Pin It Delightfully crisp and golden wonton bites filled with spiced pumpkin and creamy cheese, perfect as a festive appetizer or party snack.
I first made these for a fall potluck and they disappeared within minutes. The creamy pumpkin filling with hints of spice makes these bites irresistible.
Ingredients
- Filling: 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling), 100 g cream cheese (softened), 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Wonton Bites: 24 square wonton wrappers, vegetable oil (for frying)
- Garnish (optional): 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions, sweet chili sauce or soy sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, cream cheese, Parmesan, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
- Fill Wrappers:
- Place a wonton wrapper on a clean, dry surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pumpkin filling into the center.
- Seal Wontons:
- Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water. Fold the wrapper over the filling to form a triangle, pressing out air and sealing the edges firmly. Optionally, fold the two side corners together and seal with a dab of water for a hat shape.
- Repeat Process:
- Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Heat Oil:
- Heat about 5 cm (2 inches) of vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot to 175°C (350°F).
- Fry Wontons:
- Fry wontons in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Drain and Serve:
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, garnished with chives or green onions, and accompanied by your choice of dipping sauce.
Pin It These pumpkin wonton bites have become a family favorite at our autumn celebrations. Everyone enjoys assembling them together and competing for the crispiest batch.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, spoon, pastry brush or fingertip (for sealing), deep pan or pot, slotted spoon, paper towels
Nutritional Information
Per serving (3 bites): Calories: 130, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 16 g, Protein: 3 g
Recipe Notes
For a lighter version, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, spraying lightly with oil. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or swap goat cheese or ricotta for cream cheese for a twist.
Pin It Serve immediately for maximum crunch. These make an impressive snack for both kids and adults alike.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I bake the wontons instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp, spraying lightly with oil.
- → What dipping sauce pairs well with these bites?
Sweet chili sauce or soy sauce both enhance the savory and spiced filling flavors beautifully.
- → Is pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?
No, use plain pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices not needed for this dish.
- → Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Try goat cheese or ricotta for a tangy or milder taste; both work well with pumpkin.
- → How do I keep wontons from bursting during cooking?
Seal the edges firmly, remove excess air, and avoid over-filling wrappers for best results.
- → What is the ideal serving temperature?
Serve these bites warm to enjoy their texture and rich flavors.