A few months back, my husband and I treated ourselves to dinner at a small family-owned restaurant after attending our granddaughter’s piano recital. The place was tucked into a quiet corner of town, and while their menu was filled with hearty meals, what caught my attention was a little plate of golden wontons served as an appetizer. They were filled with sausage and cheese, and the first bite was enough to spark a thought in my mind: I could bring this idea home and make it even more personal.
The next weekend, with my kitchen humming and the afternoon sun shining through the windows, I gave it a try. Instead of frying, I baked them—because sometimes a lighter touch feels better, especially when you want to snack without the heaviness.
As the wontons baked, the smell of savory sausage and melting cheese filled the air, drawing my husband into the kitchen long before they were ready. We ended up enjoying them right there at the counter, dipping them into a little marinara and talking about the evening at the restaurant, how proud we were of our granddaughter, and how food has a way of tying memories together.
This dish has quickly become a family favorite, especially when everyone comes over for game nights or casual gatherings. They’re bite-sized, crispy, and packed with flavor—perfect for sharing, yet so good you’ll want to keep a few aside for yourself.
Short Description
These baked sausage and cheese mini wontons are crispy, golden appetizers filled with savory sausage, melted cheddar, green onions, and Parmesan. They’re quick to make, lighter than fried wontons, and perfect for parties, potlucks, or family snacking.
Key Ingredients
- ½ pound ground sausage
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
Tools Needed
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Small spoon for filling
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any extra fat so the filling isn’t greasy.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Combine the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar, green onions, Parmesan, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir well until evenly blended.
Step 4: Fill the Wontons
Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Add about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center. Lightly moisten the edges with water, then fold into a triangle, pressing edges to seal tightly. Repeat until all wrappers are filled.
Step 5: Brush and Arrange
Place the filled wontons on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil or melted butter for crispness.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Let them cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Tip: If the edges aren’t sealing well, use a little more water to press them closed. For extra crispness, flip the wontons halfway through baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy and Savory: Perfect balance of crunchy wrappers with gooey, cheesy filling.
Easy to Make: Just a handful of ingredients and quick steps.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults both love these bite-sized treats.
Lighter Option: Baking keeps them crisp without the heaviness of frying.
Versatile: Ideal for appetizers, snacks, or party platters.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overfilling the Wontons: Too much filling makes them burst. Stick to 1 teaspoon per wrapper.
Edges Not Sealing: Dry wrappers won’t hold. Always moisten the edges with water before folding.
Crowding the Pan: If placed too close, they won’t crisp. Space them about ½ inch apart.
Skipping the Oil/Butter Brushing: Without brushing, they may turn dry. A light coat ensures golden crispness.
Overbaking: Keep an eye after 10 minutes. They should be lightly golden, not too dark.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve warm with marinara sauce, sweet chili sauce, or honey mustard for dipping.
Perfect as a starter for family dinners, game nights, or potlucks.
Pair with a crisp garden salad for a light lunch.
Arrange them on a platter for buffet-style parties—they disappear quickly!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crisp texture.
Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn soggy.
Freeze unbaked filled wontons in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3–4 extra minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them a few hours ahead, cover with a damp cloth, and refrigerate until baking.
2. Can I freeze baked wontons?
Yes, though they’re best fresh. If frozen after baking, reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
3. Can I use another type of cheese?
Absolutely—try mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses for different flavors.
4. What if I don’t eat pork sausage?
You can substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage.
5. Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes, fry in hot oil (350°F) for 2–3 minutes until golden brown, but baking is lighter and less messy.
Tips & Tricks
Keep the wrappers covered with a damp towel while working so they don’t dry out.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
Want a prettier finish? Fold them into little pouches instead of triangles.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Sausage Wontons: Use hot Italian sausage and add diced jalapeños to the filling.
Breakfast Wontons: Replace sausage with scrambled eggs and bacon, then bake as usual.
Vegetarian Wontons: Swap sausage for finely diced mushrooms and spinach, sautéed until tender.
Cheesy Deluxe Wontons: Add cream cheese to the filling for extra creaminess.
Asian-Inspired Wontons: Use ground chicken with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil in the filling.
Final Thoughts
Making these baked sausage and cheese mini wontons reminded me of how a simple meal at a little restaurant can inspire something delightful at home. They take only a few minutes to assemble, yet they have the kind of flavor that makes people stop mid-conversation and smile after the first bite. I love that they’re light, crispy, and shareable, but still feel special enough for holidays or family gatherings.
When I set them out on the table, they’re usually gone before I’ve had the chance to sit down. The kids especially love dipping them into different sauces, and it turns into a playful part of the meal. That mix of laughter, good food, and togetherness is why I keep recipes like this close at hand. If you’re looking for something quick, fun, and undeniably tasty, these little golden pockets of joy are well worth making.
Baked Sausage And Cheese Mini Wontons
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground sausage
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix the sausage, cheddar, green onions, Parmesan, and black pepper until combined.
- Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface, spoon 1 teaspoon of filling into the center, moisten the edges with water, and fold into a triangle. Seal tightly and repeat with the rest.
- Arrange the wontons on the baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
