Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups

Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups: The Perfect Bite-Sized Appetizer for Every Occasion

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines creamy, savory flavors with a satisfying crunch, look no further than Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups. This delectable dish elevates the classic spinach artichoke dip into a bite-sized, portable form, perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a cozy night in.

In this blog post, I’ll take you through every detail of making Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups, from the ingredients to preparation, baking tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

What Are Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups?

Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups are an inventive twist on the beloved spinach artichoke dip. The creamy, cheesy filling made with spinach, artichokes, and a mix of cheeses is spooned into crispy wonton wrappers, baked to golden perfection. The result is a small, individual serving that’s bursting with flavor and texture—perfect for sharing or serving as part of a larger spread.

The bite-sized nature of these cups makes them ideal for entertaining, and they’re a great way to elevate any occasion. The crispiness of the wonton wrappers contrasts beautifully with the rich, smooth filling, providing an irresistible combination of crunch and creaminess in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make: While the flavors may seem sophisticated, Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups are surprisingly simple to prepare. The recipe comes together in just a few easy steps and doesn’t require any special equipment.
2. Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the wonton cups right before baking, making them perfect for busy days when you want to impress guests without too much last-minute stress.
3. Crowd-Pleaser: These wonton cups are a guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. The combination of spinach, artichokes, and cheese is universally loved, and the individual cups make serving a breeze.
4. Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit dietary preferences, such as adding extra vegetables, using dairy-free alternatives, or even making the cups spicier with the addition of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Ingredients for Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups

To make Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. This list includes both the filling and the wonton wrappers. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Spinach Artichoke Filling:

• Frozen spinach: You’ll need 10 ounces of frozen spinach, which will need to be thawed and drained. Fresh spinach can also be used, though it may require additional cooking time.
• Canned artichoke hearts: Use 1 can (about 14 ounces) of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped into small pieces.
• Cream cheese: 8 ounces of softened cream cheese provides that creamy base for the filling.
• Sour cream: 1/2 cup of sour cream gives the filling a slightly tangy flavor and a smooth texture.
• Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese adds the perfect melty, cheesy texture.
• Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor with a salty, nutty kick.
• Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced, will infuse the filling with aromatic flavor.
• Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder adds an extra layer of savory goodness.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

For the Wonton Cups:

• Wonton wrappers: You’ll need about 20 wonton wrappers. These are typically found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, near the tofu or fresh pasta.
• Olive oil or cooking spray: For greasing the muffin tin or brushing on the wonton wrappers to ensure they bake up crisp and golden.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups from scratch.

1. Preparing the Spinach Artichoke Filling

1. Start by thawing the frozen spinach. Place the spinach in a fine mesh strainer and press out any excess moisture. You want the spinach as dry as possible so the filling doesn’t get soggy.
2. Chop the artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Finally, fold in the drained spinach and chopped artichokes, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.

2. Assembling the Wonton Cups

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin with olive oil or cooking spray to ensure the wonton cups come out easily.
2. Gently press a wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, forming a cup shape. You may need to press a second wonton wrapper into the cup to create a double layer for extra sturdiness.
3. Spoon the spinach artichoke filling into each wonton cup, filling them generously. Be sure to pack the filling in tightly so it doesn’t spill over during baking.
4. Brush the edges of the wonton wrappers with a little olive oil or spray them with cooking spray for a golden, crispy finish.

3. Baking the Cups to Perfection

1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are crispy and golden brown, and the filling is bubbly and slightly browned on top.
2. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cups cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the tin. Use a small spatula to lift them out.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Skip the Draining Step: Be sure to drain both the spinach and the artichokes thoroughly. Excess moisture will make the filling watery, and you want the creamy filling to hold its shape.
2. Use Fresh Cheese: For the best texture and flavor, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated.
3. Make Ahead: You can prepare the spinach artichoke filling a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and assemble the wonton cups when you’re ready to bake.
4. Watch the Wrappers: Wonton wrappers can burn quickly, so keep an eye on the cups during baking. If you notice the edges browning too fast, cover them loosely with foil and continue baking.

Recipe Variations

While Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups are delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes:

• Add Protein: For a heartier version, add cooked chicken, bacon, or shrimp to the filling.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a drizzle of sriracha sauce, or finely chopped jalapeños to give the cups a spicy kick.
• Swap the Cheese: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, try using dairy-free cream cheese and mozzarella alternatives. Nutritional yeast can be added to provide a cheesy flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, or oregano to the filling for extra freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your dish:

• As an Appetizer: Serve these bite-sized cups as an appetizer at your next dinner party or holiday gathering.
• With a Dipping Sauce: Offer a creamy dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, tzatziki, or a spicy sriracha mayo, alongside the cups for added flavor.
• As Part of a Charcuterie Board: Pair these with other appetizers like stuffed mushrooms, crostini, or cheese platters for a complete spread.
• Pair with Drinks: These cups are perfect for pairing with wine or cocktails, especially white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

FAQs about Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Yes! Fresh spinach can be used, but be sure to cook it down first and remove any excess moisture before adding it to the filling.

Can I make these cups in advance? Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the cups ahead of time. Store the assembled cups in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.

Can I freeze these wonton cups? You can freeze the assembled, unbaked cups for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups are a creative and delicious way to enjoy a classic appetizer with a modern twist. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, party appetizer, or part of a larger meal, these bite-sized cups are sure to impress your guests. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness of these delightful cups!