Save It These Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Wonton Cups are a vibrant crowd pleasing appetizer that brings together cooling cream cheese sweet tart cranberries and a gentle kick of jalapeño heat all tucked into golden baked wonton shells. They always disappear fast at my holiday table and guests love the lively contrast of flavors.
I fell for this dish the first time I made it for a friendsgiving potluck and now winter wouldn’t be the same without a batch or two on my buffet.
Ingredients
- Wonton wrappers: Each wrapper forms a perfect crisp cup with minimal effort in a mini muffin tin. Use fresh wrappers for the best crunch
- Vegetable oil: Helps the wonton cups crisp up in the oven. A neutral oil is best for flavor
- Fresh cranberries: Delivers bright color and tartness. Choose firm berries without soft spots
- Jalapeño: Adds a pleasant heat without overpowering. Remove seeds for milder spice or leave some in for extra kick
- Green onions: Fresh sliced scallions add subtle bite and brightness. Look for perky and firm stalks
- Cilantro: Brings aroma and green flecks throughout. Use leaves primarily and discard tough stems
- Granulated sugar: Balances tartness of cranberries and heat of jalapeño. Fine sugar dissolves more easily into the topping
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed juice lifts the whole flavor profile and keeps the cranberry mixture zingy
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Use fine salt so it blends in evenly
- Cream cheese: Softened to spread easily in the cups. Choose block style for a richer texture
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Gently heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease your mini muffin tin to prevent sticking
- Form the Wonton Cups:
- Center a wonton wrapper in each muffin cup. Press carefully to fit the shape without tearing so you get crisp edges. Brush each with a light coat of vegetable oil to promote even browning
- Bake the Cups:
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the wrappers turn golden and crisp. Watch closely at the end since overbaking can darken them too much. Remove the cups and allow to cool completely in the pan for best structure
- Mix the Cranberry Jalapeño Topping:
- In a medium bowl stir together the chopped cranberries diced jalapeño green onions and cilantro. Add the sugar lime juice and salt. Mix thoroughly to coat everything. Let this mixture chill in the fridge for about fifteen minutes so the flavors meld and juices release
- Fill with Cream Cheese:
- Spread a teaspoon of softened cream cheese into the base of each cooled wonton cup. Use the back of a spoon or knife to smooth it evenly. This forms a protective layer to keep cups crisp
- Top with Cranberry Jewel:
- Spoon a generous teaspoon of the cranberry jalapeño mix over the cream cheese. Gently press down to help it adhere but do not overfill for neat presentation
- Serve or Hold:
- Arrange cups on a platter. Serve right away for peak crispness or refrigerate and serve within a couple hours. Cups hold well for a party snack spread
Save It My favorite part is the fresh cranberry jalapeño topping. It makes the whole appetizer sing on the holiday buffet. My daughter loves helping measure out the filling and gets so excited to sneak a taste before the party starts
Storage Tips
Store any leftover assembled cups in the fridge. They are best enjoyed the day they are made since the wonton cups lose some crispness overnight. For extra crunch only fill the cups shortly before serving. Leftover unfilled cranberry topping and empty baked cups can be kept separately in airtight containers and assembled fresh for a second round
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute goat cheese for a tangier filling or whipped feta for a savory twist. Try finely diced bell pepper for a no heat version if jalapeño is too spicy. If cranberries are out of season frozen cranberries work well just thaw and drain them first
Serving Suggestions
These cups shine on an appetizer platter with other colorful nibbles. Fresh veggie sticks and roasted nuts pair well. Add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness or top with additional cilantro or lime zest for a burst of flavor and visual pop
Save It These wonton cups are sure to be the star of your next gathering. You will love their vibrant flavor and crisp texture from the very first bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep wonton cups crisp?
Bake wonton wrappers until golden and let them cool fully before filling to maintain crispness.
- → Can the cranberry jalapeño mixture be made ahead?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate the mixture in advance, then assemble cups just before serving.
- → Is there a vegetarian alternative to cream cheese?
You can use plant-based cream cheese or even goat cheese for a tangier variation.
- → How spicy are these cups?
They have mild heat; adjust jalapeño amount and remove seeds for a gentler flavor.
- → What can I garnish them with?
Top with extra cilantro, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of lime zest for color and zestiness.
- → Can wonton cups be made gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free wonton wrappers at specialty stores or consider using small corn tortilla cups.