Spinach and artichoke wonton cups are the ultimate bite-sized party appetizer. Imagine creamy spinach and tender artichokes nestled in a golden, crispy wonton shell that practically shatters with every bite. This recipe takes the classic dip everyone loves and transforms it into a fun, handheld treat that’s perfect for game day, family gatherings, or holiday spreads. What makes these wonton cups stand out is their balance of rich, cheesy filling and crisp edges, all baked in just minutes. They’re simple, satisfying, and guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these little cups come together without fuss.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need pantry staples plus a few fresh touches to create big flavor.
- Perfect for Parties: Their one-bite size makes them ideal for game nights, potlucks, or holiday tables.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy, cheesy filling paired with crisp wontons means they disappear fast.
- Unbelievably Delicious: Each bite delivers the comfort of classic spinach artichoke dip with extra crunch.
This recipe stands out because it transforms a favorite dip into a portable snack that’s both fun and elegant, offering satisfaction for casual nights and special occasions alike.
Ingredients Needed
For the Wonton Cups
- 12 wonton wrappers (store-bought, square style works best)
- Cooking spray or a light brush of neutral oil
For the Filling
- ½ of a 10-oz package frozen spinach, thawed and well-squeezed dry
- 1 (8-oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Notes & Substitutions
- Spinach: Fresh spinach works if you sauté it first and squeeze out excess water.
- Artichokes: Marinated artichokes add tang, canned are milder and budget-friendly.
- Dairy swaps: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version, or dairy-free cream cheese for vegan.
- Wrappers: Gluten-free wonton wrappers are available online if needed.
- Cheese: Try mozzarella for a melty pull or sharp cheddar for bolder flavor.
How to Make Spinach and Artichoke Wonton Cups
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Set a 12-cup muffin pan on the counter so it’s ready to go.
- Press the wrappers: Gently press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, shaping it to form a small shell. Lightly coat with cooking spray so they bake crisp.
- Parbake the shells: Bake the empty wrappers for 5 minutes until slightly firm. This step keeps the bottoms from turning soggy.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, stir together spinach, artichokes, mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, and garlic until smooth and well blended.
- Fill the cups: Divide the mixture evenly among the parbaked wrappers, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake until golden: Return the pan to the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the filling bubbles and the wonton edges turn golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let the cups rest for 3 minutes before removing them. Serve warm for the crispiest bite.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Expert Tips
- Drain spinach well: Wrap thawed spinach in a kitchen towel and squeeze hard. Excess water makes soggy bottoms.
- Double up wrappers: For sturdier cups, use two wonton wrappers stacked together before parbaking.
- Room temperature cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly and avoids lumps.
- Use a mini muffin tin: This creates extra-crispy edges and a more bite-sized feel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the parbake: Raw wrappers under the filling never crisp up.
- Overfilling: Too much filling spills over and burns onto the pan.
- Leaving in too long: Wonton edges brown quickly, so check at the 10-minute mark.
- Not cooling before removing: Hot wrappers can tear if pulled out immediately.
Quick Shortcut
Bake a batch of empty wonton cups ahead of time, store them in an airtight container, and fill just before serving. It saves time and guarantees crispness.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Ideas
- Arrange on a platter with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
- Pair with a light salad for a simple lunch. Try it with a detox island green smoothie.
- Serve alongside other finger foods for game night or holiday spreads.
Storage Guidelines
- Refrigerator: Store baked cups in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked cups (with filling) on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes.
Reheating Methods
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 6–8 minutes until hot and crisp.
- Air fryer: Heat at 325°F for 4–5 minutes for maximum crunch.
- Avoid microwaving: It softens the wrappers.
Variations
- Lighter version: Lighter version Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt and reduce mayo.
- Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Dairy-free: Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free Parmesan.
- Air fryer method: Cook the filled cups at 330°F for 7–9 minutes.
- Mini vs. regular muffin tin: Mini tins yield extra crispy bites, while regular tins hold more filling.
Nutritional Information
Each spinach and artichoke wonton cup offers a tasty balance of creamy filling and crunchy shell. Below is an approximate breakdown per serving (1 cup):
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 132 |
Carbohydrates | 6 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Saturated Fat | 3 g |
Cholesterol | 14 mg |
Sodium | 245 mg |
Potassium | 65 mg |
Vitamin A | 1705 IU |
Vitamin C | 4.8 mg |
Calcium | 80 mg |
Iron | 0.7 mg |
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary with substitutions or ingredient brands. For accuracy, use a nutrition calculator like Cronometer or MyFitnessPal if you make adjustments.
Conclusion
Spinach and artichoke wonton cups take everything people love about the classic dip and package it into a crispy, golden shell that’s perfect for sharing. They’re quick to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast from any table. The contrast of creamy filling and crunchy wrapper makes every bite satisfying, whether you’re hosting a holiday party, prepping for game day, or just craving a fun snack.
If you give this recipe a try, leave a comment and a star rating to let us know how it turned out. Share your favorite variations too did you add spice, swap cheeses, or try a dairy-free twist? Spread the love by sharing this recipe with friends and family on Pinterest or Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen, and how do I prep it so the cups stay crisp?
Yes, cook fresh spinach in a skillet until wilted, then squeeze out as much water as possible before chopping. This prevents soggy bottoms.
How do I keep wonton cups from getting soggy on the bottom?
Parbake the wrappers before adding filling and always drain spinach and artichokes well. Serving them soon after baking also helps.
Can I make these wonton cups ahead for a party and reheat them later?
Yes, bake them fully, cool, and store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until crisp.
What are the best cheeses to use if I want a creamier or sharper flavor?
For creamier filling, add mozzarella or fontina. For sharper taste, mix in cheddar or asiago with Parmesan.
Do air fryer directions differ from the oven method?
Yes, bake at 330°F in the air fryer for 7–9 minutes, checking early since edges brown quickly.
Can I freeze the cups, and should I freeze them filled or unfilled?
Freeze unbaked filled cups for best results. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
What can I use if I need a gluten free or dairy free version?
Look for gluten free wonton wrappers online, and use dairy free cream cheese plus vegan Parmesan for a plant-based option.