Description
These Popper Wontons are a deliciously crispy appetizer featuring spicy jalapeño pieces stuffed with a creamy blend of pepper jack cheese, cream cheese, chives, and black pepper, all wrapped in wonton skins and perfectly fried to a golden brown. Ideal for parties or a flavorful snack, they can be served with ranch dressing for dipping.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 3 large jalapeños
- ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 Tbsp chives (minced)
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Wontons:
- 24 wonton wraps
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 Tbsp water (for egg wash)
- Oil for frying (enough for 1 inch depth in pan)
Optional:
- Ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare jalapeños: Remove the stem from each jalapeño and cut them in half. Carefully remove the seeds and cut each half into 3-4 even pieces about 1 inch square to create bite-sized portions.
- Make filling: Finely mince the bacon and combine it with the room temperature cream cheese in a bowl. Add the shredded pepper jack cheese, minced chives, and ground black pepper, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
- Stuff jalapeño pieces: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheese filling onto each jalapeño piece, overstuffing slightly to create a rounded top of filling.
- Prepare egg wash: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water until combined to create an egg wash for sealing the wonton wrappers.
- Assemble wontons: Working one at a time, lay a wonton wrapper flat and place a stuffed jalapeño piece in the center. Brush all four edges of the wrapper with the egg wash, then carefully fold and seal the wrapper into a wonton shape, ensuring the edges are firmly closed.
- Heat oil: Preheat a frying pan with about an inch of oil to 350°F (175°C). Keep the remaining wonton wrappers covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
- Fry wontons: Fry the wontons in batches without overcrowding. Cook with the bottom side down for 60-90 seconds until golden brown, then flip and fry for another 30-60 seconds, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly. If using a deep fryer, cook for about 2 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove fried wontons and place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Optionally season with a pinch of salt while still warm.
- Serve: Serve the hot popper wontons immediately with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure to remove all jalapeño seeds to reduce spiciness; wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
- Wonton wrappers dry out quickly; keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel while assembling.
- Refer to the linked video in the original recipe for tips on folding perfect wontons.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American