Prepare your taste buds for a truly unexpected and utterly delightful journey: the Turkey Bacon Wonton Cheesecake Slammer! This isn’t your average dessert; it’s a daring fusion that combines the rich, creamy decadence of cheesecake with the crispy crunch of a fried wonton, all punctuated by the surprising savory pop of turkey bacon. It’s a sweet and savory explosion that’s guaranteed to intrigue and impress everyone who tries it.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe might sound adventurous, but trust me, it’s a slam-dunk of flavor and texture! I love how it challenges traditional dessert norms, offering something truly unique. The crispy, golden wonton shell gives way to a smooth, sweet, and tangy cheesecake filling, with the finely chopped turkey bacon providing a subtle, smoky, and salty counterpoint that elevates the whole experience. It’s a conversation starter, a palate pleaser, and surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a fantastic addition to any party or a special treat for yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create these intriguing Turkey Bacon Wonton Cheesecake Slammers:
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 slices cooked turkey bacon, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, but a delicious addition!)
For the Wonton Shells:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
Optional Garnish:
- Caramel or chocolate sauce for drizzling
- Crushed graham crackers or extra chopped turkey bacon for topping
Swaps and Notes
- Bacon: While turkey bacon offers a leaner option, regular crispy pork bacon can be used if you prefer a more intense savory flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: The mini chocolate chips are optional, but they add a delightful classic cheesecake element. You could also try white chocolate chips or omit them entirely.
- Vanilla Extract: Good quality vanilla makes a difference. You can also experiment with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Wonton Wrappers: Ensure your wonton wrappers are fresh and pliable. Dried-out wrappers will crack.
- Oil for Frying: Canola, peanut, or sunflower oil are also suitable for frying. Maintain the correct temperature for best results.
- Garnish: Get creative with garnishes! A dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts would also be lovely.
Steps to Make Your Turkey Bacon Wonton Cheesecake Slammer
Let’s dive into making these unique sweet and savory treats!
- Make the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer (or by hand) until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps. Gently fold in the finely chopped cooked turkey bacon and the mini chocolate chips (if you’re using them). Cover the bowl and refrigerate the filling for 10-15 minutes. This chilling step helps the mixture firm up slightly, making it easier to handle when filling the wontons.
- Assemble the Wontons: Lay out your wonton wrappers on a clean, dry surface. Place approximately 1 heaping teaspoon of the chilled cheesecake mixture directly in the center of each wonton wrapper. Have a small bowl of water handy. Lightly moisten the edges of each wrapper with water (you can use your finger or a small pastry brush). Fold the wonton wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, carefully pressing the edges together to seal tightly, ensuring no filling escapes. For extra security and a more polished look, you can fold the two side corners of the triangle inward, resembling a small envelope.
- Fry the Wontons: Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or a sturdy pot to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to use a cooking thermometer to monitor the oil temperature; too cool, and the wontons will be greasy; too hot, and they’ll burn before cooking through. Carefully place the wontons into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and delightfully crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried wontons from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Dust and Garnish: While the fried wontons are still warm, lightly dust them with powdered sugar using a small sifter or fine-mesh sieve. If desired, drizzle with your choice of caramel or chocolate sauce. For extra texture and a continuation of the theme, sprinkle with crushed graham crackers or a little more finely chopped turkey bacon.
- Serve: Serve your Turkey Bacon Wonton Cheesecake Slammers warm or slightly cooled. The contrast between the warm, crispy exterior and the cool, creamy filling is what makes these so incredibly special!
Tips for Success
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature. This will prevent lumps and make for a silky-smooth filling.
- Don’t Overfill: A teaspoon of filling per wonton might seem small, but it’s enough! Overfilling will make sealing difficult and can cause bursting during frying.
- Seal Tightly: Take your time to properly seal the wonton edges. Any gaps can lead to the filling leaking out into the oil.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Consistent oil temperature is paramount for perfectly crispy, non-greasy wontons. Fry in small batches to avoid dropping the oil temp too much.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: While delicious warm, letting them cool for a few minutes allows the filling to set slightly and intensifies the crispy texture of the wrapper.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These unique wonton cheesecake slammer are dessert stars on their own, but here are some ideas for complementary pairings:
- A small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side for an extra creamy touch.
- A cup of hot coffee or a creamy chai latte to balance the sweetness.
- They make a fantastic, surprising addition to a dessert platter for parties.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These wonton cheesecake slammers are best enjoyed fresh due to their crispy nature. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, or in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in an air fryer or a conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to restore some crispiness. Microwaving will heat them but will make them soft.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the delightful combination of textures and unexpected flavors in these wonton cheesecake slammers, you’ll surely enjoy these other sweet treats:
- For another take on a crispy, cheesy favorite, try my Easy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive.
- If you’re into unique and decadent desserts, check out These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
- For a classic comfort dessert, you can’t go wrong with The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made And I’ve Made A Lot.
- If you love small, satisfying treats, these These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat To Bake Anytime are perfect.
- And for a quick, no-bake dessert, don’t miss This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack.
Final Thoughts
The Turkey Bacon Wonton Cheesecake Slammer is proof that some of the most exciting culinary experiences come from unexpected combinations. It’s sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy all in one bite – a true “slammer” of a dessert! Don’t be afraid to try something new; you might just discover your next favorite treat.
What’s the most surprising sweet and savory combination you’ve ever loved? Share your thoughts and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more unique and delicious recipes!
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