Cream Cheese Wontons by Ree Drummond

Cream Cheese Wontons: A Delicious Appetizer by Ree Drummond

Cream Cheese Wontons are a popular appetizer that combines the rich flavor of cream cheese with the crunch of deep-fried wonton wrappers. This delightful little treat, inspired by Ree Drummond, is perfect for parties and family gatherings. The recipe involves wrapping a spicy cream cheese mixture in wonton wrappers and frying them until golden brown. It’s then served with a delicious dipping sauce that balances sweet and sour flavors.

## Ingredients
For the cream cheese mixture, you will need:
–

8 oz. cream cheese

–

2 green onions, chopped

(light and dark green parts)
–

1 Tbsp. Sriracha or other hot sauce

(more to taste)
–

1 egg

–

1/2 cup water

–

24 wonton wrappers

– Vegetable oil for frying

For the dipping sauce:
–

2 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce

–

3 Tbsp. honey

–

1 tsp. vinegar or rice wine vinegar

–

1/4 tsp. sesame oil

–

1 Tbsp. Sriracha or other hot sauce

## How to Make the Cream Cheese Wontons

Preparing the Cream Cheese Mixture
To make the cream cheese mixture, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, and Sriracha in a mixer bowl. Mix until well combined, scraping the sides of the bowl if needed. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the Sriracha.

Preparing the Egg Wash
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and 1/2 cup of water. This egg wash will help seal the wonton wrappers.

Assembling the Wontons
To assemble the wontons, place a small amount of the cream cheese mixture (about 1/2 teaspoon) on one corner of a wonton wrapper. Use your finger to “paint” the egg wash around the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper diagonally from the corner with the cream cheese mixture, stopping halfway through the wrapper. Bring the two ends together and press them gently to seal using the egg wash. Allow the remaining pointed end to tuck back naturally. The finished wontons should resemble tortellini.

Frying the Wontons
Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large saucepan to just under 350°F. Fry the wontons in batches of 4 or 5 for about 45 seconds to 1 minute on each side, or until they are golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, and remove them from the oil when they still look slightly pale, as they will continue to brown after removal. Drain the wontons on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Making the Dipping Sauce
The dipping sauce is a simple blend of sweet and savory flavors. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and Sriracha. Adjust the amount of Sriracha to your desired level of spiciness.

Tips for Making Perfect Cream Cheese Wontons

–

Keep the wonton wrappers moist

: While working with the wrappers, keep the package covered in plastic wrap and a towel to prevent them from drying out.
–

Don’t overheat the oil

: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature. If it gets too hot, the wontons will burn quickly.
–

Serve after a few minutes

: Allow the wontons to cool slightly before serving, as the filling can be quite hot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I bake the cream cheese wontons instead of frying them?

A: Yes, you can bake the wontons in a preheated oven at about 400°F for 12-15 minutes or until crispy. However, the texture will be slightly different from deep-fried wontons.

Q: How far in advance can I prepare the wontons?

A: You can assemble and refrigerate the wontons a few hours before frying. Alternatively, you can fry them ahead of time and serve at room temperature.

Q: Can I use different types of hot sauce besides Sriracha?

A: Yes, you can use any hot sauce you prefer, such as Frank’s RedHot or chili flakes, to adjust the spice level to your liking.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Wontons are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that combines the best of spicy and sweet flavors in a crispy package. With Ree Drummond’s guide, you’ll be able to create a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for gatherings and parties. Whether you decide to fry or bake them, these wontons are sure to become a favorite.