Crispy Seafood Poppers Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Seafood Poppers are a delightful appetizer that combines tender shrimp and crab with creamy cheese wrapped in a crunchy wonton cup. Perfect for parties or a special snack, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and full of flavor.

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

1. Step 1: Gently press wonton wrappers into a greased mini muffin tin to form cups. Spray with olive oil or brush with melted butter. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 7-8 minutes until golden and crisp.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a creamy seafood filling.
3. Step 3: Spoon the creamy seafood mixture into each baked wonton cup, filling them generously. Sprinkle a little extra mozzarella cheese over the tops.
4. Step 4: Return the stuffed cups to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve the poppers warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For added spice, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the seafood filling.
• Use fresh crab meat when possible for a more authentic seafood flavor, or substitute with canned crab for convenience.
• Try different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a unique twist.
• If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can shape wonton wrappers by hand or use regular muffin tins with folded wrappers.

Storage

Store leftover seafood poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the wonton shells soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and crab meat, but make sure they are fully thawed and drained before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

How do I make the wonton cups crispy?

Spraying the wonton wrappers with olive oil or brushing with melted butter before baking helps them crisp up nicely. Baking them ahead of time until golden also ensures they stay crunchy when filled.

Crispy Seafood Poppers Recipe

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4.7 from 99 reviews

Crispy Seafood Poppers are delightful bite-sized appetizers featuring creamy mixtures of shrimp, crab meat, and cheeses baked inside crunchy wonton cups. Perfect for parties or a savory snack, these poppers combine a crispy texture with a melty, flavorful seafood filling enhanced by green onions and garlic powder, finished with a fresh parsley garnish.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 poppers 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wonton Cups

• 12 wonton wrappers
• Olive oil spray or melted butter (for crisping)

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 and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prep the Wonton Cups: Gently press each wonton wrapper into the compartments of a greased mini muffin tin. Lightly spray or brush them with olive oil or melted butter to help achieve a golden crisp. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 7-8 minutes until the wonton cups are golden and crisp.
2. Make the Creamy Seafood Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked shrimp, crab meat or imitation crab, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, and garlic powder. Season the mixture well with salt and black pepper to taste, mixing until fully combined and creamy.
3. Stuff and Top the Cups: Spoon the creamy seafood filling into each crispy wonton cup, filling them generously. Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each filled cup to encourage a bubbly, melted topping.
4. Bake to Melty Goodness: Return the filled wonton cups to the oven and bake them for another 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
5. Garnish and Serve Hot: Remove the seafood poppers from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve them warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

• Use cooked shrimp and crab meat to avoid undercooking during baking.
• Wonton cups can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving with the filling.
• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
• If you don’t have mini muffin tins, use a similar-sized baking mold to shape the wonton cups.
• These poppers are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: seafood poppers, crispy wonton cups, shrimp appetizer, crab meat appetizer, party snacks, baked seafood bites