Meta Description: Learn how to make irresistible spinach artichoke wonton cups! This easy appetizer recipe turns your favorite creamy dip into a crunchy, bite-sized treat perfect for parties and gatherings.
I have a deep-seated love for party appetizers. There’s just something so joyful about a table laden with delicious, bite-sized snacks that you can grab and enjoy while mingling with friends. My personal favorite has always been spinach artichoke dip. It’s cheesy, creamy, and undeniably comforting. The problem, though, is that it’s messy. You’re trying to dip a chip, the dip gets stuck to the spoon, and suddenly you’re doing a delicate dance to get it onto your plate without making a mess. For a long time, I dreamt of a version that was just as delicious but a little more… self-contained.
That dream became a reality when I stumbled upon the idea of using wonton wrappers as a crust. The result was these cheesy spinach artichoke wonton cups. They take all the deliciousness of a classic spinach artichoke dip and put it into a perfectly portioned, crispy, handheld cup. They’re a true game-changer for entertaining. The wonton wrappers bake up to a beautiful golden-brown, creating a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the warm, gooey, cheesy filling. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a simple snack, or just want to make a batch for yourself, this recipe is a must-try.
🌟 The Genius of the Wonton Wrapper
Wonton wrappers are one of my favorite secret weapons in the kitchen. They are incredibly versatile and can be used for so much more than just dumplings. When baked, they transform into a light, crispy, and sturdy shell that’s perfect for holding all sorts of fillings. In this recipe, they act as a mini crust, creating a beautiful little cup for our filling. This little trick solves the messy-dip problem and elevates the entire appetizer. The wonton cups give you a perfect balance of texture and flavor in every bite—a crisp shell and a warm, creamy filling.
Another great thing about using wonton wrappers is how much time they save. You don’t have to worry about making a crust from scratch or even buying a pre-made one. Wonton wrappers are ready to go, and they bake up in a matter of minutes. They’re also relatively inexpensive and can be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, usually near the tofu and other Asian ingredients. This makes them a fantastic, accessible ingredient for any home cook looking to whip up a delicious appetizer without a lot of fuss.
✅ Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a blend of classic spinach artichoke dip ingredients, with a few fresh touches to make the flavor really pop. You can find everything on this list at your local grocery store.
For the Wonton Cups:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil
For the Cheesy Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 (10 ounce) box frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Total Preparation and Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. This recipe makes 24 wonton cups, so you may need two muffin tins or plan to bake in two batches.
- Make the Wonton Cups: Gently press one wonton wrapper into each cup of the muffin tin, pushing it down so it forms a little cup shape. You can use your fingers or the back of a small spoon to shape them.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated parmesan, shredded mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until everything is well-mixed and a little creamy. In a separate small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Spinach and Artichoke: Add the squeezed-dry spinach and the chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet with the garlic and onion. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine. This step helps to ensure there’s no extra moisture in your filling, which keeps the wonton cups nice and crispy.
- Combine and Fill: Add the spinach and artichoke mixture to the large bowl with the cheesy filling. Stir everything together until it’s completely combined. Spoon about a tablespoon of the filling into each of the wonton cups. Don’t overfill them; you want the filling to be level with the top of the wonton wrapper.
- Bake the Wonton Cups: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. The cups are done when the wonton wrappers are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbly and hot.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the wonton cups cool in the tin for a minute or two before carefully transferring them to a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
😋 Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions
This spinach artichoke wonton cup recipe is fantastic as is, but you can also get creative with it. It’s a great base for all sorts of party appetizer ideas.
- Add a Protein: For a more substantial bite, you can add some shredded cooked chicken or crab meat to the filling. This would make them a heartier snack or even a light lunch.
- Change the Cheese: You can easily swap out the cheeses for a different flavor profile. Try using some shredded provolone, Monterey Jack, or even some crumbled feta for a tangy twist.
- Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling. A little Sriracha or a few drops of tabasco sauce would work beautifully.
- Other Fillings: The wonton cup method works with all sorts of fillings. You could try a simple ricotta and herb mixture, or even a mini taco filling with seasoned ground beef and cheese. The possibilities are endless!
- Serving Suggestions: These wonton cups are perfect on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes. They’re great alongside a simple green salad, and they’re the perfect companion for a platter of other appetizers like bruschetta or mini spring rolls.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I find wonton wrappers?
You can find wonton wrappers in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. They are usually located near the produce, often next to the tofu, egg roll wrappers, or other refrigerated specialty items.
Can I use a different size muffin tin?
Yes! You can use a standard-sized muffin tin, but the cooking time may be longer, and the yield will be smaller. You may also need to use two wonton wrappers per cup to ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the filling. The recipe is designed for a mini muffin tin, so it’s the best option for a bite-sized treat.
Can I make these ahead of time?
The filled wonton cups are best served fresh, right out of the oven. However, you can make the filling a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply fill the wonton wrappers and bake as directed. You can also freeze the baked cups and reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.
📊 Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 wonton cup) |
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbs | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Please note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
✨ The Perfect Party Appetizer
These cheesy spinach artichoke wonton cups are a testament to the power of a simple idea. By taking a beloved classic and giving it a fun, new format, you create something that is not only incredibly delicious but also practical and perfect for sharing. The crispy wonton shell, the warm, creamy filling, and the burst of fresh flavor all come together in a way that will make these a staple at all of your gatherings.
I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and try something new. It’s proof that a little bit of innovation can lead to a whole lot of deliciousness. So, whether you’re planning a party or just looking for a fun snack, give this recipe a try. You and your guests will love them! Don’t hesitate to share your experience or any delicious variations you came up with in the comments below. Happy cooking!