Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon Recipe

Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon recipe is a great appetizer that can be easily made at home. 

rangoons on wooden block with sauce

In the United States, Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoons have become a popular appetizer choice for people who enjoy Chinese takeout. 

These delicious, crispy, and creamy treats are a perfect way to kick off any meal.

They come in small and large sizes, so you can never eat too little or too much of them. 

The combination of a soft, tangy cream cheese filling inside a perfectly golden and crunchy wonton is nothing short of irresistible.

Recreating this Panda Express favorite at home is surprisingly quick and easy, making it a great option for a party appetizer or just an evening in with family and friends. 

With a few simple ingredients that you could find at a grocery store, like cream cheese, green onions, and wonton wrappers, you can impress your guests with these perfectly crispy and rich rangoons with little effort.

Some variations of the recipe even include a touch of garlic powder, adding some extra flavor to the cream cheese filling. 

Paired with your favorite dipping sauce, these homemade rangoons might just become your go-to appetizer for any occasion.

So skip out on your favorite Chinese restaurants and recreate the Panda Express menu at home instead! 

Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon Recipe

close up of rangoon

Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon is a popular appetizer that combines creamy filling with crispy wonton wrappers. 

This copycat recipe allows you to recreate this delicious dish at home, with a few simple ingredients and quick preparation.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 48 wonton wrappers
  • Oil for frying (canola oil or olive oil could be used)
  • Water for sealing

Preparation

  1. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, green onions, and garlic powder together until well combined.
  2. Take one wonton wrapper and place 1 tablespoon of the mixture of cream cheese in the center for a savory filling.
  3. Using your finger, dampen the edges of the wonton wrapper with water.
  4. On a flat surface, fold the wonton wrapper by pushing the four corners together in the middle and pressing them together to seal. You could put some wheat flour on the surface in order to avoid any sticking. Repeat this process for all 48 wonton wrappers.
  5. In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, preheat oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use oil with a high smoke point when frying. Make sure there’s enough oil to cover the wontons during deep frying.
  6. Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully add the cream cheese Rangoons to the hot oil, frying them in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
  7. Fry the Rangoons for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. This is done to ensure the crunch of the wonton.
  8. Remove the homemade cream cheese Rangoons from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs, and let them drain at room temperature on a paper towel-lined plate or large bowl to remove excess oil.

To make these Panda Express rangoons a real crowd pleaser, serve them with worcestershire sauce on game day. 

Gather all the necessary ingredients and follow these simple steps to create a delicious Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon at home. 

Enjoy this scrumptious, fried wonton appetizer with your friends and family!

Cooking Instructions

rangoons on platter

The best way to create a delicious dish of Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon is to simply follow these steps:

Prepare the filling

You’ll need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of minced scallions, and 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Combine these ingredients in a small bowl, mixing until well combined and creamy. This will be the filling for your rangoons.

Stuff the wontons

Take 24 wonton wrappers and place about a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each wrapper.

Fold the corners of the wrapper together, wetting the edges with a bit of water to seal them tightly.

Fry the rangoons

rangoons with sauce and garnish

Apply a cooking spray to your pot or deep fryer to avoid any sticking.

Preheat your oil of choice (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil) in a heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Any type of cooking oil will do, just as long as it’s high-heat oil. Once the temperature is reached, gently place four to five rangoons into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.

Cook until the rangoons are golden brown, which should take approximately 2-3 minutes on each side.

Serve and enjoy

When cooked to perfection, remove the rangoons from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs, and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serve your Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon warm, accompanied by a sweet and sour dipping sauce, such as a Thai sweet chili sauce.

Now, you can add these baked cream cheese wontons to your recipe card! 

If you need to store your rangoons for future enjoyment, follow these tips:

  • Place the cooked rangoons in an airtight container or a freezer bag and store them in your freezer. They can be stored this way for up to two months.
  • To reheat your frozen Rangoons, you can use an air fryer or a conventional oven to bring them back to their crispy, golden brown texture. Be sure to heat them in the air fryer basket or oven until they are warmed through. Just remember not to hold your Rangoons in the oven for a very long time. 

This quick and easy copycat Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon recipe will allow you to enjoy this popular item from the comfort of your own home, and is sure to get a 5-star rating. 

Enjoy your cooking experience!

Nutritional Information

a couple rangoons together on a plate

Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon is a popular appetizer known for its delicious combination of cream cheese, scallions, and spices wrapped in wonton wrappers and fried until golden and crisp. 

This copycat recipe allows you to enjoy this delicious treat at home.

In each serving, which consists of 3 pieces (2.4 oz) of Cream Cheese Rangoon, there are 190 calories, with 38% of those calories coming from fat, 51% from carbohydrates, and 11% from protein. 

Additionally, this appetizer contains some key nutrients, including small amounts of calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. 

However, it also contains saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, some of which comes from the dairy products used in this dish. 

So, it’s best to enjoy this dish in moderation.

Here’s a brief breakdown of the nutrients found in Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon:

rangoons with sauce and on a platter
  • Carbohydrates: The wonton wrappers contribute to the majority of the carbohydrates in this dish, accounting for 51.1% of the total calories.
  • Protein: With 11% of the calories coming from protein, this appetizer provides a small amount of this essential nutrient.
  • Sugar and Fiber: There is minimal sugar and fiber content in Cream Cheese Rangoon due to the nature of the ingredients used.

The cream cheese mixture itself mainly contains cream cheese, thinly sliced scallions, and garlic powder. 

Vegetable oil is used for frying the rangoons, which increases the overall fat content. 

To make the rangoons, you will need to seal the edges of the wonton wrappers with water before frying them to ensure they don’t open during the cooking process. 

The end result will resemble a star shape. 

After frying, the rangoons can be drained on paper towels to reduce the oil content.

While this recipe is similar to crab rangoon found at Pei Wei or PF Changs, it does not contain crab meat, and it is a popular option for vegetarians. 

The recipe is also quite simple and can be found on various copycat recipe websites.

It provides some essential nutrients but also contains saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, so moderation is key when enjoying this dish.

Storing and Reheating

eating rangonons in a restaurant

Refrigerator and Freezer Storage

Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoons are easy to make and delicious, but you might find yourself with leftovers. 

To store these rangoons, opt for an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. 

It is important to pack them without stacking so the wrappers stay crispy.

If you prefer to store them long-term, you can freeze the fried wontons in a sealed container for up to 6 months. 

Make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their shape.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy your Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoons again, reheating them properly is essential to retain their crispy texture and delicious filling.

  • For Rangoons stored in the refrigerator: Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the Rangoons in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until they reach your desired crispiness. Anything around 8-12 minutes will be enough to reheat the center of the wonton wrappers, as well as the corners of the wonton wrappers. 
  • For Rangoons stored in the freezer: Thaw them first before reheating. Preheat your oven to 375°F, place the Rangoons on a baking sheet without touching each other, cover the tray with aluminum foil, and reheat for about 5 minutes. You can brush egg wash on top of your Rangoons before they go into the oven to ensure that your Rangoons come out crispy as when first made. 

To ensure safety, always handle hot oil with care when frying the rangoons, use a pinch of filling to avoid overstuffing, and fold them into a triangle for easy handling.

Keep in mind that while they’re delicious and easy to make, Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoons do contain some monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. 

It is also important to be transparent about affiliate links if you include them in your content.

Serving Suggestions

rangoons in a to go box

Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoons are a versatile and delicious appetizer that can be enjoyed in various ways. 

They’re perfect as a party snack or a treat to accompany your favorite Chinese dishes like orange chicken.

Different dipping sauces can greatly enhance the flavor of these crispy rangoons. 

Some popular options include sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and even homemade concoctions like a spicy peanut dipping sauce. 

Feel free to experiment with your own combinations to create unique and tasty accompaniments.

When preparing Cream Cheese Rangoons for a gathering, you might consider offering a mix of traditional deep-fried rangoons and healthier baked alternatives. 

Using peanut oil for frying can provide a nice texture, while baking the rangoons can deliver a lighter, more delicate result. 

This way, you can cater to everyone’s preferences and dietary restrictions.

Once your Rangoons are ready, proper presentation is key to elevating the dining experience. 

Arrange them on a platter, accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces in small bowls

As these appetizers can be very hot straight out of the fryer or oven, it’s a good idea to let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving them to your guests.

For attractive and functional food presentation, ensure your table setup is visually appealing and well-organized. 

Serve the Rangoons alongside other Chinese-inspired dishes for a complete and satisfying Asian meal. 

So stop looking for your list of appetizer ideas, because these delicious cream cheese Rangoons are all you need and more! 

Finally, don’t forget to share your culinary masterpiece on social media! 

Post pictures of your beautifully presented Cream Cheese Rangoons on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest to inspire others and showcase your skills.

Variations and Adaptations

crispy rangoons on a wooden platter

Alternative Ingredients

If you’re looking to change up the classic Panda Express cream cheese rangoon recipe by having your dish deviate from the typical menu items at Panda Express, consider incorporating some of these ingredients into these new recipes for a unique culinary experience:

  • Add diced shrimp, crab, chicken, or ground pork for a protein-packed twist. You could also use imitation crab meat as a substitute for crab. 
  • Swap out traditional wonton wrappers with rice paper or egg roll wrappers for a different texture. Make your cream cheese rangoons even more interesting by making them look and taste like egg rolls. 
  • Experiment with additional spices or sauces, like sriracha, soy sauce, or ginger, to enhance the flavor profile.

Not only can these changes result in delicious alternative variations, but they also work well in combination with various Chinese dishes such as fried rice, chow mein, and stir fry to create a full, satisfying meal.

These recipes are sure to top your list of favorite appetizers, and you’ll have so much fun making them in your own kitchen. 

Dietary Modifications

crispy rangoons on a plate with lettuc

The traditional cream cheese rangoon recipe can be easily modified to accommodate special dietary needs or preferences:

  • Vegan: Replace the cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese alternative, and use vegan-friendly wonton wrappers.
  • Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free wrappers or try making the Rangoons with rice paper, which is naturally gluten-free. Additionally, ensure any side dishes, such as fried rice or chow mein, use gluten-free sauces and ingredients.
  • Lower Calorie: Rather than deep-frying the Rangoons, bake or air-fry them for a lighter finger food option.

Remember to always practice food safety when handling and preparing ingredients, especially when making modifications to the original recipe.

The versatility of this appetizer makes it perfect for gatherings and parties or as part of a dine-in experience at home. 

Even in locations such as California, where Panda Express is a popular dining option, these homemade adaptations can provide a unique twist on the traditional rangoon recipe. 

To get a better sense of how the final product should look, browse through pictures of copycat recipes and various cream cheese Rangoon recipes to guide your cooking process.

With these suggestions for alternative ingredients and dietary modifications, you can easily customize Panda Express cream cheese Rangoon to suit your preferences or dietary needs while still enjoying a delicious and satisfying appetizer or main course.

Final Thoughts

Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon is a tasty appetizer that deserves a spot on everyone’s list of favorite appetizers.

With its crispy exterior and creamy, flavorful filling, it’s no wonder this dish is loved by many.

The combination of cream cheese, green onions, and spices creates a delectable blend of flavors that perfectly balances richness and tanginess.

Served alongside a side of tangy sour sauce, these Cream Cheese Rangoons are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or as a delicious snack.

Recreating this recipe at home allows you to enjoy this irresistible appetizer anytime you crave it.

So, next time you’re looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in a delightful treat, try making Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon with its accompanying sour sauce for an unforgettable dining experience.

panda express cream cheese rangoon recipe Pinterest image

Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon Recipe

rangoons on platter

Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon is a popular appetizer that combines creamy filling with crispy wonton wrappers. 

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 48 wonton wrappers
  • Oil for frying (canola oil or olive oil could be used)
  • Water for sealing

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, green onions, and garlic powder together until well combined.
  2. Take one wonton wrapper and place 1 tablespoon of the mixture of cream cheese in the center for a savory filling.
  3. Using your finger, dampen the edges of the wonton wrapper with water.
  4. On a flat surface, fold the wonton wrapper by pushing the four corners together in the middle and pressing them together to seal. You could put some wheat flour on the surface in order to avoid any sticking. Repeat this process for all 48 wonton wrappers.
  5. In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, preheat oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use oil with a high smoke point when frying. Make sure there's enough oil to cover the wontons during deep frying.
  6. Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully add the cream cheese Rangoons to the hot oil, frying them in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
  7. Fry the Rangoons for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. This is done to ensure the crunch of the wonton.
  8. Remove the homemade cream cheese Rangoons from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs, and let them drain at room temperature on a paper towel-lined plate or large bowl to remove excess oil.

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