Zesty Sausage & Cheese Wonton Bites
Elevate your party with these Zesty Sausage & Cheese Wonton Bites! Packed with spicy hot pork sausage, a blend of rich cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses, and a burst of flavors from olives and fresh peppers, these appetizers are sure to impress your guests. Inspired by a cherished recipe from *Christmas with Southern Living 2003*, they can be made ahead and frozen, allowing for a stress-free entertaining experience. Whether served at holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers, they offer a delightful explosion of taste in every bite!
N/A
Servings
60
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
hot pork sausage
1 lb (browned and crumbled)
shredded cheddar cheese
1.5 cups (shredded)
shredded Monterey jack cheese
1.5 cups (shredded)
ranch dressing
1/2 cup (none)
chopped pimento stuffed olives
1/3 cup (chopped)
red bell pepper
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
jalapeno pepper
1 (seeded and minced)
wonton wrappers
1 (16 ounce) package (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the hot pork sausage, stirring often until fully cooked and crumbled. Drain excess grease by placing the sausage on paper towels.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey jack cheese, ranch dressing, chopped pimento-stuffed olives, finely chopped red bell pepper, and minced jalapeño. Mix until well blended.
4
Lightly coat four miniature muffin pans (1 3/4-inch) with cooking spray. Place a won ton wrapper in each muffin cup and gently press down to form a fluted cup. Lightly spray the tops of the wrappers with cooking spray.
5
Bake the wrappers in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through to ensure even crispness.
6
Carefully spoon a heaping tablespoon of the sausage and cheese filling into each won ton cup.
7
Return the filled cups to the oven and bake for an additional 9-10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
8
Once done, remove the bites from the muffin pans and serve hot. Enjoy the party!
Nutrition Information
4.29g
Fat
2.29g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Sausage & Cheese Wonton Bites?
They are a savory party appetizer featuring hot pork sausage, melted cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses, olives, and fresh peppers served in crispy wonton shells.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of hot pork sausage as the primary protein.
What types of cheese are required for the filling?
The filling uses a blend of 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1.5 cups of shredded Monterey jack cheese.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
Are these wonton bites considered spicy?
Yes, they have a zesty kick due to the hot pork sausage and the inclusion of a minced jalapeno pepper.
Can I make these wonton bites ahead of time?
Yes, they can be prepared in advance and are even freezer-friendly for easy party planning.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do you pre-bake the wonton wrappers?
The empty wonton wrappers should be baked for 8 minutes before adding the filling.
How long is the final bake time once the filling is added?
The filled bites should be baked for an additional 9 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
What size muffin pan is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4-inch miniature muffin pans.
What is the source of inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a version found in Christmas with Southern Living 2003.
What kind of dressing is mixed into the sausage filling?
The filling is blended with 1/2 cup of ranch dressing for added creaminess and flavor.
Should the sausage be drained after cooking?
Yes, you should brown the sausage and then drain the excess grease on paper towels before mixing it with other ingredients.
How many wonton wrappers are needed?
The recipe uses one 16-ounce package of wonton wrappers.
What type of olives are used in the bites?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of chopped pimento-stuffed olives.
Do I need to seed the jalapeno?
Yes, the jalapeno should be seeded and minced before being added to the mixture.
How do I prevent the wontons from sticking to the pan?
Lightly coat the miniature muffin pans with cooking spray before placing the wrappers inside.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 4.29g of fat.
How much protein is in each bite?
There are 4g of protein in each serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for these bites?
Each bite contains about 2.29g of carbohydrates.
What color bell pepper is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies using finely chopped red bell pepper.
Should these be served hot or cold?
These appetizers are best served hot immediately after baking.
Can I swap the hot sausage for mild sausage?
Yes, if you prefer a less spicy version, you can substitute hot pork sausage with mild or sweet pork sausage.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday parties?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday and festive recipe, perfect for entertaining.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Do I need to spray the tops of the wonton wrappers?
Yes, the instructions suggest lightly spraying the tops of the wrappers with cooking spray to help them crisp.
How do I form the wonton cups?
Place a wonton wrapper in each muffin cup and gently press down to form a fluted shape.
Are these considered a finger food?
Yes, they are classified as finger foods and appetizers.
What is the preparation method for the sausage?
The sausage should be browned and crumbled in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Is this recipe easy to follow for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with straightforward instructions for assembly and baking.