Bacon Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups
Crispy, creamy, smoky, and just the right touch of spicy—these Bacon Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence.
Inspired by the bold flavors of classic jalapeño poppers, this recipe transforms them into a crispy, savory appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game days, or whenever you crave something irresistible.
The creamy filling, rich with tangy sour cream, melty cheese, and crispy bacon, is cradled in a golden wonton shell that delivers the perfect crunch in every bite. Whether you serve them hot out of the oven or slightly cooled, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why People Will Love This Bacon Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups:
Perfect balance of flavor and texture: The crispy wonton shell contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy filling, creating a multi-layered bite that’s both crunchy and velvety.
Crowd-pleasing ingredients: Smoky bacon, spicy jalapeños, and melted cheese are familiar comfort flavors that appeal to a wide range of palates.
Visually appealing: These golden, bite-sized cups are eye-catching and elegant, making them perfect for entertaining guests or elevating a casual snack spread.
Easy to make, easy to eat: With simple steps and no utensils required to serve or enjoy, they’re both cook-friendly and guest-friendly.
Customizable heat level: The spice level can easily be adjusted to suit different tastes—remove the seeds for milder heat or add extra jalapeños for spice lovers.
Great for gatherings: Whether it’s game night, holiday parties, or potlucks, these savory bites are always a hit and often the first to disappear.
Make-ahead friendly: The filling can be prepped ahead, and the wonton cups baked just before serving, helping reduce stress when hosting.
Key Ingredients:
Bacon: Rich, smoky, and savory, bacon brings depth and a satisfying crunch that elevates every bite with bold umami flavor.
Jalapeños: Freshly diced jalapeños add a vibrant kick of heat and a subtle earthiness, cutting through the richness and adding complexity.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These creamy components form the luscious base of the filling—smooth, tangy, and indulgently soft, binding all the flavors together.
Shredded Cheese (Pepper Jack & Cheddar): A melty, flavorful blend that adds both sharpness and a touch of spice, creating gooey texture and savory depth.
Wonton Wrappers: Thin and delicate, they bake into golden, crispy shells—offering the perfect vessel for the creamy filling while adding a satisfying crunch.
Green Onions: Bright, fresh, and mildly pungent, green onions provide a final layer of freshness that balances the richness of the filling.
Expert Tips:
Pre-crisp the wonton wrappers just right: Lightly baking the wrappers before filling helps them hold their shape and stay crisp. Watch closely—overbaking can make them too hard, while underbaking makes them soggy once filled.
Use room temperature cream cheese: Let the cream cheese soften at room temp before mixing. This ensures a smoother, more evenly blended filling without lumps.
Remove jalapeño seeds and membranes for balanced heat: To prevent the filling from becoming overpoweringly spicy, remove the seeds and white ribs inside the jalapeños. If you want more kick, leave some in or mix in a pinch of cayenne.
Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melt quality. Freshly shredded cheese from a block melts smoother and tastes richer.
Drain bacon thoroughly: Let the cooked bacon rest on a paper towel to remove excess grease. This prevents the filling from becoming too oily and helps retain that crisp texture.
Don’t overfill the cups: Filling them too high can lead to spillover and uneven baking. Aim to fill just below the rim for the perfect bite and clean edges.
Serve fresh for best texture: These are best enjoyed shortly after baking, when the wonton shells are at peak crispness and the filling is creamy and hot.
Bacon Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups
Ingredients:
12 ounces bacon, chopped into small bite-sized pieces
24 wonton wrappers (for muffin-size cups)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream
2 large jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, divided (use a blend of pepper jack and cheddar)
1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Set aside 1/4 cup of the bacon for garnish.
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, diced jalapeños, 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese, and the remaining bacon. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Prepare the wonton cups: Lightly brush both sides of each wonton wrapper with melted butter. Press each wrapper into a muffin tin to form small cups.
Prebake the cups: Bake the empty wonton cups on the center rack for 5–7 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven.
Fill and bake: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly into each prebaked wonton cup. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese. Return to the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the tops are golden and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Top each cup with the reserved bacon bits and chopped green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Important Notes When Making Bacon Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups:
Wonton wrapper placement matters: When pressing the wrappers into the muffin tin, be sure they’re centered and gently pleated into the corners to avoid tearing or uneven baking. A snug fit helps them crisp up properly and hold the filling without collapsing.
Moisture control is key: Bacon, jalapeños, and sour cream all contain moisture. Properly draining the bacon and dabbing excess moisture from the diced jalapeños ensures the filling doesn’t become watery, which can lead to soggy bottoms.
Balance the heat and richness: The jalapeños bring heat, while the cheese and sour cream add richness. If you’re adjusting the spiciness, also consider balancing the creaminess—too much cheese without enough acid (like lemon juice or a splash of vinegar) can make the flavor flat.
Oven calibration can affect crispness: Not all ovens bake evenly. Rotate your muffin tin halfway through baking to ensure even browning of the wonton cups, especially if your oven has hot spots.
Don’t skip the garnish: The final topping of bacon bits and fresh green onions isn’t just for looks—it adds essential contrast in flavor and texture that completes the bite.
Serve warm, not scalding: Let the cups cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up slightly, making for a cleaner, more enjoyable bite.
How To Enjoy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups After Cooking:
Let Them Rest Slightly Before Serving
After taking them out of the oven, let the wonton cups rest for 3–5 minutes. This allows the filling to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle and bite into without losing their shape.
Add Final Garnishes Just Before Serving
Top with reserved crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped green onions right before plating. This preserves their freshness and gives each bite a perfect contrast of texture and brightness.
Serve While Warm, Not Piping Hot
These are best enjoyed warm when the cheese is still melty and the shell is crisp. If they’re too hot, the flavors won’t be as defined, and the texture might feel soft instead of crunchy.
If Serving Later
To enjoy later, reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving—they’ll become soggy. A toaster oven or air fryer is also a great option to bring back crispness.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve alongside a light, crisp drink like sparkling water with lime, a pilsner, or a chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc to balance the richness.
For dipping, consider a cool ranch dip, chipotle aioli, or avocado crema if you want to add variety to your appetizer spread.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Reheat as mentioned above to restore the texture before serving again.
Enjoy as More Than an Appetizer
These can also work as a savory brunch item, a gameday snack, or even a party platter centerpiece. Serve with a side salad or fruit to turn them into a small meal.
Nutrition Information:
Per Bacon Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cup
This assumes the recipe makes 24 cups and includes ingredients like full-fat cream cheese, bacon, cheddar/pepper jack, and regular wonton wrappers:
Calories: 95 kcal | Total Fat: 6.9 g | Saturated Fat: 3.1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.2 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.6 g | Cholesterol: 22 mg | Sodium: 180–230 mg (varies by bacon and cheese) | Total Carbohydrates: 5.3 g | Dietary Fiber: 0.3 g | Sugars: 0.6 g | Protein: 4.1 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Yes, partially! You can prepare the filling and prebake the wonton shells up to one day in advance. Store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge and keep the baked shells at room temperature. Assemble and bake them fresh right before serving to maintain crispness.
How spicy are these cups, and can I adjust the heat?
The heat level is mild to moderate, depending on the jalapeños. For a milder version, remove the seeds and ribs from the peppers. Want it hotter? Leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne or diced serrano peppers to the filling.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or black beans for a savory, meaty texture without the meat.
What’s the best way to keep the wonton cups crispy?
Prebaking the wrappers helps form a barrier between the filling and the shell. Avoid overfilling, and bake just before serving. If reheating, use an oven or air fryer—never a microwave, which softens them.
Can I freeze these wonton cups?
While not ideal, they can be frozen after baking. Let them cool completely, place in a single layer in an airtight container, and freeze. Reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes for best texture.
What’s the best way to press the wonton wrappers into the muffin tin without tearing them?
Gently press from the center outward using your fingers or the bottom of a small glass. Rotate slightly to form pleats if needed, and ensure the wrapper is flush with the sides of the tin. Lightly brushing with melted butter before pressing makes them more flexible and less likely to tear.
How do I know when the wonton wrappers are prebaked enough?
You want them just lightly golden around the edges—not fully crisped. This usually takes 5–7 minutes at 350°F (175°C). If they’re too pale, they may become soggy with filling; too dark, and they’ll overcrisp in the final bake.
Can I mix the filling ingredients in advance, and how should I store it?
Yes! The filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before using to make it easier to scoop and spread evenly.
Is there a trick to avoiding greasy or soggy cups from the bacon?
Yes—drain the bacon very well on a paper towel-lined plate after cooking. You can also blot it again before mixing into the filling. This keeps excess fat from seeping into the wonton cups and making them greasy.
Can I bake these on a sheet pan instead of a muffin tin?
It’s not recommended. Wonton wrappers need the support of the muffin tin to hold their cup shape during baking. On a flat sheet, they’ll collapse and spread out, losing their crisp, structured form.