Crispy Baked Butternut Squash Wontons: A Healthier, Flavorful Appetizer or Meal

Crispy Butternut Wontons, golden and delicious, fresh from the oven

While my kitchen often fills with the sweet aromas of baked goods and desserts, I promise that savory dishes also hold a special place in my culinary repertoire! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that perfectly bridges the gap between indulgent and wholesome: homemade wontons. But not just any wontons – we’re talking about incredibly **Crispy Baked Butternut Squash Wontons**. Forget the deep fryer; these oven-baked delights achieve a stunning crispiness that rivals their fried counterparts, offering a lighter, healthier alternative without compromising on flavor or texture. Plus, with a luscious butternut squash filling, they’re packed with seasonal goodness and vibrant taste.

The Magic of Baked Wontons: Crispy Perfection Without the Fryer

Traditionally, wontons are deep-fried to achieve their signature crispy exterior. While undeniably delicious, this method often adds extra oil and calories, making them a less frequent treat for many. The good news is that baking wontons can yield equally impressive results! By utilizing the oven, we transform these delicate parcels into golden, **crispy butternut wontons** that are light, airy, and wonderfully satisfying. The key lies in a hot oven, careful preparation, and a touch of egg wash to encourage that beautiful golden-brown finish and irresistible crunch. This healthier approach allows you to enjoy the savory joy of wontons more often, whether as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delightful light meal.

One of the greatest advantages of baking is the reduced cleanup. No splattering oil, no need to dispose of used cooking oil – just the simple joy of pulling a tray of perfectly **baked butternut wontons** from the oven. This method also ensures a more uniform cook, reducing the risk of over-fried or undercooked spots. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade wontons with less fuss and a lighter footprint.

Butternut Squash: A Versatile and Nutritious Star

For these particular wontons, I turned to a beloved autumn staple: butternut squash. Its naturally sweet, earthy flavor and creamy texture make it an ideal candidate for a rich and comforting wonton filling. Butternut squash isn’t just delicious; it’s also a nutritional powerhouse. It’s an excellent source of vitamins A and C, providing a healthy dose of antioxidants and immune-boosting properties. It also offers dietary fiber, potassium, and magnesium, contributing to overall well-being.

The versatility of butternut squash is truly remarkable. From soups and roasted sides to pasta dishes and, of course, these fantastic **butternut squash wontons**, it adapts beautifully to both sweet and savory applications. When pureed, it creates a smooth, velvety base that holds other flavors wonderfully, making it perfect for our creamy wonton filling.

Preparing Your Butternut Squash for the Perfect Puree

Before you can create the delicious filling, you’ll need to prepare your butternut squash. While simply baking it works, I’ve found a trick to make the process much easier, especially when dealing with its notoriously tough skin. Begin by boiling the whole squash in water for about 5-10 minutes. This softens the skin just enough to make it significantly easier to cut in half safely and efficiently. After boiling, carefully remove it from the water, let it cool slightly, then cut it lengthwise.

Once halved, scoop out the seeds and stringy bits. Don’t discard those seeds just yet! They can be cleaned, tossed with a little olive oil and salt, and roasted for a crunchy, healthy snack later. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake until fork-tender. This typically takes 30-45 minutes at 375°F (190°C), depending on the size of your squash. Once baked and cooled, simply scoop out the tender flesh and mash or blend it into a smooth puree. This step is crucial for achieving that silky, consistent filling that makes these **crispy butternut wontons** so delightful.

Crafting the Irresistible Butternut Wonton Filling

The heart of these wontons is their incredibly flavorful and creamy filling. Beyond the butternut squash puree, we incorporate a harmonious blend of ingredients that elevate the taste and texture. Ricotta cheese adds a delightful creaminess and tang, while grated Parmesan cheese brings a salty, umami depth. Breadcrumbs act as a binder, helping to absorb excess moisture and give the filling a more substantial, yet still smooth, consistency. Seasoning with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a hint of nutmeg perfectly complements the sweetness of the squash, adding warmth and a touch of sophistication. This combination ensures that each bite of your **baked butternut wontons** is bursting with balanced, comforting flavor.

When mixing your filling, aim for a consistency that is thick enough to hold its shape when spooned onto the wonton wrappers, but still pliable. If your squash puree is particularly moist, you might add a tiny bit more breadcrumbs, but usually, the measurements provided strike the perfect balance. This carefully crafted filling is what truly sets these **healthy wonton recipe** apart from the rest.

Wonton Wrapping Made Easy: Tips for Beginners

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of wrapping wontons! It’s a fun and relatively simple process that quickly becomes intuitive. For these **butternut squash wontons**, we’re using a straightforward triangle fold, which is perfect for beginners and ensures a good seal for baking. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Lay a single wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface or plate.
Spoon approximately 2 teaspoons of the butternut squash filling into the center of the wrapper. Avoid overfilling, as this can make sealing difficult.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of water and 1 large egg to create an egg wash. This acts as the “glue” for sealing the wontons.
Lightly brush all four edges of the wonton wrapper with the egg wash.
Take one corner of the wrapper and fold it diagonally over the filling to meet the opposite corner, forming a triangle.
Gently press down along all the edges to firmly seal the wonton, ensuring no air pockets remain. This step is crucial to prevent the filling from escaping during baking and to achieve that satisfying crispiness.
Place the sealed wonton onto a greased cookie sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling. Aim for about 12 wontons per standard cookie sheet to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping.

Take your time with the first few, and you’ll quickly get into a rhythm. The egg wash is your best friend here, creating a secure seal that keeps all that delicious filling locked inside.

Baking to Golden Perfection: Achieving that Signature Crisp

The final step to achieving truly **crispy baked butternut wontons** is, of course, the baking itself. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and ensure your cookie sheets are lightly greased with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Before placing them in the oven, take the remaining egg wash and lightly brush the tops and sides of each filled wonton. This egg wash isn’t just for sealing; it also contributes significantly to the golden-brown color and the ultimate crispiness of the baked wontons.

Bake the wontons for approximately 15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden color and feel firm and crisp to the touch. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. You want them perfectly bronzed, not burnt. The transformation from pale wrapper to a glistening, crunchy parcel is truly satisfying. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two before serving, allowing them to firm up slightly.

Beyond the Plate: Serving Suggestions and Delicious Dipping Sauces

These **Crispy Baked Butternut Squash Wontons** are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. They make an exceptional appetizer, perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or a sophisticated snack. Their elegant appearance and comforting flavor will undoubtedly impress your guests. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad beautifully complements the richness of the wontons.

Suggested Dipping Sauces for Your Crispy Butternut Wontons

While the original recipe suggests a spicy tomato sauce, and I often opt for a convenient jarred spaghetti sauce, don’t limit yourself! The right dipping sauce can truly elevate the experience of these **butternut squash wontons**. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Classic Tomato Sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, a good quality tomato sauce is a natural pairing. For an extra kick, you can infuse it with red pepper flakes, garlic, and fresh basil for a homemade spicy tomato sauce that mimics the original intent.
Sweet Chili Sauce: A popular choice for many Asian-inspired appetizers, sweet chili sauce offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy with a subtle hint of heat. Its vibrant flavor provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy butternut filling.
Soy-Ginger Dipping Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, a dash of sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, and a pinch of sugar. This creates a zesty and aromatic dip that adds a distinct Asian flair, perfect for a modern take on **homemade wontons**.
Creamy Herb Dip: For something a little different, consider a creamy dip made from Greek yogurt or sour cream mixed with fresh chives, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This offers a cool, refreshing contrast.

Experiment with different sauces to find your personal favorite – part of the fun of cooking is tailoring flavors to your taste!

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips

These **crispy butternut wontons** are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but with a little planning, you can make them work for your busy schedule:

Make-Ahead (Unbaked): You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the wontons up to a few hours before baking. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready.
Storage (Baked): Leftover baked wontons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Note that they will lose some of their crispiness.
Reheating: To regain some of their crisp texture, reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soft.

Baked Crispy Butternut Squash Wontons

Yield:
2 dozen

These **Crispy Butternut Squash Wontons** offer a healthier, oven-baked alternative to traditional fried wontons. Filled with a creamy, seasoned butternut squash mixture, they make a perfect appetizer or a light, flavorful meal. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and rich taste without the oil!

Ingredients

1 cup butternut squash puree (from about 1 small squash)
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
1 teaspoon water
1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
24 wonton wrappers
Tomato sauce, for dipping (or your preferred sauce)

Instructions

Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease two standard cookie sheets with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Set aside.
Make the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the butternut squash puree, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and evenly textured.
Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 teaspoon of water and 1 large, lightly beaten egg. This mixture will be used to seal the wontons and brush for a golden finish.
Assemble Wontons: Lay one wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the butternut squash mixture into the center of the wrapper. Dip your finger or a small pastry brush into the egg wash and lightly brush all four edges of the dough. Take one corner of the wrapper and fold it diagonally over the filling to meet the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Press down firmly along all the edges to create a tight seal, expelling any air. Carefully transfer the sealed wonton to one of the prepared cookie sheets. Repeat this process with the remaining wonton wrappers and filling. Each cookie sheet should comfortably hold 12 wontons without overcrowding.
Bake to Crispy Perfection: Once all wontons are assembled and on the cookie sheets, use the remaining egg wash to lightly brush the tops of each wonton. This egg wash will help achieve a beautiful golden color and a wonderfully crispy texture. Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the wontons are golden brown and deliciously crisp.
Serve: Carefully remove the crispy wontons from the oven. Let them cool slightly for a minute or two before serving hot with your choice of tomato sauce or another favorite dipping sauce.

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Why These Crispy Butternut Wontons Will Be Your New Favorite

In a world where quick and easy often means sacrificing health, these **Crispy Baked Butternut Squash Wontons** offer a refreshing alternative. They prove that you can achieve incredible flavor and satisfying texture through healthier cooking methods. The sweet, creamy butternut squash filling, encased in a perfectly crispy baked wrapper, creates a truly delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or simply craving a delicious and wholesome snack, these **oven-baked wontons** are sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection.

So, next time you’re looking for an appetizer that’s both impressive and simple to make, or a light meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition, reach for this recipe. Embrace the joy of homemade cooking and savor every crispy, flavorful bite of these wonderful butternut squash wontons!

Source: Recipe Zaar (inspiration for the original recipe)

For more delicious butternut squash recipes, be sure to check out my butternut squash alfredo – another comforting dish that highlights this amazing vegetable!