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Make entertaining simple with crispy wonton cups filled with savory sausage, melted cheese, and colorful bell peppers. These bite-sized appetizers start with wonton wrappers lightly baked in a muffin tin and then filled with a browned sausage mixture blended with Mexican cheese, fresh bell peppers, and creamy ranch dressing. A short bake finishes them off with warm, golden edges and a perfect balance of crunch and gooeyness. Ideal for parties or any gathering, they come together quickly with just five main ingredients and are sure to disappear fast.
I first made these on a busy game day when friends stopped by unexpectedly. They vanished before halftime and now I double the batch every time because they never last!
Ingredients
- Country sausage: This is the main flavor with lots of seasoning and juiciness so choose a quality sausage with a good fat ratio
- Mexican blend shredded cheese: Adds melty gooeyness and a little kick. Use freshly shredded for best melting and flavor
- Red and green bell peppers: They provide vibrant color, crunch, and a touch of sweetness. Look for firm, glossy peppers to keep a fresh bite
- Ranch dressing: Brings the creamy tanginess that holds everything together. Use a thick chilled ranch to avoid a runny filling
- Wonton wraps: These form the crispy base that holds your filling. Bake fresh-looking sheets from the refrigerated section without cracks
Instructions
- Prep and Brown the Sausage:
- Cook your sausage in a skillet over mediumhigh heat breaking it into small pieces as it turns brown. Drain off any extra grease to keep the filling from getting oily. This step builds a savory hearty foundation.
- Chop and Prep Veggies:
- While the sausage cooks finely chop the red and green bell peppers so they mix evenly and add color to every bite.
- Bake the Wonton Shells:
- Place each wonton wrapper into a muffin pan pressing gently to make little cups. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes watching closely to catch light browning without overcrisping.
- Mix the Filling:
- Combine the browned sausage, shredded cheese, chopped peppers, and ranch dressing in a large bowl. Stir well so every bite has even flavor and creaminess.
- Stuff and Bake:
- Fill each wonton cup generously with the sausage and cheese mixture. Return them to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes baking until the cheese melts bubbly and the edges turn golden and crisp.
My favorite part is the crunchy wonton edges paired with the creamy cheese center. I sometimes sneak one straight from the oven when no one is looking. The first time my niece had these she declared them her new favorite snack.
Storage Tips
These wonton cups taste best fresh but leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To bring back the crispness reheat them in the oven or air fryer instead of a microwave.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap the sausage for spicy chorizo ground chicken or even a plant-based alternative depending on your preference. You can also try cheddar, pepper jack, or a mixture of mozzarella and Monterey Jack if you are out of Mexican blend cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these on a colorful platter with extra ranch or salsa for dipping. They pair nicely alongside fresh vegetables or a big salad for a balanced spread. Mini muffin tins work great for bite-sized versions too.
These wonton cups are quick to make and perfect for parties. Double the batch if you expect a crowd.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use different sausage types?
Yes, any ground sausage like spicy Italian, turkey, or plant-based options work well to customize the flavor.
- → How to keep wonton cups crispy?
Pre-baking the wonton wrappers until lightly golden helps maintain a crisp texture after filling and baking.
- → Can these be prepared in advance?
You can bake cups ahead and prep the filling separately, then assemble and bake just before serving for best texture.
- → What are good dipping sauces for these cups?
Complement with ranch, salsa, or a spicy aioli to enhance the savory filling and add extra flavor layers.
- → Are these suitable for freezing?
Best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze baked wonton cups and filling separately to reheat later while preserving texture.