A Short Story About the Recipe

Whenever I think of appetizers that never fail to impress, Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoons instantly come to mind. The first time I tried them, I was hooked by the crispy, golden wrapper that revealed a warm, creamy filling inside. I remember making them for a small gathering at home, and the platter disappeared in minutes. Since then, this recipe has become one of my go-to starters whenever I want to surprise guests or add a touch of restaurant-style fun to a homemade meal.

This dish is inspired by the classic Panda Express side, but it’s even better when made fresh in your own kitchen. The crunch of the wonton wrapper paired with the smoothness of cream cheese creates the perfect bite every time. It’s not just about taste—it’s about creating an experience that feels indulgent, but also achievable, right from your stovetop.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons why these cream cheese rangoons deserve a place in your kitchen. First, they are the perfect combination of creamy and crispy, giving you a texture balance that is truly satisfying. Second, they are quick to prepare, making them ideal when you need something tasty in a short amount of time. Most importantly, they are crowd-pleasers—no matter the age group or occasion, everyone seems to enjoy them.

You’ll also appreciate how simple the ingredients are. No fancy or hard-to-find items are required, which means you can whip them up on a whim without planning days in advance. They’re bite-sized, easy to handle, and fun to eat, making them a fantastic choice for gatherings, snacks, or side dishes.

Versatile

What makes this recipe even more exciting is its versatility. You can stick to the classic cream cheese filling or experiment with add-ins like scallions, garlic powder, or even shredded chicken for a heartier version. The rangoons can be baked for a lighter option, fried for that signature crunch, or even air-fried if you want something in between. They pair beautifully with dipping sauces like sweet and sour, soy sauce, or even spicy chili sauce for those who like a kick.

Affordable

Another reason to fall in love with these rangoons is their affordability. Wonton wrappers and cream cheese are budget-friendly staples, and the rest of the ingredients are minimal. For just a few dollars, you can make a large batch that would easily cost much more at a restaurant. This makes them a smart choice for families, students, or anyone who enjoys delicious food without overspending.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• Wonton wrappers

• Cream cheese, softened

• Green onions, finely chopped

• Garlic powder

• Salt

• Vegetable oil for frying

• Sweet and sour sauce (or dipping sauce of your choice)

How to Prepare This Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Making Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoons at home is much easier than you might think. The process involves creating a smooth cream cheese filling, wrapping it inside wonton wrappers, and cooking them until crisp and golden. Below is the step-by-step process to help you achieve the best results:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Begin by softening the cream cheese at room temperature. This step ensures the filling is smooth and easy to mix. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with finely chopped green onions. Add a pinch of salt and a light sprinkle of garlic powder to enhance the flavor. Mix everything together until well blended. The filling should be creamy with just enough seasoning to balance the richness of the cheese.

Step 2: Set Up the Wonton Wrappers

Lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean, dry surface. Keep a small bowl of water nearby, as you will use it to seal the edges. If the wrappers feel slightly dry, cover them with a damp kitchen towel to prevent cracking. This small preparation step ensures your rangoons turn out neat and crisp without losing their filling.

Step 3: Add the Filling

Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each wonton wrapper. Be careful not to overfill—about one teaspoon is enough. Overfilling may cause the rangoons to burst during cooking, so it is better to use less and make more.

Step 4: Fold and Seal

Dip your fingertip into the bowl of water and lightly wet the edges of the wonton wrapper. Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, pressing firmly along the edges to seal. For a more decorative touch, bring the two side corners together toward the center and press them lightly. This classic shape is what gives cream cheese rangoons their signature look. Make sure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking while frying.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pan, filling it to about two inches in depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dipping the corner of a wonton wrapper—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is at the right temperature.

Step 6: Fry the Rangoons

Carefully drop the rangoons into the hot oil, a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry them for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 7: Serve with Dipping Sauce

Once all the rangoons are fried, serve them hot with sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or any dipping sauce of your choice. The crisp shell with the creamy filling is at its best when enjoyed immediately.

Quick and Easy

Despite their fancy appearance, these rangoons are surprisingly quick and easy to prepare. The filling requires just a few ingredients, and the folding process becomes second nature after a few tries. Within 30 minutes, you can have a delicious appetizer ready to enjoy.

Customizable

One of the highlights of this recipe is how customizable it is. You can add finely shredded chicken or crab meat to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor. For a vegetarian twist, you might mix in finely chopped spinach or roasted peppers. If you prefer lighter options, bake the rangoons in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes or use an air fryer for a crisp texture with less oil.

Popular with Many People

These Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoons are universally loved. Their crispy exterior and creamy center make them appealing to both kids and adults. They are perfect for parties, family dinners, or casual movie nights at home. The bite-sized portions make them easy to share, and their flavor pairs well with a wide variety of dishes.

Whether served as a side with Asian-inspired meals or enjoyed as a snack on their own, they always leave a lasting impression. The best part is that you control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality while recreating a restaurant favorite in your own kitchen.

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These Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoons are crispy wontons filled with a creamy, savory mixture of cream cheese and green onions. They are quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and make the perfect appetizer for family meals, parties, or simple snacking at home.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 10
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package wonton wrappers
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Sweet and sour sauce (or dipping sauce of choice)

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Instructions

1. Place the cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl and allow it to soften at room temperature.
2. Add finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, and salt to the cream cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
3. Lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean, dry surface. Keep a small bowl of water nearby for sealing.
4. Place 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each wrapper.
5. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water using your fingertip. Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the edges to seal tightly. For the classic rangoon shape, bring the two side corners together and pinch lightly.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry 4–5 rangoons at a time for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Serve hot with sweet and sour sauce or your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

Do not overfill the wonton wrappers, as this may cause them to burst during frying.

Keep unused wonton wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.

For a lighter version, bake the rangoons at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes or air fry at the same temperature for 8–10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make cream cheese rangoons ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rangoons in advance by filling and folding them, then storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. If you need longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry them directly from frozen, just add an extra minute of cooking time.

Can I bake or air fry these instead of deep frying?
Absolutely. For a lighter version, brush the rangoons lightly with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden. Air frying is another excellent option. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even crisp.

What dipping sauces go best with cream cheese rangoons?
Sweet and sour sauce is the most popular choice, but you can also serve them with soy sauce, plum sauce, chili garlic sauce, or even a homemade Asian-style dipping sauce. Each option adds a unique flavor contrast to the creamy filling.

How do I prevent the rangoons from bursting while frying?
The key is to avoid overfilling the wrappers and to ensure the edges are sealed tightly. Press firmly when sealing and use just a teaspoon of filling. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough so the rangoons crisp quickly without absorbing too much oil.

Can I use different fillings?
Yes, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can mix in cooked shredded chicken, crab, or even finely chopped vegetables. Keep the cream cheese as the base to maintain the signature creamy texture while experimenting with flavors that suit your taste.