Baked Shrimp Wontons – Easy, Crispy Party Bites

There’s something magical about bite-sized food—and these baked shrimp wontons are no exception. They’re crispy, creamy, and surprisingly easy to make. I first made these for a holiday get-together, and let’s just say they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. The best part? They’re baked in a mini muffin pan—no messy oil or deep frying. With a smooth cream cheese filling and perfectly seasoned shrimp nestled in a golden wonton cup, they’re both elegant and effortless. If you’re looking for a delicious appetizer that looks fancy but comes together in a snap, this one’s for you.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Shrimp Wontons Recipe

Once you make these baked shrimp wontons, they’ll be a go-to in your entertaining rotation. Here’s why:

• Crispy without deep frying: The oven gives you that crunch with way less fuss.
• Rich and creamy filling: Cream cheese and a touch of sugar create an addictively smooth base.
• Visually impressive: They look like they came from a gourmet kitchen—but you made them!
• Quick prep, easy clean-up: Muffin pan baking means less mess and more time to enjoy.

Perfect for parties, brunch, or even a fancy night-in.

The Story Behind Baked Shrimp Wontons

Where did these addictive little cups come from? Baked shrimp wontons have deep cultural and creative roots:

• Traditional wontons trace back over 2,000 years in Chinese cuisine, often filled with pork or shrimp.
• Cream cheese wontons gained popularity in American-Chinese restaurants for their smooth, sweet-savory flavor.
• Mini muffin pan versions are a modern twist, making the recipe easier and mess-free.
• They’re now a staple at potlucks, parties, and even bridal showers for their easy elegance.

Key Ingredients in Baked Shrimp Wontons

• Raw shrimp – Deveined and shelled, these are sautéed in sesame oil until plump and pink.
• Cream cheese – Softened for a luscious, rich base that melts in your mouth.
• White onion – Grated finely for just a hint of aromatic sharpness.
• Sugar – Balances the savory notes and enhances the cream cheese.
• Wonton wrappers – Crisp up perfectly in a mini muffin pan to form golden shells.
• Sesame oil – Adds depth and nutty aroma to the shrimp.

How to Make Baked Shrimp Wontons (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat and prep the wrappers

Heat your oven to 350ºF. Spray a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray. Place one wonton wrapper into each cup, pressing gently so the edges stick out.

2. Bake until golden

Bake the wrappers for 8–10 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a rack—they’ll continue to crisp up as they cool.

3. Make the filling

In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and grated white onion. Stir until smooth and fully blended.

4. Fill the cups

Spoon—or pipe using a pastry bag or Ziplock—the cream cheese mixture into each cooled wonton cup. This keeps things neat and easy.

5. Cook the shrimp

Season raw shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté shrimp until pink and opaque, about 3–4 minutes.

6. Assemble and garnish

Top each cream cheese-filled cup with one cooked shrimp. Garnish with chopped chives, a drizzle of sweet chili sauce, or freshly cracked pepper.

7. Serve immediately

Enjoy warm while the wonton cups are crispy and the shrimp is juicy.

Baked Shrimp Wontons Tips and Twists

Here’s how to get the best results—and some ways to change things up:

Top Tips:

• Use freshly grated onion for the best flavor blend.
• Let wrappers cool fully before filling to prevent sogginess.
• Don’t skip the sesame oil—it really makes the shrimp shine.
• A piping bag (or Ziplock) makes filling neater and faster.
• Serve immediately for max crispiness.

Flavorful Twists:

• Add minced jalapeños to the cream cheese for a kick.
• Mix in chopped crab meat for a seafood duo.
• Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup for a subtle sweetness.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Make these ahead or store leftovers with ease:

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350ºF for 5–6 minutes to revive crispiness. Avoid microwaving!
• Make-Ahead: Bake and cool the wonton cups, then store them unfilled. Fill and top just before serving.

What to Serve with Baked Shrimp Wontons

These little cups are great on their own, but even better with:

• Sweet chili sauce or soy dipping sauce for dunking.
• Fresh salads like our Cucumber Tomato Salad for a crisp, refreshing side.
• Tropical sips like our Refreshing Peach Lemonade to complement the savory-sweet flavors.
• Savory mains like Grilled Chicken Wraps if you’re turning them into a full meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
You can, but cooking it fresh with sesame oil gives the best flavor.

Can I make these without a muffin pan?
Yes, just bake the wonton wrappers flat on a sheet, then assemble like mini tostadas.

What’s a good substitute for sugar?
Powdered sugar or honey works well—just adjust to taste.

Can I freeze them?
You can freeze the baked wonton cups, but wait to fill and top until ready to serve.

Are they spicy?
Not by default, but you can add heat with chili sauce or a pinch of cayenne.

Enjoy Your Baked Shrimp Wontons

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want a fun snack, baked shrimp wontons deliver big flavor in tiny bites. With their crispy shell, creamy center, and juicy shrimp topping, they’re guaranteed to impress—and they’re so easy, you’ll want to make them again and again. Try a batch today and watch your guests light up with the first bite. You’ve got this!

Explore More Recipes That Pair with Baked Shrimp Wontons

Round out your menu with these Abby’s Recipes favorites:

• Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs for a comforting Italian-inspired pairing.
• Easy Smoked Deviled Eggs as another make-ahead-friendly appetizer.
• How to Make Blackened Chicken Alfredo for a spicy, creamy main to complement the crispy wontons.
• No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake as the perfect sweet ending to a savory bite night.

Each of these recipes plays well with the textures and flavors of shrimp wontons—try them together!