Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon’s (Copycat)

Lisa - NorthEast Nosh Recipes

8 months ago

This is the best Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon’s Recipe

These crispy copycat wontons are one of my favorite appetizers when we have friends over or are hosting game day. They’re not expensive to make, and they taste delicious!

This Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon’s appetizer is a super simple recipe to make. Get your family in on making them and have a great at-home Chinese meal.

Why do you need to make this recipe?

You only need five ingredients, a few you may already have in your kitchen.
You can switch up the ingredients and add in whatever you’d like.
They’re super affordable, making them a great party appetizer.

Ingredients for this Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon Recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this Copycat Cream Cheese Rangoon Recipe. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements.

Vegetable Oil: I like to use vegetable oil for this recipe for frying because it has a high smoke point and won’t burn while you’re frying.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the main ingredient in the filling. I recommend setting your cream cheese on the counter for a bit before using it as this recipe requires softened cream cheese.
Scallions: Thinly sliced scallions or green onions give the filling a mild onion-like flavor.
Garlic Powder: Garlic adds a great spicy and pungent flavor.
Wonton Wrappers: You can pick up wonton wrappers at your local grocery store or online. You want to make sure that you get wonton wrappers and not egg roll wrappers.

How to Make this Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoons Recipe

This is how you can make Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoons. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions!

In a medium frying pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350 F. The oil should be about 3 inches deep.
In a medium bowl, cream the cream cheese, scallions, and garlic powder together.
Add about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Brush the edges with some room-temperature water.
Fold the corners of the wonton wrappers by placing the center of each side into the middle and pinch firmly to get that iconic look. Repeat until done with the cream cheese mixture.
Carefully place the wontons you made first into the oil making sure not to overcrowd them. Allow them to cook until they are golden brown. Remove the oil using a slotted spoon, and allow them to drain on paper towels. Repeat this process until all of the rangoons are fried.
Let them cool down for 5-10 minutes before serving with some sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Recipe Variations

There are many different ways that you can change up these panda express cream cheese rangoons.

Buffalo: Add in buffalo sauce for an added kick.
Crab: Add in crab meat (or imitation crab) to make delicious crab rangoon.
Vegan: Just make a super easy swap, trade out dairy cream cheese for vegan cream cheese.
Add-Ins: You can add red chili flakes, bacon, cheese, or cilantro to your cream cheese for a little bit of a different flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

How do I fold a Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon?

First, spread out all of your wonton wrappers.
Next, spoon in your cream cheese and scallion filling. Make sure that it is in the center of the wonton wrappers so you have enough room to fold it.
Then, brush the edges of the wonton wrappers with water or an egg wash.
Finally, fold all of the corners to the center and squeeze them together.

Can I use egg roll wrappers when making my cream cheese wontons?

If possible, I would stick with using wonton wrappers. If you can’t find them, then you can use egg roll wrappers. Keep in mind that egg roll wrappers are bigger, so you won’t need as many.

Can I cook my rangoons in the air fryer?

Yes! If you’re looking for an easier cleanup, then you can use your air fryer. Spray your air fryer basket before cooking and then place them in a single layer so that they cook evenly. Cook them for about eight minutes at 350 degrees F. Be sure to check them around the four-minute mark to see if they need to be moved or sprayed with oil.

What can I dip my homemade cream cheese rangoons in?

You can serve your cream cheese Rangoon’s with soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce. If you change up the recipe a little and make buffalo Rangoon’s, dipping them in a ranch or blue cheese sauce would be good. But traditionally, they’re dipped in sweet and sour sauce.

How to reheat leftover cream cheese rangoons?

I like to toss the premade Rangoon’s in the air fryer for about six minutes at 350 degrees F. If you’re using frozen Rangoon’s, I would say to cook them for around 8-12 minutes or until they’re warm all the way through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 375 degrees F for about 6 minutes to make them crispy again.

More Recipe Suggestions:

Cheese Rangoon’s with Sweet Ginger Chili Sauce

Beijing Beef (Panda Express Copycat)

Spicy Baked Mexican Chicken Egg Rolls

Crispy Sweet Corn Wontons

Chopped Thai Crunch Chicken Salad