Description
Crispy, bite-sized spinach and artichoke wontons filled with creamy goodness – a perfect appetizer for any gathering. Try this savory treat today.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh spinach: Fresh spinach provides a vibrant color and a delicate texture, enhancing the overall freshness of the filling. If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can substitute it with ½ cup of frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
- 1 cup artichoke hearts: Artichokes lend a unique flavor and a slightly tangy note, making them an essential component of this filling. Canned or frozen artichoke hearts can be used, but fresh is always better.
- 4 oz cream cheese: The creaminess of cream cheese serves as the glue that holds the filling together while adding richness. For a healthier alternative, consider low-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella brings a wonderful meltiness to the filling, and its mild flavor complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese: Adding Parmesan introduces a nutty depth of flavor. You can use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste, or a vegetarian hard cheese if desired.
- 1 garlic clove: Minced garlic infuses the filling with robust flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper: Basic seasonings that bring all the flavors together, ensuring a well-flavored filling.
- 1 tsp lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the creaminess, making each bite refreshing.
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of fresh spinach, finely chopped, 1 cup of artichoke hearts (drained and chopped), 4 oz of cream cheese (softened), ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, ⅓ cup of Parmesan cheese, 1 minced garlic clove, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp of lemon juice. Mix vigorously with a spatula or fork until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Ensure that no lumps remain.
- Assemble the Wontons: Lay out your 30 wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling into the center of each wrapper. Be careful not to overfill to avoid tearing. Take the beaten egg and brush it along the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper over the filling to create a triangle shape, pressing the edges to seal them tightly. For added flair, pleat the edges to form a decorative look. Repeat this process until all wontons are filled and sealed.
- Cook the Wontons: For frying, heat your vegetable oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the wontons in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color. If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wontons on a baking sheet, lightly brush them with oil, and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the wontons and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese for a nice touch. Serve warm with your choice of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or aioli for dipping.