Panda Express is now a spot folks think of when they want something fast yet tasty . Known for its bright mix of flavors and easy to find spots , it’s where many grab American-Chinese dishes on the go . One item people can’t get enough of is their crеаm cheese wontons , small pockets of cream cheese filling wrapped in a crispy shell . They ’re simple but hit the spot every time .
These little treats do more than just taste good , they kinda bring back memories of family dinners and school parties . The soft filling and golden shell make a crunchy, melty combo that many kids and grownups love . So , i’m here to show you how to make a copycat batch of these crunchy cream cheese wontons at home . Whether you’re having friends over or just wanting a snack at 2 a .m . , this recipe will help you nail the flavor of Panda Express right in your own kitchen .
What are Cream Cheese Wontons?
Cream cheese wontons are a simple twist on regular wontons . Normally , wontons are little dough squares filled with meat or veggies then boiled or fried . In this case , you swap in a creamy cheese mix for a soft, rich bite that pops with flavor . The outside gets golden brown and crunchy , while inside you ’ve got a smooth, savory filling that feels fancy but isn’t hard to make .
You mix up soft crеаm cheese with chopped green onions and a bit of seasoning , then wrap it in a wonton skin and fry . When they ’re done , the contrast of crunchy shell and melty cheese makes them irresistible . No wonder Panda Exprеss made these a top appetizer choice . Compared to meat-filled wontons , these are veggie-friendly and a hit with pretty much everyone .
Why Copycat Recipes are Popular
Cooking famous restaurant food at home is all the rage right now . It saves money , cuts out long lines , and you get to control exactly what goes in your dish . Copycat recipes like these cream cheese wontons give you that same fun taste without leaving the house .
Another big plus is cost — store brands of cheese and wrappers are way cheaper than paying restaurant prices for small plates . You can also pick fresher ingredients and tweak the taste to your liking (more salt , less garlic , whatever you want) . Plus making your own serves up a sense of pride — like you ’re a pro cook even if you ’re just getting started .
Ingredients for Copycat Panda Express Cream Cheese Wontons
Here’s what you need to whip up a batch of these tasty wontons . Everything’s easy to find in most grocery stores :
- Cream cheese: 8 oz , softened so it mixes easy .
- Green onions: 2 , finely chopped for a fresh zing .
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon for a mild spice kick .
- Wonton wrappers: about 50 in a package .
- Oil: canola or vegetable , for frying .
- Salt and pepper: add to taste to bring out the flavors .
Try to pick good quality crеаm cheese and crisp green onions , it really makes a difference . If you feel adventurous , you can mix in other cheeses or spices to switch up the flavor .
Detailed Recipe for Cream Cheese Wontons
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese , softened
- 2 green onions , finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 package wonton wrappers (about 50)
- Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Make the filling: In a bowl , stir together the crеаm cheese , onions , garlic powder , salt and pepper until smooth .
- Wrap the wontons: Lay one wrapper flat , place a teaspoon of filling in center . Moisten edges with water , fold into a triangle and press shut . You can also pinch corners up for a little purse shape .
- Heat the oil: Pour enough oil in a pan to cover wontons . Heat to 350°F (175°C) .
- Fry them up: Gently add wontons , don’t crowd the pan . Fry about 3–4 minutes until golden brown . Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels .
- Serve: Put wontons on a plate and enjoy while hot .
Serving Suggestions
These wontons go great with sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce on the side . For a fun twist , try adding a dollop of chili oil or even a crab rangoon filling .
Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Wontons
Frying Tips
- Keep oil hot: Around 350°F so wontons don’t soak up too much oil .
- Don’t crowd: Fry in small batches so they stay crispy .
- Drain well: Let them rest on paper towels to get rid of extra grease .
Storage and Reheating
- Store: Once cool , keep in an airtight container in fridge up to 3 days .
- Reheat: Best in oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes so they stay crunchy .
Alternative Cooking Methods
You can bake these instead of fry . Brush wontons lightly with oil , bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling: Too much filling can leak out when frying .
- Poor sealing: Press edges firmly so they don’t open in oil .
- Wrong oil temp: Too low and they’ll be greasy ; too high and they might burn .
- Skipping drain: Always let them drain so they stay crispy .
Nutritional Information
These are a treat and pretty rich , since they’re fried and made with cream cheese . To lighten up : use low-fat cream cheese or bake them . A serving of 2–3 wontons is a good portion alongside a salad or veggies .
Popular Accompaniments and Dipping Sauces
- Sweet and Sour Sauce: Classic combo that cuts the richness .
- Soy Sauce Mixes: Try mixing soy with a splash of sesame oil or a pinch of chili flakes .
- Chili Oil or Sesame Oil: A little drizzle adds extra heat and nuttiness .
FAQs About Copycat Panda Express Cream Cheese Wontons
What is the best way to store cream cheese wontons?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . You can also freeze uncooked ones on a tray then bag them for later .
Can I freeze cream cheese wontons?
Yes . Freeze them on a tray first , then transfer to a freezer bag . Fry from frozen when you’re ready to eat .
How do I reheat cream cheese wontons?
Pop them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes . This keeps them crispy .
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You could try ricotta or mascarpone , but your filling might be looser or taste a bit different .
Are cream cheese wontons vegetarian?
Yes , they’re usually veggie-friendly since there’s no meat inside . Just check any dipping sauces if you need them to be strict vegetarian .
Conclusion
Making these homemade cream cheese wontons is easier than it looks and way cheaper than eating out . Give it a go for your next party or late-night snack , and share what tweaks you made so others can try too .
Copycat Panda Express Cream Cheese Wontons
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk or fork
- 1 spoon
- 1 pack (12 oz) wonton wrappers
- 1 frying pan or deep fryer
- 1 slotted spoon
- 1 paper towels
- 1 small bowl for serving sauce
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 4 pieces green onions finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 12 oz wonton wrappers 1 pack
- vegetable oil for frying
- sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Take a wonton wrapper and place about a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center.
- Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water. Fold the wrapper in half to create a triangle. Press the edges tightly to seal.
- Repeat this process for all wonton wrappers until the cream cheese filling is used up.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add a few wontons to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked wontons and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve the cream cheese wontons hot with sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the wontons to prevent them from becoming greasy.
- You can prepare the wontons ahead of time and freeze them uncooked. Just fry them straight from the freezer; they may need an extra minute or two to cook thoroughly.
- Feel free to experiment by adding crab meat or other seasonings into the cream cheese mixture for a variation.
