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There’s a certain kind of joy that comes from sharing food with loved ones, and nothing quite delivers that satisfaction like Crispy Cream Cheese Wontons. These delightful little bites, with their perfectly golden exteriors, evoke memories of bustling family gatherings or cozy evenings with friends. As I dipped into the creamy filling of cream cheese and scallions, I could almost transport myself back to those moments.

What makes these wontons a must-try is their incredible versatility; they can easily be transformed into crab rangoons for a seafood twist or spiced up with a hint of garlic for an extra kick. And the best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re planning a festive party or just looking to spice up your weeknight dinners, these tasty morsels promise to be the star of the table, leaving everyone clamoring for more. Let’s dive into making these irresistible treats that blend nostalgia with a satisfying crunch!

Why are Cream Cheese Wontons a must-try?

Deliciously Addictive: The crispy exterior gives way to a rich, creamy filling that’s simply irresistible.
Versatile Options: Easily switch up flavors; add crab for classic crab rangoons or play with spices.
Simple Instructions: Follow straightforward steps to create these delightful appetizers that anyone can master.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a game night or holiday gathering, these wontons are a crowd-pleaser.
Store and Save: Uncooked wontons can be frozen, making meal prep a breeze for your next get-together.
Satisfying Snack: At about 220 calories per serving, they’re a guilt-free indulgence every guest will enjoy!

Cream Cheese Wontons Ingredients

For the Filling
• Cream Cheese – Provides creaminess and rich flavor; substitute with Neufchâtel for a lighter option.
• Sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the cream cheese; can be reduced for less sweetness.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; use kosher or sea salt for better taste.
• Scallions – Offers freshness and a mild onion flavor; substitutable with finely chopped chives.

For the Wrappers
• Wonton Wrappers – Structure the wontons; can be found in grocery stores; use egg roll wrappers as a larger alternative.
• Vegetable Oil – For frying, providing that crispy texture; can substitute with canola or peanut oil.

For the Dipping Sauce
• Soy Sauce – Adds umami flavor to the sauce; tamari can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
• Water – Helps blend the dipping sauce; no substitutes needed.
• Honey – Adds a natural sweetness; maple syrup can be used as an alternative.
• Sesame Oil – Provides depth of flavor; omit if not available but it may alter the taste.
• Sriracha (optional) – Adds spice to personal preference; skip for a milder sauce.

How to Make Cream Cheese Wontons

Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, salt, and chopped scallions. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring that all ingredients are well incorporated for a delightful flavor.
Assemble Wontons: Dampen the edges of your wonton wrappers with a little water. Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of each wrapper, fold it into a triangle shape, and pinch the edges to seal them tightly.
Fry Wontons: Heat vegetable oil in a small pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully fry the wontons in batches for about 2 minutes each, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
Prepare Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, honey, sesame oil, and Sriracha (if using). Serve this tangy sauce alongside your crispy wontons for dipping.

Optional: Garnish with chopped scallions for a fresh touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Cream Cheese Wontons Variations

Feel free to play around with these delightful twists that elevate your Cream Cheese Wontons experience.

Crab Rangoons: Add lump crab meat to the filling for a seafood twist that enhances the rich creaminess.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper for those who crave heat. A little spice goes a long way!
Garlic Infusion: Incorporate garlic powder or minced fresh garlic into the filling for a flavor boost that brings warmth and depth.
Baked Version: Brush wonton wrappers with olive oil and bake at 375°F until golden for a healthier alternative to frying without sacrificing taste.
Herb Delight: Fold in finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh, vibrant lift, adding a pop of color and flavor.
Cheesy Medley: Blend cream cheese with mozzarella or cheddar for an extra cheesy filling that will have cheese lovers swooning.
Vegetarian Twist: Replace the cream cheese with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and spinach to create a delightful veggie-packed wonton.
Fruit Fusion: Try adding a spoonful of sweetened cream cheese with a dash of cinnamon for a unique dessert-style wonton!

What to Serve with Cream Cheese Wontons?

As you prepare to delight your guests with crispy, creamy bites, consider complementing them with these satisfying pairings for a complete meal experience.

Sweet and Sour Sauce: This tangy sauce elevates the creamy flavor, adding a delicious contrast that’s hard to resist.
Fried Rice: A side of flavorful fried rice enhances your spread and adds a hearty element to enjoy alongside the wontons.
Fresh Spring Rolls: These light and crunchy rolls bring a burst of freshness, perfectly balancing the richness of the wontons.
Spicy Chili Sauce: If you crave a bit of heat, this sauce adds excitement, creating a delightful kick that pairs beautifully.
Asian Cucumber Salad: Crisp and refreshing, this salad complements your wontons with a cool crunch, enhancing every bite.
Sesame Noodles: The nuttiness of sesame noodles brings an indulgent touch, making for a delightful combination with the wontons.
Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet finish, this dessert offers a silky smooth texture that contrasts with the crispy app series.
Lemongrass Iced Tea: A refreshing drink that cleanses the palate and pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the wontons.
Beer or Wine Pairing: A light lager or Sauvignon Blanc matches well, enhancing flavor without overpowering those creamy delights.

Helpful Tricks for Cream Cheese Wontons

Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 375°F (190°C) for crispy wontons. Use a thermometer for accuracy; if the oil is too cool, wontons become soggy.
Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature. This ensures each wonton cooks evenly and avoids excess oil absorption.
Sealing Technique: Dampen edges of wonton wrappers well and pinch them tightly to seal, preventing leaks during frying. A good seal is key to perfect Cream Cheese Wontons.
Filling Variations: Get creative with your filling! Try adding crab or spices like garlic for a unique twist on traditional flavors.
Freezing Tips: Assemble uncooked wontons ahead of time and freeze them. Fry from frozen, adding a minute to the frying time for convenience on busy days.

Make Ahead Options

These Cream Cheese Wontons are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the wontons up to 24 hours in advance; simply fill and seal them, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. If you’re planning further ahead, uncooked wontons can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To maintain their quality, layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. When ready to serve, just fry them straight from the freezer for 2-3 minutes until golden brown—no need to thaw! With this prep method, you’ll have crispy, delicious Cream Cheese Wontons with minimal effort on your gathering day!

How to Store and Freeze Cream Cheese Wontons

Room Temperature: Fried Cream Cheese Wontons are best enjoyed fresh and can sit out at room temperature for up to 2 hours before they lose their crispiness.

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore their crunch.

Freezer: Uncooked assembled Cream Cheese Wontons can be frozen for up to 2 months. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag.

Reheating: To reheat, fry frozen wontons directly from the freezer for an additional minute, or bake at 375°F until golden.

Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best cream cheese for my wontons?
Absolutely! Look for cream cheese that is fresh and has no noticeable dark spots or discoloration. Block cream cheese tends to have a firmer texture than spreadable varieties, which works well for this recipe. For a lighter option, I often use Neufchâtel cheese, which offers a similar taste with fewer calories.

What’s the best way to store leftover cream cheese wontons?
Very good question! Store any leftover fried Cream Cheese Wontons in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days in the refrigerator. Just remember, to retain their crispy texture, reheat them in the oven or an air fryer instead of the microwave – it makes a world of difference!

Can I freeze uncooked cream cheese wontons?
Absolutely! To freeze, lay the assembled but uncooked wontons flat on a baking sheet, not touching each other, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a zip-top bag and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry them directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or so to the cooking time.

What if my wontons are leaking during frying?
Ah, that can happen! First, ensure that you’re sealing the edges of the wonton wrappers tightly with a little water. If they start to leak, it might be that the oil wasn’t hot enough. Make sure your oil is at a steady 375°F (190°C) for crispy and leak-free results.

Are cream cheese wontons suitable for people with allergies?
Absolutely! However, it’s important to be cautious about ingredients. Cream cheese contains dairy, which may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. You might try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a suitable substitute. Always check the wonton wrappers for any potential allergens like wheat or eggs, especially if gluten is a concern.

Can these wontons be made ahead of time?
Yes, indeed! You can prepare the filling and assemble the wontons, then freeze them until you’re ready to fry. This is a great time-saver for parties or gatherings. Just ensure they’re stored properly in the freezer as mentioned previously, and you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready in no time!