Crispy Seafood Cheese Poppers

Crispy Seafood Poppers are my go—to for easy entertaining and family movie nights These tiny seafood bites tuck rich shrimp and crab filling into crunchy wonton cups then finish with golden bubbling cheese The first time I made them for a holiday gathering the platter disappeared before dinner even started

The first time I served these for a laidback family game night my brother asked for them every birthday since even the seafood skeptics polished them off

Ingredients

• Wonton wrappers: create the shatteringly crisp edible shell look for ones that are soft and not dry or cracked for easiest shaping
• Cooked shrimp: for tender seafood flavor use small or medium sized ones already peeled saves prep time
• Crab meat or imitation crab: adds a sweet briny taste fresh crab is best but the surimi version works well for convenience and texture
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: gives a gooey melted top and helps the filling hold together whole milk mozzarella creates the best stretch
• Cream cheese: softens the filling for creaminess let it come to room temperature for easy blending
• Green onions: bring a fresh bit of sharpness look for firm bright green stalks
• Garlic powder: seasons the mixture evenly without the bite of raw garlic
• Salt and black pepper: round out the flavors adjust both to your taste
• Olive oil spray or melted butter: helps crisp and brown the wonton cups in the oven opt for good quality extra virgin olive oil or real butter
• Fresh parsley: a sprinkle to finish adds color and a little herbal note flat leaf holds up better for topping

Instructions

Prep the Wonton Cups:

Gently work each wonton wrapper into the wells of a greased mini muffin tin pressing them so they sit flat on the bottom and come up the sides Lightly mist with olive oil spray or paint with a brush loaded with melted butter These need to bake in a preheated oven at three seventy five degrees Fahrenheit until they are light golden crisp and firm to the touch This usually takes about seven or eight minutes

Make the Creamy Seafood Mix:

In a bowl blend together chopped shrimp flaked crab shredded mozzarella and room temperature cream cheese Toss in a spoonful of chopped green onions and garlic powder Mix until the filling looks evenly combined and creamy Season well with your chosen amount of salt and pepper Be sure to taste and adjust so it pops with flavor

Stuff and Top the Cups:

Use a spoon to carefully fill each cooled wonton cup with the seafood mixture Fill right to the rim without overfilling Top each one with a little extra mozzarella for extra golden melt

Bake to Melty Goodness:

Return the muffin tin with stuffed cups to the oven Bake for five to seven minutes more Just wait for the tops to bubble and brown and watch for those cheese edges to crisp up slightly

Garnish and Serve Hot:

Once they emerge from the oven scatter over freshly chopped parsley Slide a thin knife around each one to lift out Serve immediately while still hot and crunchy

Fresh green onions have always been my special addition Their clean bite cuts through the creamy base and brings life to the whole popper Every time I see my family leaning in for seconds I know those crunchy edges and creamy seafood middles are the reason

Storage and Leftover Tips

Once cooled to room temp poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to two days Recrisp them in a hot oven for best results Do not microwave or the wrappers turn soft If freezing store filling and wonton cups separately then assemble before baking for a fresher crunch

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Use cooked salmon or even canned tuna instead of shrimp for a different seafood theme Swap mozzarella for a smoky gouda or cheddar Cheese choice can be fun to play with Try dill or chives instead of parsley for the finish

Perfect Ways to Serve This

These poppers work on appetizer trays with lime wedges or a cooling dip like ranch Creamy slaw or a crisp salad on the side make it more of a meal I love them served warm as a quick snack for drop in guests or after school crowd

Make these ahead for ultimate convenience and you will always have a party—ready snack on hand They are guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation?

Yes, fresh crab imparts richer flavor and texture, making it a delicious substitute for imitation crab.

→ What type of shrimp works best?

Cooked small or medium shrimp, chopped for even distribution, works well for filling these poppers.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and wonton cups in advance, but bake them just before serving for best crispness.

→ Are there alternative cheeses I can use?

Mozzarella provides gooey texture, but cheddar or Monterey Jack can be used for a sharper flavor.

→ How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Bake the empty wonton cups first for crispness, then fill and return to the oven until bubbly and golden.