Hands down, the best appetizer ever!

Back in the day, when cold Minnesota winters kept us huddled inside, Grandma would whip up these delightful Baked Sausage and Cheese Mini Wontons. Crisp on the outside with a warm, cheesy goodness inside, they have a way of bringing everyone together around the table. This recipe blends the old-fashioned comfort of Midwestern cooking with a modern twist, making it a delightful treat for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.

These savory mini wontons pair beautifully with a fresh green salad, perhaps with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup or a creamy potato salad. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, add a side of sweet corn succotash or some classic baked beans to bring out the nostalgic flavors of a Midwestern feast.

Servings: 24 mini wontons

1/2 pound ground sausage
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
24 wonton wrappers
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter for brushing

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it's browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.

Place a wonton wrapper onto a clean, flat surface.

Spoon about a teaspoon of the sausage mixture into the center of the wrapper.

Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a bit of water, then fold it over to form a triangle, pressing the edges together to seal.

Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Arrange the filled wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Brush the wontons lightly with olive oil or melted butter.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the wontons are golden brown and crispy.

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

For a different twist, try using Italian sausage instead of regular ground sausage, or substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a gooey surprise. You can also add a dash of Italian seasoning to the filling for extra flavor. If you're catering to a crowd that enjoys a bit of heat, toss in some finely chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.