Description
Crispy and flavorful Popper Wontons stuffed with spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly fried to golden perfection. These bite-sized appetizers are ideal for parties or snacks and come with an optional ranch dipping sauce for added zest.
Ingredients
Jalapeños and 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 and Coating
- 24 wonton wraps
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp water (for egg wash)
For Frying and Serving
- Oil for frying (enough for 1 inch deep in pan, about 2 cups)
- Ranch dressing (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare Jalapeños: Remove the stems from the jalapeños. Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise, then remove seeds carefully to reduce heat, and cut each half into 3-4 pieces about 1 inch square.
- Make Filling: Finely mince the jalapeño pieces. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, minced chives, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Stuff Jalapeños: Fill each jalapeño piece generously with about 1 tablespoon of the cheese filling until a rounded top is formed.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water until blended well to create the egg wash for sealing wontons.
- Assemble Wontons: Take one wonton wrap at a time, keeping the rest covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Place a stuffed jalapeño piece in the center. Brush all four edges of the wonton wrapper with egg wash, then fold carefully to form a sealed wonton shape, ensuring no gaps for oil to seep through.
- Heat Oil: Pour oil into a frying pan to a 1-inch depth and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if available to maintain oil temperature for perfect frying.
- Fry Wontons: Carefully add wontons in batches without overcrowding. Cook with the bottom side down for 60-90 seconds until golden brown, then turn and cook other sides for an additional 30-60 seconds, moving them gently to brown evenly on all sides. If using a deep fryer, fry for about 2 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove cooked wontons and place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of salt immediately after frying.
- Serve: Serve hot with ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy the crispy, creamy, and spicy combination.
Notes
- To reduce heat, remove all seeds and white ribs from jalapeños; for more spice, leave some seeds.
- Maintain oil temperature during frying to avoid greasy wontons.
- Use fresh wonton wrappers and keep unused ones covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
- Adjust filling amounts slightly depending on jalapeño size for better stuffing fit.
- For easier folding, watch a tutorial video on wonton folding techniques.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be crisped up in a hot oven or air fryer before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American