Sausage wontons are a tasty treat bursting with flavor! These little pockets are filled with juicy sausage and are perfect for a snack or party appetizer.
Making them is super fun, and you can get creative by adding your favorite veggies. I love serving them with a sweet dipping sauce – they disappear in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausage: Ground Italian sausage is my go-to for this recipe because of its flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage works well. For a vegetarian twist, try using crumbled tempeh or a plant-based sausage alternative.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives a nice creaminess to the filling. If you want a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese is a great substitute. You can also use ricotta for a different texture.
Cheddar Cheese: I prefer sharp cheddar for its rich flavor, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a milder taste. For dairy-free diets, there are plenty of nut-based cheeses that can work too.
Wonton Wrappers: You can find these in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, egg roll wrappers are a bit larger and can be cut down to size. You can also use corn tortillas for a unique twist.
How Can I Get Crispy Wontons Without Burning Them?
To achieve that perfect crispiness without overcooking, it helps to grease your muffin tin well and avoid overfilling the wontons. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Use a light layer of cooking spray or olive oil to coat the muffin tin.
- Fill each wonton cup to about ¾ full to allow space for the filling to expand.
- Keep an eye on them during baking; if they start to brown quickly, consider lowering the oven temp by 25°F.
How to Make Delicious Sausage Wontons
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground sausage (Italian sausage works well)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Wontons:
- 1 package of wonton wrappers (about 48 wrappers)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing the muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes of baking time. So in total, you should expect about 30-35 minutes until your tasty sausage wontons are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, take your muffin tin and grease it with cooking spray or a little olive oil. This will help prevent the wontons from sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s ready, drain any excess grease from the pan, and then transfer the sausage to a mixing bowl.
3. Mix the Filling:
Now it’s time to add the flavor! To the bowl with the sausage, add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want all those delicious flavors mixed in!
4. Prepare the Wonton Cups:
Take a wonton wrapper and gently place it in each muffin cup, pressing it down to form a little cup shape. Make sure the wrapper fills the bottom and sides of the cup.
5. Fill the Wontons:
Next, spoon the sausage mixture into each wonton cup, filling them nearly to the top. Be generous—but not so much that they overflow!
6. Bake the Wontons:
Pop your filled wonton cups into the preheated oven. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the wontons are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve:
Remove the wontons from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle. Serve them warm as a tasty appetizer or snack. If you like, pair them with a dipping sauce. Enjoy your delicious sausage wontons!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even beef. Just be sure to season it well, as sausage has a distinct flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed if you choose a leaner meat, as it may cook faster.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can use ricotta cheese or even a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just keep in mind that the texture might change a bit, so aim for a creamy consistency when mixing with the other ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftover Wontons?
Store any leftover wontons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness, or you can use an air fryer for even better results!
Can I Prepare These Wontons Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the wontons and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; you can bake them straight from the fridge, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
