Baked Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups: The Ultimate Easy Party Appetizer Recipe

There’s just something incredibly satisfying about a great appetizer, isn’t there? Whether it’s the start of a fantastic meal, a festive spread for game day, or a casual get-together with friends, appetizers often steal the show. They set the mood, offer a preview of the deliciousness to come, and often involve that perfect combination of salty, savory, and wonderfully cheesy goodness. And while I have a soft spot for classic crowd-pleasers like Easy Taco Dip, sometimes you crave something a little more substantial, a bite that truly packs a flavorful punch. That’s precisely where these Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups shine!

Imagine this: a perfectly golden, crispy wonton cup cradling a warm, gooey, and incredibly flavorful filling. Each bite delivers a delightful combination of savory breakfast sausage, a rich blend of sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack cheeses, a tangy ranch dressing kick, and just the right amount of briny black olives and subtle heat from finely chopped Fresno peppers (or jalapeños). These aren’t just appetizers; they’re miniature explosions of comfort and flavor, designed to be devoured and talked about long after the party ends. They’re quick to prepare, impressive to serve, and versatile enough to suit any palate.

Why These Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups Are a Must-Try Appetizer

These wonton cups aren’t just another appetizer; they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings smiles to every face and makes hosting a breeze. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a cherished staple in your recipe collection:

• Irresistibly Delicious Flavor: The harmonious blend of savory breakfast sausage, two types of perfectly melted cheese, the creamy tang of ranch dressing, and subtle hints of olive and pepper creates a flavor profile that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly addictive. They strike a perfect balance that appeals to almost everyone.
• Perfectly Portioned & Easy to Eat: Each wonton cup is a delightful, individual bite-sized treat, making them ideal for mingling at parties. Guests can effortlessly grab one (or several!) without needing plates or cutlery, ensuring a clean and enjoyable experience for all.
• Highly Customizable: This recipe serves as an excellent foundation for creativity. Easily adjust the spice level, add or remove ingredients based on dietary preferences, or swap out cheeses to suit individual tastes. They’re incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor them for any occasion or picky eater.
• Fantastic Make-Ahead Potential: One of the biggest advantages of these wonton cups is their make-ahead flexibility. You can prepare the crispy wonton shells and even the savory filling in advance, saving you valuable time and reducing stress on the day of your event. This means more time enjoying your guests and less time in the kitchen!
• Economical & Accessible Ingredients: Made with readily available ingredients that won’t break the bank, these cheesy sausage wonton cups offer a gourmet feel without the gourmet price tag. You can find everything you need at your local grocery store.
• Visually Appealing Presentation: Their charming, golden-brown cups filled with a bubbly, cheesy mixture make them a beautiful and enticing addition to any appetizer spread. They look impressive without requiring any fancy decorating skills.

Beyond being fantastic for game day parties, these Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups are also wonderful for holiday gatherings, potlucks, casual family dinners, or simply as a special weeknight treat when you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting. They’re a more substantial and satisfying option than many traditional dips, similar to the hearty appeal of Buffalo Chicken Sliders, but in a unique, crispy cup form.

Essential Ingredients for Crafting Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups

The magic of this recipe lies in its carefully selected, yet simple, ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in building the ultimate cheesy sausage bite that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each element is important:

• Breakfast Sausage: This forms the hearty and savory backbone of our filling. You can choose between mild or spicy breakfast sausage, depending on your preferred level of kick. Ensure it’s cooked thoroughly until crumbled and no longer pink, then it’s absolutely vital to drain off any excess grease. This step prevents the filling from becoming oily and ensures a perfectly balanced texture within the crispy wonton shell.
• Cheddar Cheese (Grated): A classic choice for its sharp, tangy flavor and incredible melting capabilities. Whether you prefer a mild or extra-sharp cheddar, this cheese contributes a significant depth of flavor and that quintessential orange hue to the filling. For the best melt and texture, I highly recommend grating your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting.
• Monterey Jack Cheese (Shredded): This cheese is a fantastic partner to cheddar. It’s known for its incredibly creamy, mild flavor and exceptional melting properties, which contribute to the wonderfully gooey texture of the filling. Together with cheddar, it creates a rich, melty experience that is hard to resist.
• Ranch Dressing: This is a secret weapon that adds a layer of creamy, tangy, and herb-infused deliciousness to the sausage and cheese mixture. The spices and buttermilk notes in ranch dressing beautifully complement the savory sausage and rich cheeses. While your favorite store-bought ranch dressing will work well, using Homemade Ranch Dressing will undeniably elevate these wonton cups to an entirely new level of fresh flavor.
• Black Olives (Finely Chopped): These add a wonderful briny, salty pop and a distinct umami note that beautifully contrasts the richness of the sausage and cheese. Finely chopping them ensures that their flavor is integrated throughout the filling without overpowering any single bite, also adding a subtle textural element.
• Fresno Pepper (or Jalapeño, Finely Chopped): For a touch of gentle heat, a vibrant color, and a fresh crunch, finely chopped Fresno pepper is an excellent choice. If you prefer a more pronounced spicy kick, a jalapeño pepper is a fantastic alternative – just remember to remove the seeds and ribs for less heat, or leave some in if you truly enjoy the spice! For a milder profile, a finely diced red bell pepper can be used.
• Wonton Wrappers: These delicate, thin square sheets are the magical foundation of our crispy cups. They bake up incredibly light, golden, and crunchy, providing the perfect edible vessel for the rich, warm filling. You can typically find wonton wrappers in the refrigerated section of most major grocery stores, often located near the tofu, egg roll wrappers, or other specialty doughs. One standard package usually yields enough wrappers for a generous batch of appetizers.

Gathering these fresh, high-quality ingredients is the crucial first step towards creating an appetizer that will truly impress everyone at your table.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Easily Make Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups

Creating these delightful cheesy sausage wonton cups is surprisingly straightforward, making them an accessible and enjoyable recipe for cooks of all skill levels. Follow these easy-to-understand steps for perfect, golden-crisp results every time:

1. Prepare the Crispy Wonton Cups: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a mini muffin tin and generously spray each cup with non-stick cooking spray. This is a critical step to ensure the wonton wrappers don’t stick and can be easily removed once baked. Gently press one wonton wrapper into each prepared muffin cup, carefully forming a small cup shape. Be very delicate during this process, as wonton wrappers are thin and can tear quite easily. Aim to create a relatively flat bottom for each cup; this helps them stand upright and stable when served. Once all the muffin cups are filled with wrappers, lightly spray the exposed edges of the wrappers with additional non-stick spray. Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 5 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden brown and become visibly crispy. It’s important to keep a close eye on them, as they can quickly go from perfectly golden to burnt due to their thinness. Excellent Make-Ahead Tip: This entire step can be completed a day in advance! Once the baked wonton cups are completely cool, carefully transfer them to an airtight container and store them at room temperature until the next day when you are ready to fill and finish baking them.
2. Craft the Savory Sausage Filling: While your wonton cups are pre-baking or cooling, it’s time to prepare the star of the show – the delicious and savory filling. In a large skillet, cook your pound of breakfast sausage over medium heat. Use a spoon or a meat chopper to break the sausage into small, even crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Once cooked, it’s absolutely essential to drain off any excess grease. This prevents the filling from becoming overly oily and ensures a cleaner, more pleasant texture in the final appetizer. Transfer the cooked and thoroughly drained sausage crumbles to a large mixing bowl. To this, add the grated cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, creamy ranch dressing, finely chopped black olives, and the finely chopped Fresno pepper (or jalapeño, if you prefer more heat). Mix all these ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly distributed throughout the sausage mixture.
3. Assemble and Bake to Bubbly Perfection: Now for the exciting final assembly! Once your wonton cups are pre-baked and the filling is ready, I find it easiest to carefully remove the pre-baked wonton cups from the muffin tin and arrange them on a regular baking sheet. This method offers better control and ensures they maintain their perfect shape when removed from the oven after the final bake. Spoon the prepared savory sausage and cheese mixture evenly into each crispy wonton cup, filling them almost to the top but leaving a slight margin to prevent overflow. Place the baking sheet with the filled wonton cups back into the preheated oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. The goal is for the filling to be thoroughly hot, bubbly, and the cheese to be gloriously melted and slightly golden around the edges.

Serve these Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups immediately while they are warm, gooey, and at their absolute crispiest. They are guaranteed to disappear quickly, so consider making a double batch!

Expert Tips for Making Perfect Wonton Cups Every Time

While this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, a few insider tips and tricks can help you achieve appetizer perfection, ensuring your Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups are a resounding success:

• The Mini Muffin Tin Advantage: A mini muffin tin is truly your best friend for this recipe. Its small, perfectly sized wells are designed to help the wonton wrappers form neat, uniform cups. This creates ideal individual servings that are easy to handle and look incredibly professional. Don’t try to use a regular-sized muffin tin unless you plan to double up wrappers or create much larger cups.
• Handle Wrappers with Utmost Care: Wonton wrappers are incredibly delicate and thin! When you’re gently pressing them into the muffin tin, use a very light touch to prevent tearing. If a wrapper does happen to tear, don’t fret; you can often overlap another small piece of wrapper to patch it up, or simply grab a fresh one. A small amount of moisture (like a damp finger) can help mend small tears.
• Aim for a Flat Bottom: While sometimes a bit tricky, try your best to get the wonton wrappers to have a relatively flat bottom when you press them into the muffin tin. This small effort makes a big difference in the final presentation, ensuring your finished cups stand upright nicely on a serving platter and don’t wobble.
• Vigilance During Pre-Baking: The initial pre-baking of the wrappers is a very quick process. Keep a very close eye on them in the oven, as wonton wrappers can transition from a perfect golden crisp to burnt in a matter of mere seconds due to their thinness. They should be lightly golden, not dark brown or charred.
• Master the Make-Ahead: This recipe is a dream for busy hosts! As mentioned earlier, you can pre-bake the wonton cups a day ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Additionally, the sausage and cheese filling can also be prepared in advance and stored in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When it’s party time, simply fill the pre-baked cups and pop them in the oven – minimal fuss, maximum flavor!
• Avoid Overfilling: While it’s tempting to pack in as much of that delicious filling as possible, resist the urge to overfill the wonton cups. Overfilling can cause the mixture to spill over during baking, creating a messy tin and making the cups difficult to remove cleanly. Leave a small margin at the top of each cup.
• Serve Immediately for Best Texture: For the ultimate experience, serve these appetizers warm, straight from the oven. This is when the cheese is at its most wonderfully gooey and the wonton wrappers are at their crispiest, providing that perfect textural contrast.
• Proper Draining of Sausage: Don’t skip draining the cooked sausage! Excess grease will make the filling oily and can potentially seep into the wonton wrappers, making them less crisp. Blot with paper towels if necessary after draining.

Customizing Your Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups for Any Palate

One of the most appealing aspects of this Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups recipe is its incredible versatility. It serves as a fantastic base, allowing you to easily adapt and experiment with different flavors to suit your personal preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

• Adjusting the Spice Level: Love a fiery kick? Add an extra jalapeño, finely chopped serrano pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. For an even bolder flavor, a dash of your favorite hot sauce can be mixed into the ranch dressing. Prefer it milder? Simply omit the Fresno pepper entirely or swap it for a finely diced sweet red bell pepper for a touch of freshness without any heat.
• Cheese, Please! Different Variations: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are a classic combination, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Pepper Jack cheese will add an extra layer of spice and a great melt. Mozzarella can be mixed in for incredible stretchiness, or a smoked gouda for a deeper, more complex smoky flavor. A blend of Mexican cheeses also works wonderfully here.
• Adding More Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and texture by folding in finely diced bell peppers (any color), sautéed and finely chopped mushrooms, sweet corn kernels, or even a handful of fresh spinach (wilted and thoroughly drained to remove excess moisture) into the filling. Caramelized onions would also be a delicious addition.
• Exploring Meat Alternatives: Not a fan of breakfast sausage? No problem! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Ground beef, ground turkey, or even shredded cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) can make excellent substitutions. If using a different meat, just be sure to season it well with your favorite spices to ensure it’s flavorful before mixing with the other ingredients.
• Boosting with Fresh Herbs: Freshly chopped herbs can significantly brighten the flavor profile of the filling. Consider adding chopped chives, fresh parsley, or a bit of cilantro for a burst of herbaceous goodness.
• Alternative Creamy Bases: Instead of ranch, consider mixing in a touch of softened cream cheese for extra richness and a tangier flavor, or a spoonful of sour cream for a slightly lighter texture. A dollop of Greek yogurt could also work.
• Spice Blend Swaps: Want to lean into a different flavor profile? A tablespoon of taco seasoning could easily transform these into “taco wonton cups,” or a pinch of Italian seasoning could give them a more Mediterranean twist.

These wonton cups are incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredients to create your unique and perfect party bite tailored to your exact preferences!

If you’re looking for other amazing party food inspiration that’s guaranteed to be a hit, don’t forget about this incredibly popular Bacon Cheeseburger Dip. It’s a massive hit whenever it’s shared and always goes viral on Pinterest! Be the hero of your next party with these irresistible appetizers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups

Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your wonton cup making experience is as smooth and successful as possible:

Can I fry these wonton cups instead of baking them?

While this particular recipe is designed for baked wonton cups to achieve a lighter, crisper texture and reduce the amount of added oil, you certainly could technically fry the filled cups. However, if you choose to fry, the cooking time would be much shorter – typically just a minute or two per side until golden brown – and they would absorb more oil, resulting in a different texture. For the best results, ease of preparation, and the specified crispy texture, baking is highly recommended as per this recipe’s instructions.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups?

To preserve their delightful crispy texture, reheating leftover wonton cups in a microwave is generally not recommended as it tends to make the wrappers soft and chewy. Instead, for optimal results, reheat them in a toaster oven or a regular oven. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 300-350°F (150-175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed through and have re-crisped to your liking.

Can I freeze Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups for later?

Yes, you absolutely can! This recipe is quite freezer-friendly. You have a couple of options: you can freeze the pre-baked empty wonton shells separately, or you can freeze the cooked filling separately. For fully assembled and baked cups, allow them to cool completely after baking. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 1-2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, which may take approximately 15-20 minutes.

Where can I find wonton wrappers in the grocery store?

Wonton wrappers are a common ingredient in many Asian-inspired dishes and are typically easy to locate in most major grocery stores. Look for them in the refrigerated section, often near the produce department alongside other specialty doughs like egg roll wrappers, spring roll wrappers, or sometimes near the tofu and other Asian food products. They usually come in square or round shapes, and either will work for this recipe, though square ones are more common for making cups.

More Amazing Appetizer Recipes to Explore

If you’re a fan of delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizers like these Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic recipes from Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts that are sure to be a hit at your next gathering, offering a variety of flavors and textures to explore:

• Baked Mexican Cheese Dip: A warm, gooey, and incredibly flavorful dip that’s perfect for scooping up with crispy tortilla chips.
• French Dip Sliders: Savory, melt-in-your-mouth mini sandwiches, ideal for a more substantial and satisfying appetizer.
• Cheesy Corn Dip: A sweet, creamy, and irresistible dip combining fresh corn and rich cheese, perfect for a summer gathering.
• Smoked Chicken Wings: Packed with incredible smoky flavor, these tender wings are a game-day essential that disappear fast.
• Avocado Chicken Bites: Light, fresh, and bursting with zesty flavor, these are a delightful, healthier appetizer option.
• Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Dip: All the comforting flavors of your favorite enchiladas transformed into a creamy, scoopable dip.
• White Queso: A classic, velvety-smooth, and utterly delicious cheese dip that pairs perfectly with just about anything.

4.54 from 43 votes

Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups

By Erin Sellin

Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups – Baked crispy wonton cups filled with a cheesy sausage mixture and baked until bubbly and hot. Great for any party, get together, or just because!

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 20 minutes mins

Total: 30 minutes mins

Servings: 36

Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe

Video

Equipment

• Mini Muffin Tin
• GIR Spatula
• Mixing Bowls

Ingredients 

• ▢ 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked, crumbled and drained
• ▢ 1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• ▢ 1 1/2 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
• ▢ 1 cup ranch dressing
• ▢ 1 can black olives, finely chopped
• ▢ 1 red pepper, (fresno), finely chopped
• ▢ 1 package Wonton wrappers

Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked, crumbled, and drained breakfast sausage with the grated cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, ranch dressing, finely chopped black olives, and finely chopped Fresno pepper (or jalapeño). Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
• Spray a mini muffin pan generously with non-stick spray. Gently press one wonton wrapper into each cup, being careful not to tear them, and aiming for a flat bottom. Lightly spray the exposed wonton wrappers with non-stick spray. Bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
• Carefully remove the pre-baked wonton cups from the muffin tin and arrange them on a baking sheet. Spoon the prepared sausage mixture evenly into each wonton cup. Place the baking sheet back into the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is fully melted. Serve immediately.

Notes

These can be made ahead – cook the wonton cups and just fill and bake when ready to serve. You can also prepare the sausage filling in advance and store it separately in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 224mg | Sugar: 1g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Course: Appetizer Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 36

Calories: 108

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

I created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a vibrant community where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask cooking questions, and stay up-to-date with what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (ensuring you never miss out on a delicious new recipe)! If you’d like to check it out, you can request to join HERE.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU create and share!

Connect with Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts!

Don’t miss out on any culinary inspiration! Be sure to follow me on my social media channels, so you never miss a post, new recipe, or cooking tip!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram