My ultra-crispy cream cheese wontons are filled with a rich, savory cream cheese mixture and are surprisingly simple to prepare. These cream cheese rangoons deliver the same satisfying crunch and melty center you expect from a restaurant, right from your own kitchen.
I always order cream cheese wontons when I eat out, but now I make them at home for a fraction of the price. The homemade version is quick, customizable, and—frankly—I think it’s even better than what you get at most restaurants.
There’s something irresistible about a crispy wrapper giving way to a warm, creamy center. I used to pay $8 for a small order of cream cheese wontons whenever I ate out, but making them at home is both budget-friendly and satisfying. These rangoons require only a few ingredients and a short time to prepare, making them perfect for a quick appetizer, snack, or party dish.
How to make cream cheese wontons
To prepare cream cheese wontons you only need a handful of pantry basics: softened cream cheese, simple seasonings, wonton wrappers, an egg to seal, and oil for frying. Wonton wrappers are typically sold in the refrigerated or produce section of most grocery stores. The filling is made by mixing the cream cheese with seasonings until smooth, then spooning a small amount into the center of each wrapper. A light brush of beaten egg around the edges helps seal the wontons during cooking.
There are many folding styles for wontons; one of the easiest is to bring two opposite corners together over the filling and pinch, then bring the other two corners up and pinch them as well to form a neat little packet. This creates evenly sealed pockets that fry up into uniform, golden bites.
Frying is fast: the oil should be heated to about 350°F (175°C) and the wontons cooked in small batches until evenly browned, usually just a few minutes per batch. Turn them gently while frying so all sides brown consistently. Drain on paper towels, then serve immediately while hot. Popular dipping choices are Thai sweet chili sauce or classic sweet and sour sauce, but you can serve them with whatever sauce you prefer.
These cream cheese wontons make a great party appetizer or an indulgent starter for an Asian-themed meal. They’re also perfect for game day, potlucks, or any time you want a crunchy, creamy snack that everyone will enjoy.
More appetizer ideas
- Buffalo Shrimp
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
- Sausage Cheese Balls
- Cowboy Caviar
- Southwestern Egg Rolls
Cream Cheese Wontons
Ultra-crispy, golden wontons filled with a seasoned cream cheese mixture. Easy to assemble and quick to fry, these rangoons are a crowd-pleasing appetizer any time of year.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Appetizer | Cuisine: Asian | Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Oil for frying (enough for deep frying)
- 2 teaspoons minced chives, optional for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Lay a wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of the wrapper.
- Lightly brush the edges of the wrapper with the beaten egg. This will help create a secure seal.
- Bring two opposite corners of the wrapper together over the filling and pinch. Repeat with the other two corners and pinch to form a small package. Make sure the edges are sealed to prevent leaking during frying.
- Repeat the filling and folding process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil for deep frying—about 3–4 inches in the pan works well.
- Working in small batches, fry 5–6 wontons at a time, turning as needed so they brown evenly. Each batch should take about 3–5 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Remove cooked wontons and drain on paper towels. Continue frying the remaining wontons.
- Sprinkle with minced chives if desired and serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce.
Notes
- Feel free to fold the wontons in any style you prefer—triangle, purse, or classic packet shapes all work well.
- Use a candy or frying thermometer to keep oil at the correct temperature. If the oil is too hot, the wrappers can burn before the filling warms through.
- Popular dipping sauces include Thai sweet chili sauce and sweet and sour sauce, but soy-based or spicy dips are also delicious.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 228 kcal | Carbohydrates: 19 g | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 7 g | Cholesterol: 71 mg | Sodium: 303 mg | Potassium: 86 mg | Sugar: 1 g | Vitamin A: 545 IU | Calcium: 55 mg | Iron: 1.3 mg