š Introduction
If you love the creamy, cheesy heat of jalapeƱo poppers but want a bite-sized party snack thatās even easier to serve, JalapeƱo Popper Wonton Cups are the ultimate solution. These little cups deliver everything you love about the classic appetizerāmelty cheese, creamy filling, and a kick of spiceāall tucked into a crispy, golden wonton wrapper.
In this version, weāre swapping traditional pork bacon for smoky turkey bacon, which gives the same savory crunch while keeping things pork-free. The result is a flavor-packed appetizer perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
š§° Equipment Needed
- Muffin tin (12-count, standard size)
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Small skillet (for cooking turkey bacon)
- Spoon or spatula
š Ingredients
Meat:
- 4 oz turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables:
- 2 stalks green onion, sliced
- 3 jalapeƱo peppers, seeded and finely diced
Oils:
- 1 tsp neutral oil (for cooking turkey bacon, optional)
Bread & Wrappers:
- 12 sheets wonton wrappers
Dairy:
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 oz)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp milk
š©āš³ Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Tin
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Crisp the Turkey Bacon
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add turkey bacon pieces (with a splash of oil if needed) and cook until crispy, about 4ā5 minutes.
- Remove from skillet and set aside on a paper towel.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, milk, and cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in jalapeƱo peppers, green onions, and crispy turkey bacon. Mix well.
Step 4: Assemble the Wonton Cups
- Press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, shaping it gently to form a cup.
- Spoon about 1 heaping tablespoon of the filling into each wrapper.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Bake for 10ā12 minutes, or until the wonton edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
š½ļø Servings & Timing
- Servings: 12 cups (about 6 servings)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: ~22 minutes
š§ Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
- Store cooled cups in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
- Freeze before baking for up to 1 month; bake straight from frozen, adding 2ā3 extra minutes.
Reheating:
- Oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5ā6 minutes until crisp and warm.
š„ Variations
- Extra Spicy: Leave some jalapeƱo seeds in for more heat.
- Veggie Version: Skip the bacon entirely and add diced red bell pepper.
- Different Cheese: Try pepper jack for a spicier, melty filling.
- Mini Phyllo Cups: Swap wonton wrappers for pre-made phyllo shells for a buttery crunch.
- BBQ Twist: Add a drizzle of barbecue sauce before serving.
ā 10 FAQs
1. Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, but this version uses turkey bacon to keep it pork-free.
2. Are wonton wrappers gluten-free?
Most are notālook for gluten-free alternatives if needed.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yesāassemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Do I need to pre-bake the wonton wrappers?
Not for this recipeāthe filling and wrappers cook perfectly together.
5. Can I air fry these?
Yesāair fry at 180°C (350°F) for 7ā8 minutes until crispy.
6. How spicy are they?
With seeded jalapeƱos, theyāre mild to mediumāleave seeds for more heat.
7. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the filling may be slightly less creamy.
8. Can I make them vegetarian?
Yesāskip the turkey bacon and add more vegetables.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Easilyājust use two muffin tins or bake in batches.
10. Whatās the best dipping sauce?
Ranch, chipotle mayo, or sour cream pair wonderfully.
š Conclusion
These JalapeƱo Popper Wonton Cups are the perfect mix of crispy, creamy, cheesy, and spicyāall in one irresistible bite. By using turkey bacon, you keep the smoky, savory flavor without pork, making them a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Serve them fresh from the oven and watch them disappear in minutes.

JalapeƱo Popper Wonton Cups | Crispy, Cheesy & Perfect for Parties
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add turkey bacon pieces (with a splash of oil if needed) and cook until crispy, about 4ā5 minutes.
- Remove from skillet and set aside on a paper towel.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, milk, and cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in jalapeƱo peppers, green onions, and crispy turkey bacon. Mix well.
- Press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, shaping it gently to form a cup.
- Spoon about 1 heaping tablespoon of the filling into each wrapper.
- Bake for 10ā12 minutes, or until the wonton edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Refrigerator: Store cooled cups in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezer: Freeze before baking for up to 1 month; bake straight from frozen, adding 2ā3 extra minutes. Reheating: Oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5ā6 minutes until crisp and warm. š„ Variations
Extra Spicy: Leave some jalapeƱo seeds in for more heat. Veggie Version: Skip the bacon entirely and add diced red bell pepper. Different Cheese: Try pepper jack for a spicier, melty filling. Mini Phyllo Cups: Swap wonton wrappers for pre-made phyllo shells for a buttery crunch. BBQ Twist: Add a drizzle of barbecue sauce before serving. ā 10 FAQs
1. Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, but this version uses turkey bacon to keep it pork-free. 2. Are wonton wrappers gluten-free?
Most are notālook for gluten-free alternatives if needed. 3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yesāassemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. 4. Do I need to pre-bake the wonton wrappers?
Not for this recipeāthe filling and wrappers cook perfectly together. 5. Can I air fry these?
Yesāair fry at 180°C (350°F) for 7ā8 minutes until crispy. 6. How spicy are they?
With seeded jalapeƱos, theyāre mild to mediumāleave seeds for more heat. 7. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the filling may be slightly less creamy. 8. Can I make them vegetarian?
Yesāskip the turkey bacon and add more vegetables. 9. Can I double the recipe?
Easilyājust use two muffin tins or bake in batches. 10. Whatās the best dipping sauce?
Ranch, chipotle mayo, or sour cream pair wonderfully. š Conclusion
These JalapeƱo Popper Wonton Cups are the perfect mix of crispy, creamy, cheesy, and spicyāall in one irresistible bite. By using turkey bacon, you keep the smoky, savory flavor without pork, making them a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Serve them fresh from the oven and watch them disappear in minutes.