The Ultimate Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups (Easy Holiday Appetizer!)

Imagine the creamiest, dreamiest, most irresistible spinach artichoke dip you’ve ever had. Now, picture it nestled inside its own personal, shatteringly crispy, golden-brown wonton cup. That, my friends, is not just an appetizer; it’s a moment of pure, unadulterated party-food perfection. These are, without a doubt, the most addictive bites you will make all season.

Here’s the thing about communal dips at parties: I’m always the one who ends up with a broken chip in the bowl. This recipe is my genius solution to that problem! It was born from my desire to create a perfect, mess-free, single-serving appetizer for a Christmas party, and they were an instant sensation. Using Ranch dressing as a secret weapon adds a ton of flavor with zero extra effort.

I promise you, this is one of the easiest, fastest, and most rewarding appetizers you will ever make. With just 5 simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can create a platter of these gorgeous, crowd-pleasing bites that look and taste incredibly gourmet. They are the perfect way to kick off any holiday gathering.

Get ready to master a simple technique that will have everyone reaching for another, and another, and another.

Why These Are Your New Go-To Party Appetizer!

You are going to be absolutely famous for bringing these to parties. They disappear from the platter in minutes, every single time. Here’s why they are so unbelievably good:

  • Perfectly Portioned & Mess-Free: Each bite is its own self-contained vessel of deliciousness. No broken chips, no double-dipping, just perfect, easy-to-eat bites.
  • Only 5 Simple Ingredients: You truly only need five ingredients to create this masterpiece. It’s the ultimate low-effort, high-impact recipe.
  • Ready in Under 30 Minutes: From start to finish, you can have these hot, crispy, creamy bites ready to serve in about 25 minutes. It’s a holiday hosting miracle!
  • The Ultimate Texture Combo: The shatteringly crispy, crunchy wonton shell filled with the warm, rich, and gooey spinach artichoke center is a texture explosion.
  • A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: The classic, beloved flavor of spinach artichoke dip is a universal favorite. This is a guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike at any party, especially as a Christmas appetizer.

Recipe Snapshot

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings12 wonton cups
Calories131 kcal per cup
CourseAppetizer
CuisineAmerican
Difficulty/MethodEasy / Baking

Your 5-Ingredient Shopping List

The beauty of this recipe is its incredibly short and simple ingredient list. It’s all about easy elegance!

  • 8 oz can Artichoke Hearts → Make sure they’re drained well and give them a good chop.
  • ½ cup Frozen Spinach → Thawed, and then squeezed VERY dry. This is a crucial step!
  • ½ cup Ranch Dressing → The secret weapon! It adds creaminess, tang, and seasoning all in one.
  • 2 oz Cream Cheese, softened → The key to that rich, luscious, creamy filling.
  • 24 Wonton Wrappers → We’ll be using two per cup for extra crispy, sturdy results.

Let’s Get Cooking! Your Quick & Easy Guide

Ready for the easiest, most impressive appetizer ever? Let’s break this down into a few super simple steps.

Part 1: The Crispy Wonton Cups

  1. Prep Your Muffin Tin: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush a standard 12-cup muffin tin with a little oil.
  2. Line the Tin: This is the secret to a sturdy cup! Gently press two wonton wrappers into each muffin cup, staggering them slightly so the corners create a little star shape.
  3. The Pre-Bake: Bake the empty wonton cups for about 5 minutes. This “blind bake” is the key to making sure they get super crispy and don’t get soggy from the filling. Keep an eye on them!

Part 2: The Creamy Filling & Final Bake

  1. Mix the Filling: While the wontons are pre-baking, in a medium bowl, combine the chopped artichoke hearts, the squeezed-dry spinach, the Ranch dressing, and the softened cream cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.
  2. Fill and Bake Again: Remove the muffin tin from the oven. Divide the spinach artichoke mixture evenly among the pre-baked wonton cups.
  3. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the filled cups back in the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the edges of the wontons are a beautiful golden brown. Serve them while they’re warm and the center is gooey!

WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Wonton Cups

These are super simple, but a few pro tips will make them absolutely flawless every time.

  1. Squeeze That Spinach DRY. I cannot say this enough. Thawed frozen spinach holds a surprising amount of water. You need to squeeze out every last drop to prevent a watery dip. I like to wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and wring it out.
  2. The Double Wonton is Not Optional. Using a single wonton wrapper will result in a flimsy cup that might get soggy or break. Using two wrappers creates a super sturdy, extra-crispy shell that holds up perfectly to the creamy filling.
  3. Soften Your Cream Cheese. For a smooth, lump-free filling that mixes up in seconds, make sure your cream cheese is properly at room temperature.
  4. Watch the Edges! The corners of the wonton wrappers are thin and can go from golden to burnt very quickly. Keep a close eye on them during both the pre-bake and the final bake.
  5. Don’t Overfill the Cups. Fill the cups so the mixture is about level with the base of the wonton cup. This prevents the creamy filling from bubbling over the sides and making a mess in your muffin tin.

Creative Twists: Delicious Ways to Customize Your Bites

This 5-ingredient recipe is a perfect canvas for your own creativity! Here are some fun ideas:

  1. Add Some Bacon: Stir in a 1/4 cup of crispy, crumbled bacon into the filling mixture. A guaranteed hit!
  2. Make it Spicy: Add a tablespoon of finely diced jalapeños (from a jar is fine!) or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
  3. Change the Cheese: Add a 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan or shredded pepper jack cheese to the mixture for an extra cheesy kick.
  4. Add Some Protein: A 1/2 cup of finely shredded rotisserie chicken turns these into a heartier bite.
  5. Buffalo Chicken Twist: Swap the spinach and artichokes for shredded chicken and mix with cream cheese, hot sauce, and blue cheese dressing instead of Ranch.
  6. Crab Rangoon Style: Omit the spinach and artichoke. Mix 8 oz of crab meat (or imitation crab) with the cream cheese, and add a little soy sauce, Worcestershire, and garlic powder.
  7. Top with Breadcrumbs: Before the final bake, sprinkle a few buttered panko breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.
  8. Fresh Herb Finish: Garnish the finished cups with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Keep Them Fresh! Make-Ahead & Storing Guide

These bites are best served fresh and warm from the oven, but here’s how you can prep ahead for a party.

  • Make-Ahead Plan: For the best results, you can do this in two stages. Bake the empty wonton cups as directed, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also mix the filling and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just fill the cups and do the final 10-minute bake!
  • Refrigerator (Leftovers): Store any leftover cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The wonton cups will soften as they sit.
  • Reheating for Maximum Crispiness: The oven or an air fryer is your best friend here! Reheat the cups on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until the filling is hot and the wonton has re-crisped.

Easy Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups

These super easy Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups are the perfect party appetizer! Made with just 5 ingredients and ready in 25 minutes, these crispy, creamy bites are a guaranteed hit for the holidays.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 131

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (8 oz) can Artichoke Hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup Frozen Spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing
  • 2 oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • 24 Wonton Wrappers

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush a 12-cup muffin tin with oil.
  2. Line each muffin cup with two wonton wrappers, staggering them to create a star shape.
  3. Bake the empty wonton cups for 5 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven.
  4. In a medium bowl, blend together the chopped artichoke hearts, squeezed-dry spinach, Ranch dressing, and softened cream cheese.
  5. Divide the spinach artichoke mixture evenly among the pre-baked wonton cups.
  6. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until the filling is hot and bubbly and the wonton edges are golden brown. Serve warm.

Notes

Squeeze the Spinach: It is crucial to squeeze as much water as possible from the thawed spinach to prevent a watery filling.
Double Wrapper: Using two wonton wrappers per cup creates a sturdy, extra-crispy shell that holds up to the creamy filling.
Make Ahead: You can pre-bake the empty wonton cups and mix the filling a day in advance. Store them separately, then fill and do the final 10-minute bake just before serving.

FAQs: Your Wonton Cup Questions, Answered!

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes, you can! You’ll likely need to use silicone muffin liners inside your air fryer basket to hold the shape. Pre-bake the empty wonton cups at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes until golden. Then, fill them and air fry for another 5-6 minutes until the filling is hot and bubbly. You’ll need to work in batches.

Where do I find wonton wrappers in the grocery store?

You can usually find them in the refrigerated section of the produce aisle, often near the tofu, egg roll wrappers, and other refrigerated plant-based products.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! You’ll need to cook it down first. Sauté a large bag of fresh spinach until it’s completely wilted. Let it cool, then squeeze it out just like you would with the frozen spinach to remove all the excess water.

Can I freeze these?

I don’t recommend freezing the finished, filled cups, as the creamy filling can separate and the wonton wrappers can become very soggy upon thawing. However, the pre-baked, empty wonton shells can be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month!

My Final Thoughts: The Perfect Party Bite

These Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups are one of those rare recipes that are incredibly easy, unbelievably delicious, and universally loved. They are the perfect little two-bite wonders to kick off any party, holiday gathering, or casual get-together. I hope they become your new go-to appetizer for effortless entertaining!

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