Name: Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (≈ 450 g) country sausage – provides the savory, meaty base.; 8 oz (≈ 225 g) shredded Mexican blend cheese – gives the rich melt and flavor depth.; ¾ cup red bell pepper, diced – adds sweetness, color and crunch.; ¾ cup green bell pepper, diced – complements red pepper, adds freshness and vibrant green color.; ½ cup ranch dressing – brings creamy tang and helps bind the filling together.; 12 oz (≈ 340 g) wonton wrappers – form the crispy “cups” for the filling.

There’s something undeniably joyful about recipes that combine crispy, cheesy, and savory all in one bite — and these Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups deliver exactly that. Imagine golden, crunchy wonton shells cradling a creamy, flavor-packed filling of seasoned sausage, melted cheese, colorful bell peppers, and a hint of ranch tang. It’s the kind of easy comfort food that feels special without any fuss.

I first made these on a chilly evening when I needed something quick yet crowd-pleasing, and they’ve been a go-to appetizer ever since. Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish, these little cups are perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game-day snacks. Once you try them, you’ll see why they vanish as fast as they bake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Satisfying Flavor

Every bite of these Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups is a little flavor explosion — the smoky sausage, gooey cheese, and creamy ranch dressing melt together beautifully, perfectly balanced by the crisp, golden wonton shell. It’s indulgence in miniature form.

Simple Ingredients

You won’t need a long shopping list or anything fancy. This recipe comes together with pantry staples like country sausage, shredded cheese, bell peppers, ranch dressing, and wonton wrappers. No hunting for hard-to-find ingredients — just real food that tastes amazing.

Ease of Preparation

This recipe is refreshingly straightforward: brown the sausage, mix the filling, fold the wonton wrappers into a muffin tin, and bake twice. It’s practically foolproof, and even beginner cooks can pull it off with confidence.

Customizability

Want to make it spicy? Add diced jalapeños or hot sausage. Prefer a different flavor? Try sharp cheddar or pepper jack. You can even swap the wrappers for mini tortillas or use a large muffin tin for bigger portions — these little cups are as adaptable as they are delicious.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients

1 lb (≈ 450 g) country sausage – provides the savory, meaty base and hearty texture.
8 oz (≈ 225 g) shredded Mexican-blend cheese – melts beautifully, giving that irresistible gooey finish and rich, creamy flavor.
¾ cup red bell pepper, diced – adds subtle sweetness, a pop of color, and a bit of crunch.
¾ cup green bell pepper, diced – balances the red pepper with freshness and a mild, earthy note.
½ cup ranch dressing – adds creamy tang, binding all the ingredients together while giving the filling that signature flavor twist.
12 oz (≈ 340 g) wonton wrappers – the secret to those crisp, golden “cups” that hold everything in place.

If you’re missing something, don’t worry — this recipe forgives substitutions. Swap in sharp cheddar for bolder flavor, use Italian sausage for a herby kick, or lighten things up by skipping the ranch and adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt instead.

How to Make Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about recipes that look impressive but come together with minimal effort — and these Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups fit that description perfectly. They’re crisp on the outside, creamy and savory inside, and ready in less than 40 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how to make them step by step.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Start by warming your oven so it’s ready when you are. This moderate temperature ensures the wonton cups bake up golden and crisp without burning.
Cook the sausage.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the country sausage and cook until well browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This takes about 6–8 minutes. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to keep your cups crisp and not greasy.

Tip: If you’re using lean sausage, you may not need to drain at all.
Prep your veggies.
While the sausage cooks, dice the red and green bell peppers into small, even pieces. Keeping the dice small helps them blend seamlessly into the filling, giving each bite color, texture, and sweetness.
Form the wonton cups.
Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray (unless you’re using a non-stick tin). Press a wonton wrapper into each cup, folding the edges outward to create a flower-like shape. Bake for 5–10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and crisp.

Tip: Don’t skip this pre-bake step — it helps the cups hold their shape and stay crunchy once filled!
Make the filling.
In a mixing bowl, combine the browned sausage, shredded Mexican-blend cheese, diced bell peppers, and ranch dressing. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and gooey.
Fill the cups.
Spoon the sausage-cheese mixture into each prebaked wonton shell, filling them nearly to the top. Avoid overfilling — the cheese will bubble beautifully as it bakes.
Bake again.
Return the muffin tin to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, or until the filling is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is fully melted.
Cool slightly and serve.
Let the cups rest for 5 minutes before serving. This quick pause helps the shells stay crisp and makes them easier to pick up.

Each batch makes about 12 servings, and each cup contains roughly 225 kcal, making them an ideal snack or appetizer that feels indulgent but balanced.

What to Serve with This Recipe

Suggested Pairings

These Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups are versatile — they shine as appetizers, snacks, or even a fun dinner option with a few sides. Here are some pairing ideas to make your spread extra delicious:

Cold drinks: Serve with a crisp lager or pilsner for adults, or keep it family-friendly with iced tea or fresh lemonade.
Dipping sauces: Offer extra ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or salsa verde for those who love a little kick.
Side dishes: A fresh green salad cuts through the richness perfectly. Or try roasted sweet potato wedges or colorful vegetable crudités for a balanced plate.
Occasion ideas: These are a hit at game-day gatherings, holiday parties, potlucks, or casual dinners. They’re easy to pop, serve, and love — no utensils needed!

Whether warm from the oven or served at room temperature, these cups keep their irresistible crunch and cheesy pull that keeps guests coming back for seconds.

Variations and Substitutions

Part of what makes this recipe so fun is how adaptable it is! You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, diet, or mood while keeping the same crave-worthy crunch.

Spicy or Jalapeño Version

Turn up the heat by swapping some or all of the bell peppers for fresh or pickled jalapeños. You can also sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes while browning the sausage for extra kick. This idea was inspired by Cooking in the Midwest, where bold flavor always takes center stage.

Cheese Swap or Extra Cheesy

If you’re a cheese lover, experiment with sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or Colby-Jack for a flavor twist. For extra creaminess, stir in 2 ounces of softened cream cheese before filling your cups. This rich touch, inspired by Mel’s Kitchen Cafe, makes the filling even silkier and more indulgent.

Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free wonton wrappers or even small corn tortilla cups as the base. Make sure your sausage is certified gluten-free, and try dairy-free cheese or a vegan ranch dressing if you’re avoiding dairy. The flavor stays just as comforting, with no compromises on texture or taste.

Storage Instructions

Keeping your Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups fresh and crisp is easy with just a little care. Whether you’re making them for a party or prepping ahead, these storage tips ensure every bite stays just as delicious as the first.

Room Temperature Storage

If you’re serving these the same day, they can safely sit out at room temperature for up to 1–2 hours — perfect for parties or potlucks. They hold their crunch best when kept on a wire rack instead of a solid plate, preventing the bottoms from softening.

Refrigeration Tips

Got leftovers? Simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, pop them back into the oven or air fryer at 350 °F (175 °C) for a few minutes to restore that golden crispness — avoid microwaving, as it softens the shells.

Freezing Instructions

For longer storage, you can freeze these little cups with great success. Prebake the wonton shells, let them cool, then fill with the sausage mixture. Arrange on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake from frozen at 350 °F for 10–12 minutes until hot and crisp. (Tip adapted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe.)

Recipe Tips and Tricks

These expert tips will help you make perfect Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups every time — crisp, flavorful, and irresistibly golden.

Drain the cooked sausage well — excess grease can make the wonton shells soggy.
Pre-bake the wonton wrappers for 5–10 minutes to create crisp edges and help them hold shape. (Mel’s Kitchen Cafe)
Use room-temperature wonton wrappers to prevent tearing when pressing into the muffin tin. (The Tipsy Housewife)
Don’t overfill — leave a little space at the top so the filling doesn’t spill as it bubbles.
Choose your muffin tin wisely — use a standard tin for generous cups or a mini tin for bite-sized appetizers.
Reheat in oven or air fryer to keep them crispy; microwaving will make them soft.
Add a finishing touch: sprinkle chopped chives, green onions, or a dash of smoked paprika before serving for color and flavor.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups, try these next:

Creamy Cowboy Soup – Hearty, cheesy, and perfect for cold evenings.
Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake

FAQs

Can I use egg roll wrappers instead of wonton wrappers?

Yes — simply cut them into squares to fit your muffin tin. The texture will be slightly thicker, so bake a minute longer for that perfect crunch.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can pre-bake the wonton cups and prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Can I make these vegetarian or meat-free?

Yes! Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage, crumbled tofu, or even seasoned lentils. Keep the rest of the recipe the same for a hearty, meatless version.

How can I make them lighter?

Opt for lean turkey or chicken sausage, reduce the cheese slightly, and use a Greek-yogurt ranch dressing. Bake until just golden for a lighter yet equally satisfying bite.

Conclusion

With their crispy wonton shells, melty cheese, and savory sausage filling, these Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups are proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion — from cozy nights in to festive gatherings.

Give this recipe a try and make it your own! Share your creations, pin it for later, or leave a comment with your favorite twist. Here’s to happy baking and even happier snacking — because little bites like these make life delicious.