Craving something crispy, cheesy, and just a little bit spicy? Baked Sausage and Pepper Jack Wontons might be exactly what you need. These little pockets of goodness bring together the savory flavor of sausage, the heat of pepper jack cheese, and the satisfying crunch of baked wonton wrappers. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in with a good movie, these wontons are as versatile as they are delicious.
The inspiration for these came to me after a long, hectic day when I wanted something quick and comforting but with a bit of a kick. Baking the wontons instead of frying them gives them a lighter feel while still delivering that irresistible crunch. Plus, they’re easy to make—a win-win!
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To create these delightful bites, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 pound ground sausage: Adds a hearty, savory flavor to the filling.
- 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese: Brings the perfect balance of creaminess and spice.
- 24 wonton wrappers: The crispy outer shell that holds all the deliciousness inside.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper: For sweetness, crunch, and a bit of color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the filling with a subtle, savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing wontons): Helps to seal the wonton wrappers securely.
- Cooking spray: Ensures the wontons get that perfect golden-brown finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Baked Wontons
Let’s walk through how to make these delicious wontons, step by step:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C): Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- Brown the sausage: In a medium skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease, and let the sausage cool slightly before adding it to the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, shredded Pepper Jack cheese, chopped green onions, red bell pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should be cheesy, savory, and just a little spicy.
Step 4: Assemble the Wontons
- Fill the wonton wrappers: Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the sausage mixture into the center of the wrapper.
- Seal the wontons: Brush the edges of the wonton wrapper lightly with beaten egg. This acts like glue, ensuring your wontons stay sealed. Bring the corners of the wrapper together and press the edges tightly to form a little pouch. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Arrange the wontons: Place the wrapped wontons on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other.
- Spray and bake: Lightly spray the tops of the wontons with cooking spray to help them crisp up. Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the wontons are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Cool slightly and serve: Let the wontons cool for a few minutes before serving. They’ll be hot and crispy, with a gooey, flavorful center that’s sure to impress. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like tangy marinara, creamy ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo for that extra burst of flavor.
Variations & Tips: Customize Your Wontons
While these Baked Sausage and Pepper Jack Wontons are delicious as-is, there’s plenty of room to get creative:
Switch Up the Protein
- Try ground chicken or turkey: For a lighter option, substitute the sausage with ground chicken or turkey. You’ll still get that satisfying savory flavor with a leaner twist.
Add Some Heat
- Jalapeños for spice: If you love heat, mix in some finely chopped jalapeños with the filling. The extra kick will take these wontons to the next level.
Vegetarian Option
- Skip the meat, add veggies: For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or even tofu to the filling. You’ll still get that rich, cheesy goodness with a veggie-packed twist.
Make-Ahead Tip
- Freeze before baking: These wontons freeze well, making them a perfect make-ahead appetizer. Assemble them as directed, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake from frozen, adding an extra 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Wontons
These wontons are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and sauces:
Crisp Salad
- Light and refreshing: A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy wontons.
Steamed Vegetables
- Healthy balance: Serve the wontons with a side of steamed veggies like broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
Dipping Sauces
- Perfect for dipping: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or sriracha mayo. The different flavors will complement the spicy, cheesy filling and add a fun element to the meal.
Party Spread
- Ideal for entertaining: If you’re hosting a party, serve these wontons alongside other finger foods like mixed nuts, a fruit platter, or cheese and crackers for a varied and delicious spread.
Final Thoughts
Baked Sausage and Pepper Jack Wontons are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and spicy—all in one bite-sized package. Whether you’re making them for a party, a cozy night in, or just because you’re craving something delicious, these wontons are sure to be a hit.
With endless variations and serving options, you can tailor them to suit any occasion or taste preference. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Happy cooking!
Baked Sausage and Pepper Jack Wontons
These crispy wontons combine savory sausage, spicy Pepper Jack cheese, and fresh vegetables, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy snack night, these wontons are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground sausage
- 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg beaten (for sealing wontons)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the sausage: In a medium skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess grease and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, shredded Pepper Jack cheese, green onions, red bell pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Assemble the wontons: Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the sausage mixture into the center. Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with beaten egg, bring the corners together, and press the edges tightly to form a pouch. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Bake the wontons: Arrange the wontons on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let the wontons cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or sriracha mayo.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with finely chopped vegetables or tofu. To add more heat, mix in chopped jalapeños. Freeze assembled wontons before baking for a convenient, make-ahead appetizer.
Nutrition
Calories: 90kcal
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