden brown guarantees a deliciously crunchy bite. Trust this recipe for a delightful appetizer that will impress your guests.

Want to share your own cream cheese wontons recipe or discuss tips and techniques for making this tasty appetizer? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum section and let's talk all things cream cheese wontons!

FAQ:

Can I bake the wontons instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F, place the wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and lightly brush them with oil. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Can I make these wontons ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the wontons and store them in the fridge for a few hours before frying. If you want to make them further in advance, you can freeze the assembled wontons and fry them directly from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.

What kind of dipping sauce goes well with cream cheese wontons?

Sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or even a spicy chili sauce are all great options. Personally, I love pairing them with a sweet chili sauce for a bit of a kick.

Can I add other ingredients to the cream cheese filling?

Definitely! You can mix in some crab meat, finely chopped shrimp, or even some minced garlic for extra flavor. Just make sure any additional ingredients are finely chopped so they blend well with the cream cheese.

How do I store leftover wontons?

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can pop them in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up.