My aunt brought these to a backyard cookout last summer and within 10 minutes the whole tray was gone and everyone was asking who made them.

These oven baked 4-ingredient crispy wonton cups are exactly what my aunt brought to a backyard cookout last summer. I still remember watching the tray hit the picnic table and then basically vanish in under 10 minutes while everyone asked, “Who made these?” They’re crunchy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and use simple grocery-store ingredients you can grab on your way home from work. This is the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for last-minute parties, game nights, or when you just want an easy appetizer that looks way fancier than it actually is.

Serve these crispy wonton cups warm or at room temperature on a simple white platter so the golden edges and creamy centers really stand out. They pair perfectly with fresh veggies and ranch, a big green salad, or a casual spread of burgers and grilled chicken at a cookout. I like to set out a small bowl of extra salsa or hot sauce on the side for anyone who wants more kick, plus a pitcher of iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer. If you’re doing a party spread, they sit nicely next to chips and dip, meat and cheese boards, or fruit skewers for a mix of textures and flavors.

Servings: 24

24 square wonton wrappers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan (you’ll bake in two batches) with cooking spray or a thin swipe of oil so the wonton cups release easily.

Press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, gently pushing it down to form a little cup with the corners sticking up. Try to keep the bottom flat so the filling sits evenly. It’s okay if the wrappers overlap and wrinkle a bit—that’s what makes the edges extra crispy.

In a medium bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and salsa until smooth and well combined. It will look a little loose but should still be spoonable. Fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for topping.

Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each wonton cup, filling them about three-quarters full. Don’t overfill or the mixture can bubble over and soften the edges instead of letting them crisp up.

Sprinkle a pinch of the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each filled wonton cup. This extra cheese helps create that irresistible golden top that everyone reaches for first.

Bake the wonton cups in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the wonton edges are deep golden brown and crisp and the filling is hot and bubbly. If your oven has hot spots, rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.

Let the wonton cups cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This helps the filling set up slightly so it doesn’t spill out when you lift them. Use a small offset spatula or butter knife to gently loosen the edges and lift each cup onto a serving platter.

Repeat the process with the remaining wonton wrappers and filling if your muffin pan only holds 12 cups. Serve warm or at room temperature. Arrange them close together on a white serving platter so the golden edges and creamy centers are front and center—just like at that backyard cookout where they disappeared in minutes.

To change up the flavor, swap the salsa for chunky pico de gallo, black bean and corn salsa, or a jarred queso for extra cheesiness (just keep the total amount the same so the filling doesn’t get too runny). For a little protein, you can stir in finely chopped cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, or seasoned ground beef—just keep in mind that will add more ingredients beyond the basic four. If you like heat, use hot salsa and a sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese. For a milder, kid-friendly version, choose mild salsa and a classic mild cheddar or Colby Jack. You can also use low-fat cream cheese if you want to lighten things up slightly; just make sure it’s fully softened so it blends smoothly. To make ahead, you can press the wonton wrappers into the muffin tin and mix the filling up to one day in advance, storing the filling covered in the fridge. Fill and bake right before serving so the wontons stay crisp. Leftovers should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes until warmed and re-crisped. For food safety, keep the cream cheese and cheese refrigerated until you’re ready to mix, don’t leave the baked cups out at room temperature for more than about 2 hours at a party (or 1 hour if it’s very hot outside), and reheat leftovers to steaming hot before eating. Always discard any cups that have been sitting out too long or look or smell off.