Easy Southwestern Hummus Baked Wonton Cups: Your Ultimate Appetizer & Snack Recipe
Southwestern Hummus Baked Wonton Cups are a delightful and highly customizable finger food, blending creamy, spicy hummus with robust black beans, sweet corn, and savory cheese, all baked to crispy perfection in a wonton shell. These flavor-packed bites are incredibly versatile, serving as an ideal snack, a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, or a quick, satisfying “unofficial meal.”
Why You’ll Love These Southwestern Hummus Baked Wonton Cups
As the school year winds down and summer approaches, finding easy, satisfying snacks to keep hunger at bay between meals becomes essential. Whether you’re managing a busy household with energetic kids or simply looking for a quick bite for yourself, these Southwestern Hummus Baked Wonton Cups are a game-changer. They’re not just delicious; they’re incredibly simple to prepare, making them an ideal solution for those moments when a full meal isn’t quite ready, but hunger strikes with full force.
Imagine a crispy, golden shell giving way to a warm, flavorful filling of zesty hummus, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and gooey melted cheese. These wonton cups are a brilliant way to incorporate plant-based goodness into your diet, offering a filling and wholesome option that feels indulgent. They truly hit the spot, whether it’s an after-school craving, a pre-dinner appetizer, or a casual get-together.
Embracing the “Unofficial Meal” with Wonton Cups
Life is busy, and sometimes formal meal rules just don’t fit the schedule. That’s where the concept of an “unofficial meal” comes in – a flexible, relaxed eating experience designed to bridge the gap between main meals. For many families, this critical window occurs right after school, when children return home hungry and need something substantial to tide them over until dinner. These Southwestern Hummus Baked Wonton Cups are perfectly designed for such moments.
Forget the stress of elaborate snacks; these wonton cups can be prepared ahead of time and quickly warmed up in a toaster oven or microwave, ready to combat the infamous “3 o’clock hunger.” They are satisfying enough to feel like a mini-meal, providing sustained energy without spoiling appetites for dinner. This relaxed approach to snacking allows for more flexibility and informal enjoyment, whether you’re munching with family on the couch or setting them out as dinner cooks to preempt any “when’s dinner?” questions.
Beyond daily routines, these versatile Southwestern Hummus Baked Wonton Cups shine for various occasions. They are fantastic finger foods for after-school activities, excellent between-meal snacks, and superb for summer entertaining when light bites are preferred. And when fall rolls around, they transform into perfect tailgating fare, easily transportable and universally loved. Their adaptability makes them a valuable recipe to keep in your culinary repertoire.
Mastering Wonton Cups: A Simple Guide
If you’re new to making wonton cups, you might be surprised by how straightforward and fun it is! A year ago, I wouldn’t have known where to find wonton wrappers in the grocery store, but now they’re a staple for quick and creative recipes like this one. Typically, you’ll find wonton wrappers in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, often near the fresh pasta, tofu, or mixed greens. They come in thin, square sheets, ready to be transformed.
The secret to perfectly shaped wonton cups lies in your muffin tins. To begin, lightly spray your muffin tins with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal. Place one wonton wrapper into each muffin tin cavity, gently pressing it down to conform to the cup shape. This creates your first crispy layer. Then, spoon in your delectable filling. For extra stability and crispiness, we add a second wonton wrapper on top of the filling, placing it slightly askew from the first to create visually appealing, ruffled edges. This double-layer method ensures your cups are sturdy enough to hold the generous filling and delivers that satisfying crunch with every bite.
The Heart of the Filling: Sabra’s Supremely Spicy Hummus
Now, let’s talk about the star of our filling: the hummus! The best part of this recipe is undoubtedly the Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus. It brings a fantastic combination of freshness, health benefits, and a wonderfully creamy texture that binds all the Southwestern flavors together. As a big fan of spice, this particular Sabra flavor always excites my taste buds, delivering just the right amount of kick to perfectly complement the earthy black beans, sweet corn, and rich cheese in these wonton cups.
However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. If you prefer a milder flavor profile or simply want to experiment, Sabra offers a variety of other fantastic options that would work beautifully. Consider their Classic Hummus for a traditional taste, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus for a smoky sweetness, or Garlic Hummus for an aromatic depth. Honestly, most of Sabra’s delicious flavors would integrate seamlessly into this recipe, allowing you to tailor the spice level and overall taste to your preference.
Endless Versatility: Customize Your Wonton Cups
One of the most appealing aspects of these Southwestern Hummus Baked Wonton Cups is their incredible versatility. The filling is a blank canvas, inviting you to experiment with a wide array of vegetables, beans, and cheese options. Feel free to unleash your creativity and make these bites truly your own!
For instance, I’ve had great success adding diced bell peppers (any color for a burst of flavor and crunch), kidney beans for extra protein, or a touch of chopped green chiles for an added layer of mild heat. Other fantastic additions include finely diced zucchini, cooked and crumbled plant-based sausage, or even a spoonful of salsa mixed directly into the hummus for a juicier filling. You can also swap out the sharp shredded cheese for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack (for more spice), or a Mexican blend.
Once your wonton cups emerge from the oven, golden and crispy, the fun continues with garnishes! Think beyond just cilantro and green onions. A dollop of fresh salsa, a sprinkle of finely diced red onion, or a few slices of fresh jalapeños can elevate the experience. For an extra layer of creamy richness that perfectly balances the spice, I often like to add diced avocado or a generous dollop of homemade or store-bought guacamole. These cool, creamy textures create a delightful contrast against the warm, crispy wonton shells, making each bite an unforgettable explosion of flavor and texture.
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Ingredients
- 10 oz. hummus, I used Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus for a kick
- 15 oz. black beans, drained and rinsed well
- 15 oz. sweet corn, drained and rinsed {frozen or canned corn both work great}
- 1 1/2 cup sharp shredded cheese, divided (cheddar or a Mexican blend works well)
- 36 wonton wrappers (found in the refrigerated produce section)
- cilantro, freshly chopped, for garnish
- red onion, finely diced, for garnish
- tomatoes, diced, for garnish (cherry tomatoes work well too)
- Jalapeños, sliced (fresh or pickled), for garnish
- green onion, freshly chopped, for garnish
- avocado, diced or as guacamole, for garnish
Instructions
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Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the wonton cups bake evenly and get nice and crispy.
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Mix Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the hummus (such as Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus), thoroughly drained and rinsed black beans, sweet corn, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese. Stir gently to combine all ingredients until evenly distributed. Set this flavorful mixture aside.
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Form Wonton Cups: Lightly spray two standard muffin tins (ensuring they can hold a total of 18 cups) with non-stick spray. Carefully place one wonton wrapper into each muffin tin hole, gently pressing the sides down to mold the wrapper to the shape of the cup. Repeat until all 18 cavities have a wonton wrapper.
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First Filling Layer: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the prepared hummus mixture into each wonton wrapper cup. Next, take another wonton wrapper and place it on top of the hummus mixture in each cup. I prefer to place the second wrapper in the opposite direction of the first, as it creates lovely ruffled edges, but any placement works perfectly fine for crispiness.
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Second Filling & Cheese: Add another tablespoon of the hummus mixture on top of the second wonton wrapper in each cup. Finally, evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over all 18 wonton cups. This ensures a generous, cheesy top.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake the wonton cups in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the edges of the wonton wrappers are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish & Serve: Carefully remove the wonton cups from the muffin tin. Garnish them immediately with your favorite toppings. Fresh cilantro, diced red onion, tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños are all excellent choices that add color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Customization is Key: Don’t hesitate to personalize this recipe! Feel free to mix up the hummus flavor (e.g., roasted red pepper, garlic, or even plain for less spice), or experiment with different vegetables (diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini) and beans (pinto beans). Various cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can also be used to create exciting Southwestern combinations that everyone will love.
- Yield and Batch Size: This recipe yields 18 delicious wonton cups. If that’s more than you need for your gathering or family, it’s very easy to cut the recipe in half to make a smaller batch of 9 cups. They store and reheat well, so larger batches can be good for meal prep too!
- Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the filling mixture up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the wonton cups just before serving for the best crispy texture. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheated in a toaster oven or air fryer for renewed crispiness.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 22g,
Protein: 8g,
Fat: 5g,
Saturated Fat: 2g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g,
Cholesterol: 11mg,
Sodium: 208mg,
Potassium: 191mg,
Fiber: 4g,
Sugar: 1g,
Vitamin A: 165IU,
Vitamin C: 1mg,
Calcium: 87mg,
Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Perfect for Vegetarians and Plant-Based Diets
If you’re a vegetarian, looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, or simply aiming to reduce your meat consumption, these Southwestern Hummus Baked Wonton Cups are an absolute must-try. They are naturally meat-free, relying on the robust flavors and textures of plant-based ingredients to deliver a truly satisfying experience. The creamy hummus, protein-rich black beans, and sweet corn create a wonderfully balanced filling that is both hearty and nutritious.
You’ll be amazed at how filling and flavorful these wonton cups are, even without meat. The combination of ingredients will leave your stomach happy and your taste buds tingling, providing the perfect fuel to tackle the rest of your day – whether that means ticking off items on your to-do list, enjoying a relaxed evening, or preparing that elaborate dinner you have planned for your family. They prove that healthy eating can be exciting, delicious, and incredibly easy!
Today’s post is proudly sponsored by Sabra. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that enable me to continue creating new and delicious recipes for you to enjoy.