Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you can almost feel it in the air. The crisp autumn weather, the gathering of family, and of course, the incredible food. But let’s be honest, amidst all the excitement, there can be a little bit of pressure. Especially when you are asked to bring a dish. You want something that everyone will love, something that stands out, but also something that does not chain you to the kitchen for hours. That is where these amazing spinach artichoke wontons come in. They are one of my all time favorite Thanksgiving appetizer recipes, and I think they are about to become one of yours too.
This recipe takes the classic, creamy goodness of spinach artichoke dip and wraps it in a crispy, golden wonton package. It is the kind of appetizer that disappears from the plate in minutes. Seriously, you might want to make a double batch. They are bite sized, full of flavor, and so satisfying. They are the perfect way to kick off a festive meal and get everyone mingling and snacking. So let’s get into making some truly memorable Thanksgiving party food.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the texture is just incredible. You get that super satisfying crunch from the fried wonton wrapper. Then you bite into the warm, gooey, and savory filling. It is a fantastic combination that makes them so addictive. Every bite is a little burst of flavor and texture that keeps you coming back for more. It is a sensory experience that is hard to beat when it comes to appetizers.
Another reason to love these is how simple they are to prepare. They look impressive, right? Like something you would get at a nice restaurant. But the secret is, they are surprisingly easy to assemble. The steps are straightforward, and there is nothing too complicated here. This makes them a great choice for both seasoned cooks and kitchen beginners who want to bring something special to the table. They are fun to make, especially the folding part.
These are also the ideal Thanksgiving appetizers finger foods. No forks or plates required. Guests can just grab one and enjoy while they chat and catch up with loved ones. This convenience factor is a huge plus for any party host. Less mess means less cleanup, which is always a win, especially on a busy holiday like Thanksgiving. These little bites are designed for socializing and enjoying the moment.
Plus, this is a very versatile recipe. While I think it is one of the best Thanksgiving appetizer recipes, it is also wonderful for any get together. Think Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve, or even just a casual weekend gathering with friends. These holiday appetizers are always a hit, no matter the occasion. They are a reliable crowd pleaser you can turn to again and again.
Finally, they are quite budget friendly. The ingredients are all easy to find at your local grocery store and will not break the bank. You can create a large batch of delicious Thanksgiving party food without a hefty price tag. This is especially helpful during the holidays when expenses can add up quickly. You get a lot of wow factor for a very reasonable cost, which is something we can all appreciate.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for these little gems is wonderfully simple. Each component plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory. Here is what you will need to gather.
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 box frozen spinach, thawed and excess water squeezed out
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten
- oil for frying
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, seeded
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
A quick note on some of the ingredients. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature. This will make mixing the filling so much easier and ensure it is smooth and creamy. Also, and this is very important, squeeze as much water out of the thawed spinach as you possibly can. Excess moisture can make the filling watery and the wontons soggy. We want crispy, not soggy. For the artichoke hearts, the marinated kind in a jar adds an extra layer of flavor that you will love.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get to the fun part. Making these Thanksgiving appetizers finger foods is a really satisfying process. Just follow along with these simple steps, and you will have a perfect platter of crispy wontons in no time.
Step 1: Make The Filling
Grab a medium sized bowl. Add your softened cream cheese, the very well squeezed spinach, finely chopped artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Add a little pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Now, using a spatula or a spoon, stir everything together until it is well blended. You are looking for a thick, creamy mixture where all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Chill The Mixture
Once your filling is mixed, cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is more important than it sounds. Chilling the filling makes it firmer and much easier to scoop and place onto the delicate wonton wrappers. It helps prevent a messy filling process, trust me on this one.
Step 3: Fill The Wontons
Time to set up your assembly station. Lay a single wonton wrapper on a flat, clean surface like a cutting board. Take about one and a half teaspoons of the chilled cream cheese mixture and drop it right into the center of the wrapper. You do not want to overfill them, as they can be difficult to seal and might burst while frying. This is a key step for good Thanksgiving appetizer recipes.
Step 4: Shape The Wontons
Dip your finger or a small pastry brush into the beaten egg and lightly brush the edges of the wonton wrapper. This egg wash acts as the glue that will seal our little packages. Now, bring two opposite corners of the wonton together in the middle and pinch them firmly. Then, bring the other two corners up to meet in the middle and pinch everything together. You should have a neat little package shape. Repeat this process until all your filling and wrappers are used up.
Step 5: Fry To Perfection
In a deep pan or a Dutch oven, heat about four inches of oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do not have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of wonton wrapper in. If it sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, your oil is ready. Carefully place five or six wontons into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about three to five minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. They should be a beautiful golden color.
Step 6: Garnish And Serve
Once the wontons are perfectly fried, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help drain off any excess oil. While they are draining, quickly mix your diced tomatoes and chopped parsley in a small bowl with a tiny pinch of salt. Serve the warm wontons immediately. You can spoon the fresh tomato mixture over the top or serve it in a bowl on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious holiday appetizers!
How To Store Leftovers
Honestly, you might not have any leftovers. These things tend to vanish quickly. But on the off chance you do, storing them properly is key. Let the wontons cool completely to room temperature first. This prevents condensation from making them soggy. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container.
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you are ready to eat them again, do not use the microwave. It will make them soft and chewy. The best way to reheat them and bring back that amazing crispiness is in an oven or an air fryer. Just a few minutes at around 350 degrees Fahrenheit should do the trick. They will taste almost as good as when they were freshly made.
Tips
Want to make your wonton experience even better? I have a few extra tips for you. First, feel free to add a little kick to the filling. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice bit of warmth. You could also add some finely chopped garlic or green onions for another layer of flavor.
If you are not a fan of frying, you can try baking these or using an air fryer. For baking, place them on a baking sheet, spray them lightly with cooking oil, and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden and crisp. For the air fryer, cook them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They will still be delicious and a bit lighter.
You can also prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time to make your holiday cooking less stressful. The cream cheese filling can be made a day or two in advance and kept covered in the fridge. You can even assemble all the wontons ahead of time. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover them, and refrigerate for a few hours before you need to fry them. This makes cooking your Thanksgiving party food so much easier on the big day.
When frying, maintaining the oil temperature is important. If the oil is too hot, the wrappers will burn before the filling is warm. If it is not hot enough, the wontons will absorb too much oil and become greasy. A thermometer really helps, but the test piece method works well too. Small batches are your friend here. It ensures the oil temperature stays stable and every wonton cooks perfectly. Great Thanksgiving appetizer recipes are all about the details.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A simple, delicious, and crowd pleasing recipe that is sure to become a staple in your holiday menu. These spinach artichoke wontons are everything you want in an appetizer. They are crispy, creamy, savory, and just plain fun to eat. They prove that you do not need complicated techniques or expensive ingredients to create amazing Thanksgiving party food.
I really hope you give these a try for your next gathering. There is something so special about sharing homemade food with the people you care about, especially during the holidays. These little bites are more than just food; they are a way to create happy memories. Happy cooking, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of joy, laughter, and of course, fantastic food. These Thanksgiving appetizer recipes are a great place to start.
FAQ
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. To save time, you can prepare the filling up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the uncooked wontons a few hours before you plan to cook them. Just lay them in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
Can I Bake These Instead Of Frying Them?
Yes, you can. For a lighter option, you can bake them. Arrange the wontons on a baking sheet, give them a light spray with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. An air fryer also works great. Cook at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes. They will not be exactly the same as fried, but they will still be very tasty.
What Other Fillings Could I Use?
This is a great question because wonton wrappers are so versatile. You could try a buffalo chicken dip filling, a jalapeno popper filling with bacon and cheddar, or even a sweet filling like a spiced pumpkin cream cheese for a dessert version. The possibilities for these holiday appetizers are nearly endless.
Where Can I Find Wonton Wrappers?
You can usually find wonton wrappers in the refrigerated produce section of most major grocery stores. They are often located near the tofu and other refrigerated vegetarian products. They come in a square shape and are perfect for these Thanksgiving appetizers finger foods.
Spinach Artichoke Wontons
These crispy, golden wontons are filled with the classic, creamy goodness of spinach and artichoke dip. They are a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, squeezed spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper, and stir until well blended.
- Cover the bowl and chill the filling in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make it firmer and easier to handle.
- Place about one and a half teaspoons of the chilled filling into the center of a single wonton wrapper.
- Dip your finger or a small pastry brush into the beaten egg and lightly brush the edges of the wonton wrapper. This egg wash acts as the glue that will seal our little packages. Now, bring two opposite corners of the wonton together in the middle and pinch them firmly. Then, bring the other two corners up to meet in the middle and pinch everything together.
- In a deep pan or a Dutch oven, heat about four inches of oil to 350°F. Carefully place five or six wontons into the hot oil. Fry them for about three to five minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
- Once the wontons are fried, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. Mix your diced tomatoes and chopped parsley, and serve with the warm wontons immediately.
Notes
For an added kick, mix a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the filling.
If you prefer not to fry, you can bake these at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or cook them in an air fryer at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, until golden and crisp.
To save time, the cream cheese filling can be made a day or two in advance and kept covered in the fridge.
Maintaining the oil temperature is important. If the oil is too hot, the wrappers will burn before the filling is warm. If it’s not hot enough, they will become greasy.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
