These Cream Cheese Wontons are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. With a creamy, flavorful filling made from garlic-infused cream cheese and chopped green onions, every bite packs a punch of rich umami goodness. The wontons are wrapped in delicate wrappers and fried until perfectly golden and crisp.
Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a savory snack, these little bites are easy to whip up and even easier to devour. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce like sweet chili or soy, and you’ve got a plate full of irresistible crunch and creamy indulgence.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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2 green onions, finely chopped
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tsp soy sauce
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1/2 tsp sesame oil
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24 wonton wrappers
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Small bowl of water (for sealing wrappers)
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Vegetable oil, for frying
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Sweet chili sauce or soy sauce, for dipping
Directions:
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In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, chopped green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir until fully blended.
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Lay out a few wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Add about 1 tsp of the filling to the center of each.
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Dip your finger in the bowl of water and wet the edges of the wrapper. Fold into a triangle or bring all corners together to form a pouch. Press edges to seal tightly.
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Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Carefully fry the wontons in batches (avoid overcrowding) for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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Serve hot with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce on the side for dipping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 65 kcal per wonton | Servings: 24 wontons
Introduction to Cream Cheese Wontons
Cream cheese wontons are a beloved appetizer in Asian-American cuisine, combining the creamy richness of cheese with the irresistible crunch of deep-fried wonton wrappers. Popular in many Chinese takeout menus across the U.S., this dish bridges traditional Asian ingredients with a Western twist, making it a perfect fusion snack or party starter.
This recipe is simple yet indulgent, making it a go-to for home cooks who want to whip up something fast, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. The filling typically includes softened cream cheese, aromatic ingredients like garlic and green onions, and a hint of soy sauce or sesame oil to balance the flavors. Once wrapped in delicate wonton skins and fried to golden perfection, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a smooth, tangy, and savory center.
The Origin and Evolution of Cream Cheese Wontons
While wontons have long been a staple in Chinese cuisine, traditionally filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetables, the cream cheese variant is distinctly Western in origin. It’s believed that cream cheese wontons, or “crab rangoons” (when imitation or real crab is added), were first introduced in American Chinese restaurants during the mid-20th century. This variation was tailored to American palates that craved creamy, rich textures and milder flavors.
As the dish grew in popularity, it became a fixture on appetizer menus and buffet tables, especially in the United States. Its versatility and ease of preparation helped it stand out, and today, cream cheese wontons are embraced not only as takeout comfort food but also as a creative snack for home chefs and foodies alike.
Why Cream Cheese Wontons are So Popular
The secret behind their popularity lies in the contrasting textures and flavors. The outer layer becomes golden brown and ultra-crispy when fried, offering a satisfying crunch that gives way to a creamy, savory filling. The cream cheese provides richness, while green onions and garlic infuse the filling with freshness and depth.
Their compact size makes them perfect as finger foods or hors d’oeuvres at parties. They can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer, which is a huge plus for busy hosts or those prepping for a big meal. Moreover, the ingredients are affordable and easy to find, which makes this recipe accessible for most home cooks.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Cream cheese wontons pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Sweet chili sauce adds a touch of spice and tang that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Soy sauce offers a salty, umami-rich accompaniment, while sriracha-mayo blends are ideal for those who like a kick of heat with their crispy snacks.
You can also get creative with the filling. Some versions incorporate imitation crab meat or shredded real crab for a seafood twist, which turns them into the popular “crab rangoons.” Others add diced jalapeños for a spicy hit or use herbs like cilantro or chives to bring a fresh, vibrant note to the mix. Vegans can even recreate this dish using dairy-free cream cheese and egg-free wrappers, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
For a healthier version, you can bake the wontons in an oven or use an air fryer. While the texture may differ slightly from traditional deep-frying, you’ll still get a crispy shell with significantly less oil. Brushing the wrappers lightly with oil before baking helps achieve that golden finish.
Perfect Occasions for Cream Cheese Wontons
Because they’re so easy to make and serve, cream cheese wontons are perfect for various occasions. Whether it’s a game-day spread, a potluck dinner, a family gathering, or a casual evening snack, these wontons hit the spot every time. They’re also a fun cooking project for families—kids enjoy helping with sealing the wrappers, and everyone loves eating them hot and fresh out of the fryer.
If you’re hosting a themed dinner party or Asian fusion night, these wontons are a great starter to set the tone. You can even build a wonton station where guests can mix and match their own fillings and fold their own creations—making the cooking part of the entertainment.
Tips for Making the Best Cream Cheese Wontons
To ensure success with this recipe, follow a few simple tips:
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Seal Properly: Use water to moisten the edges of the wonton wrappers, and press firmly to seal. A tight seal prevents the cheese from leaking out during frying.
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Avoid Overfilling: A teaspoon of filling is plenty. Too much can cause the wontons to burst in the oil.
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Fry in Small Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan—this keeps the oil temperature steady and ensures even crisping.
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Use Fresh Oil: Clean oil enhances flavor and ensures a beautiful golden crust.
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Drain Excess Oil: Place fried wontons on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil and preserve crispiness.
Additionally, if you’re making a large batch, you can freeze the filled (but uncooked) wontons on a baking tray and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once firm. They can be fried straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the cook time.
Nutritional Insight
Each cream cheese wonton contains about 60–70 calories, depending on size and frying method. While they are undeniably indulgent, they can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. You can also modify the recipe by reducing the amount of cream cheese or choosing low-fat versions to make them slightly lighter.
Baking or air frying is another great option if you’re watching fat intake. That way, you can still enjoy the irresistible crunch without excess oil. Pairing them with a fresh salad or veggie platter also makes for a more balanced meal or snack spread.
Pairing and Presentation Ideas
When serving cream cheese wontons, presentation is everything. Arrange them on a platter with dipping sauces in small bowls—think sweet chili, soy sauce, spicy mayo, or even a homemade garlic-ginger sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added visual appeal.
To round out a meal, serve these wontons alongside other Asian-inspired dishes like stir-fried noodles, fried rice, or dumplings. For drinks, they pair beautifully with light, crisp beverages like sparkling water, jasmine tea, or even a chilled white wine.
Cultural Appreciation vs. Fusion Creativity
While cream cheese wontons are not traditional Chinese cuisine, they represent a broader theme in modern cooking: fusion and adaptation. It’s important to appreciate the culinary roots of ingredients like wonton wrappers while embracing the creative ways they can be used in diverse kitchens. This dish is a testament to how food evolves and connects cultures—melding East and West in one crunchy, creamy bite.
When sharing recipes like this, it’s a great opportunity to educate readers and home cooks about cultural backgrounds while still enjoying creative spins on classic ingredients.
Conclusion
Cream cheese wontons are more than just an appetizer—they’re a flavorful symbol of culinary fusion, comfort food creativity, and home-cooked indulgence. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to be a hit wherever you serve them. With their crunchy exterior and smooth, savory filling, these little bites are hard to resist and even harder to forget.
Whether you stick to the classic version or try your own twist, making cream cheese wontons is a rewarding cooking experience that combines simplicity with sensational flavor. So go ahead, heat up that oil (or air fryer), gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a plate full of crispy, cheesy goodness.