Introduction

Crispy Seafood Poppers are delightful bite-sized treats perfect for appetizers or party snacks. Combining tender shrimp and crab with creamy cheeses, all nestled in a golden wonton cup, these poppers offer a satisfying mix of textures and flavors.

The image shows several small crispy golden brown cups each filled with melted white cheese and topped with a single cooked shrimp that is pink with light orange accents. The cheesy layer looks creamy and smooth, filling the cups just to the top edges. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled over the shrimp and cheese, adding a fresh color contrast. The cups are arranged closely together on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the crispy texture of the cups and the glossy melted cheese. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 wonton wrappers
1/2 cup cooked shrimp (chopped)
1/2 cup cooked crab meat (or imitation crab)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp cream cheese (softened)
1 tbsp green onions (chopped)
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Olive oil spray or melted butter (for crisping)
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Gently press each wonton wrapper into a greased mini muffin tin to form cups. Lightly spray with olive oil or brush with melted butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 7-8 minutes until the wrappers turn golden and crisp.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, crab meat, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, and garlic powder. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste, then mix well.
Step 3: Spoon the creamy seafood mixture evenly into each baked wonton cup. Sprinkle a little extra shredded mozzarella on top of each filled cup.
Step 4: Return the stuffed cups to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Step 5: Remove the poppers from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seafood filling.
Substitute mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
If you prefer, use fresh crab meat instead of imitation crab for a more authentic taste.
To make assembly easier, prepare the seafood filling ahead and refrigerate until ready to use.

Storage

Store any leftover seafood poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the wonton cups soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows several small crispy golden-brown wonton cups each holding a filling made of creamy melted white cheese topped with small cooked shrimp that have a light orange-pink color. Each cup is garnished with small bright green chopped herbs, likely parsley, scattered over the cheese and shrimp. The cups have a slightly crinkled texture on the edges, adding to their crisp look. The background is a white marbled surface, and the cups are placed close together on a white plate that slightly curves up at the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh wonton wrappers, or do frozen ones work just as well?

Frozen wonton wrappers are convenient and work perfectly; just thaw them slightly before using to make pressing easier.

Can I prepare the poppers in advance and bake later?

Yes, you can assemble the wonton cups and fill them with the seafood mixture ahead of time. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving to ensure maximum crispiness.

Crispy Seafood Poppers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 125 reviews

Crispy Seafood Poppers are delightful bite-sized appetizers featuring crispy baked wonton cups filled with a creamy, cheesy mix of shrimp and crab. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and green onions, these poppers bake to a golden brown finish with a melty cheese topping, making a delicious and elegant snack or party treat.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 poppers 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Wonton Cups

12 wonton wrappers
Olive oil spray or melted butter (for crisping)
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Seafood Filling

1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1/2 cup cooked crab meat or imitation crab
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp green onions, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prep the Wonton Cups: Gently press the wonton wrappers into a greased mini muffin tin, making sure each wrapper forms a cup shape. Lightly spray with olive oil or brush with melted butter on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 7-8 minutes or until the wonton cups turn golden and crispy.
Make the Creamy Seafood Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked shrimp, crab meat, shredded mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, and garlic powder. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated into a creamy filling.
Stuff and Top the Cups: Spoon the creamy seafood filling evenly into each crispy wonton cup. After filling, sprinkle a small amount of additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each to create a cheesy crust when baked.
Bake to Melty Goodness: Return the stuffed wonton cups to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the filling becomes bubbly and the cheese on top is nicely browned.
Garnish and Serve Hot: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the poppers. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

You can substitute crab meat with imitation crab for a budget-friendly option.
Use fresh green onions for a vibrant flavor; scallions work well too.
For extra crispiness, you may brush the wonton cups with melted butter instead of olive oil spray.
Serve these poppers as appetizers or party snacks; they are best enjoyed warm.
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to blend easily with other ingredients.

Keywords: Seafood Poppers, Wonton Cups, Shrimp and Crab Appetizer, Cheesy Seafood Bites, Party Snacks, Easy Baked Appetizers