Crispy Seafood Poppers: The Ultimate Party Appetizer! Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Seafood Poppers are the ultimate party appetizer, combining flaky wonton cups with a creamy, cheesy seafood filling. These bite-sized treats are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for serving warm at any gathering.

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. Lightly spray with olive oil or brush with melted butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 7-8 minutes, or until the cups turn golden and crispy.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper, then mix until well combined.
3. Step 3: Spoon the creamy seafood mixture evenly into each baked wonton cup. Sprinkle a little more mozzarella cheese on top of each filled cup.
4. Step 4: Return the filled cups to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slightly browned top.
5. Step 5: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve the poppers warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute or add your favorite seafood like scallops or crab claws for different textures and flavors.
• Make the wonton cups ahead and keep them in an airtight container; fill and bake just before serving to save time.
• For extra crispiness, lightly brush the wonton cups with melted butter instead of olive oil spray.

Storage

Store any leftover seafood poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving to maintain crisp texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure the seafood is fully thawed, drained well, and cooked before mixing into the filling to avoid excess moisture.

Can I prepare these poppers ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can bake the wonton cups ahead and store them separately. Fill and bake just before serving to keep the cups crisp and the filling fresh.

Crispy Seafood Poppers: The Ultimate Party Appetizer! Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 140 reviews

These Crispy Seafood Poppers are the ultimate party appetizer, combining tender shrimp, crab meat, and creamy cheeses baked inside golden, crispy wonton cups. Perfectly bite-sized and bursting with savory flavors, they are easy to prepare ahead and sure to impress your guests.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 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 & black pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prep the Wonton Cups: Gently press each wonton wrapper into a greased mini muffin tin. Lightly spray with olive oil or brush with melted butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 7-8 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
2. Make the Creamy Seafood Mix: In a bowl, combine chopped cooked shrimp, crab meat, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, and garlic powder. Season the mixture well with salt and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients.
3. Stuff and Top the Cups: Spoon the creamy seafood filling evenly into each crispy wonton cup. Sprinkle a little more shredded mozzarella on top for added melty goodness.
4. Bake to Melty Goodness: Return the filled wonton cups to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are lightly browned.
5. Garnish and Serve Hot: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• These poppers are best served warm for optimal flavor and texture.
• Feel free to customize the seafood mix with your favorite seafood options.
• Can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Keywords: seafood poppers, crispy appetizer, wonton cups, party appetizer, shrimp, crab, cheese appetizer