Golden, crispy, and irresistibly creamy, cream cheese wontons are the ultimate appetizer that never fails to impress. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, followed by the smooth, tangy filling that makes these little parcels so addictive.
They’re a staple at Chinese-American restaurants, but when you make them at home, you can really appreciate the delicate balance of textures and flavors that makes them such a crowd-pleaser.
The origins of cream cheese wontons might be somewhat of a mystery, but there’s no denying their place in modern comfort food. The combination of cool, creamy filling and a crisp, fried exterior is a contrast that’s hard to resist.
For me, the trick to perfect wontons is to seal the wrappers just right—pressing the edges firmly to avoid any leaks when frying. The result? A perfectly golden wonton with no filling lost to the oil.
These wontons are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, an appetizer, or even a fun addition to your game day spread, they’re sure to disappear fast.
Why not pair them with Vegetarian Thai Basil Fried Rice and Honey Gochujang Sauce for a full takeout-inspired meal?
Why I Love This Recipe?
- Perfect Crispy Bite– There’s something so satisfying about making these wontons from scratch, especially when you nail that perfect crispy bite.
- Party Favorite– They’re a hit at every party—no matter how many I make, there are never any leftovers.
- Customizable Filling– I love how easy it is to customize the filling, adding a bit of crab or shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Freezer-Friendly– These wontons freeze beautifully, so I always keep a stash for when I’m craving something crunchy and creamy.
Overview: How To Make Cream Cheese Wontons?
Step 1: Prepare the Filling and Wontons
Mix the cream cheese, sugar, and onion powder until smooth. Place a teaspoon of the mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper. Brush the edges with egg, fold, and pinch the corners together to seal.
Step 2: Fry the Wontons
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan. Fry the wontons in small batches for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Drain on paper towels, garnish with chives, and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce
Cream Cheese Wontons
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Wonton Wrappers
- Pastry brush
- Deep Fryer or Deep Pan
- Frying Thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 tsp minced chives optional
- 24 wonton wrappers
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 egg beaten
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- oil for frying
- ½ tsp sugar
Instructions
- Combine the cream cheese, sugar, and onion powder in a bowl, stirring until everything is fully blended.
- Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface and place a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center.
- Lightly brush the edges of the wrapper with the beaten egg.
- Fold two opposite corners of the wonton together, pressing them firmly in the center, then bring the other two corners together and pinch tightly to form a neat package.
- Continue this process with the remaining wonton wrappers and cream cheese filling until all are prepared.
- In a deep pan, heat about 4 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the wontons in batches of 5-6, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
- Fry each batch for approximately 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove the wontons and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat until all the wontons are fried.
- Garnish with chives and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Feel free to fold the wontons in any style you prefer—here’s a guide with 10 different folding techniques.
- Use a frying thermometer to keep the oil at the right temperature; too hot, and the wonton edges might burn.
- I like serving my cream cheese wontons with sweet and sour sauce or Thai sweet chili sauce on the side.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 228 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Vitamin A | 545 IU |
| Iron | 1.3 mg |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Calcium | 55 mg |
Perfect Pairings for Cream Cheese Wontons
- Vegetarian Thai Basil Fried Rice
- Sweet & Sour Mandarin Chicken Salad
- Honey Gochujang Sauce
- Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice
- Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bake cream cheese wontons instead of frying them?
Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lightly brush them with oil, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy.
How do I prevent the wontons from opening up while frying?
To prevent the wontons from opening up during frying, make sure to seal the edges well by pressing them firmly together. You can also brush the edges with a little water or egg wash before sealing to help them stick better.
Can I make cream cheese wontons ahead of time?
You can prepare the wontons ahead of time and freeze them before frying. Just place the assembled wontons on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag.
How do I make sure my cream cheese wontons are crispy?
To ensure your cream cheese wontons come out crispy, make sure the oil is hot enough—around 350°F (175°C)—before frying. Fry them in small batches to avoid overcrowding.