This recipe provides instructions for making irresistible Baked Sausage and Cheese Wonton Bites, a simple yet incredibly flavorful appetizer or snack perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering. These bite-sized morsels feature a savory filling of cooked sausage and melted cheese encased in crispy baked wonton wrappers. The baking method makes them a healthier alternative to frying while still achieving a delightful crunch. The filling typically starts with ground sausage, which can be pork, turkey, or Italian sausage, depending on your preference. The sausage is browned in a skillet and drained of any excess grease. To enhance the flavor, chopped onions, garlic, or bell peppers can be sautéed with the sausage. Cheese is a crucial component, adding a gooey and melty texture and a rich, savory taste. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses work well. Sometimes, a creamy element like cream cheese or ricotta cheese is added to the filling for extra smoothness and flavor. Seasonings such as Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can be incorporated to customize the taste. The assembly involves placing wonton wrappers in the cups of a mini muffin tin. A spoonful of the sausage and cheese mixture is then placed in the center of each wonton wrapper. The edges of the wonton wrappers can be brushed with a little water to help them adhere slightly during baking, though this is not always necessary. The filled wontons are then baked in the oven until the wrappers are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. These baked wonton bites are incredibly versatile and can be served with various dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo. They are easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser due to their satisfying crunch and savory filling. The image shows a baking sheet filled with numerous golden-brown and crispy baked wonton cups. Each wonton cup contains a savory filling of cooked sausage and melted cheese, with some of the cheese bubbling and browning around the edges. The wontons have a slightly wrinkled and textured appearance, indicating their crispiness.
The texture of Baked Sausage and Cheese Wonton Bites is a delightful combination of a crispy and slightly flaky wonton wrapper and a soft, savory, and gooey filling of cooked sausage and melted cheese.
The flavor profile is rich and savory, with the seasoned taste of the sausage (whether mild or spicy), the creamy and often sharp flavor of the melted cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack), and any additional seasonings like garlic or Italian herbs enhancing the overall taste.
Baked Sausage and Cheese Wonton Bites are a simple appetizer or snack made by filling wonton wrappers with cooked sausage and cheese, then baking them until the wontons are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The preparation involves browning sausage (and optionally sautéing vegetables), mixing it with cheese and seasonings, placing wonton wrappers in a mini muffin tin, filling them with the sausage mixture, and then baking until golden and crispy.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground sausage (pork, turkey, or Italian)
- ½ cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional, for creamier filling)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 24-36 wonton wrappers
- Cooking spray
- Optional dipping sauces: marinara sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, sriracha mayo
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mini muffin tin (24 or 36 cups)
- Small mixing bowl (if using cream cheese)
- Spoon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent the wonton wrappers from sticking.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground sausage. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics (Optional): If using onion, add it to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Filling: In the skillet with the cooked sausage and onions (if used), stir in the shredded cheese. If using cream cheese, add it to a separate small bowl and mix until smooth, then add it to the sausage mixture and stir to combine. Add any desired seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well until the cheese is melted and the filling is evenly combined.
- Assemble the Wonton Bites: Gently press one wonton wrapper into each cup of the prepared mini muffin tin, forming a small cup. You can slightly overlap the edges of the wonton wrapper if needed.
- Fill the Wonton Cups: Spoon a generous amount of the sausage and cheese filling into the center of each wonton cup.
- Bake the Wonton Bites: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese filling is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the wonton bites cool in the tin for a few minutes before gently lifting them out with a small spoon or fork.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces (Optional): Arrange the Baked Sausage and Cheese Wonton Bites on a serving platter and serve warm. Offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side, such as marinara sauce for an Italian flavor, ranch for a classic pairing, honey mustard for a sweet and tangy option, or sriracha mayo for a spicy kick.
Enjoy these easy and delicious Baked Sausage and Cheese Wonton Bites! They are a perfect appetizer or snack that can be customized with your favorite types of sausage, cheese, and seasonings.