There’s a reason fried cheese never goes out of style. Something about that first crackling bite giving way to warm, stretchy cheese just works, no matter how many times you’ve had it before. Our Crispy Pepper Jelly String Cheese Wontons take that irresistible formula and dress it up with a golden, crispy wonton wrapper and a spoonful of sweet, slightly spicy pepper jelly tucked right alongside the cheese.
We built this recipe to bring together two things we love: the fold-and-fry technique you’d find at your favorite dumpling counter, and the rich, melty character of Renard’s String Cheese. It’s the kind of appetizer that travels well from tailgate to holiday table to game day spread, and it comes together with just a handful of ingredients you can prep ahead of time.
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just want a next-level snack, here’s everything you need to know before you start folding.
What Makes These Wontons So Addictive?
The magic is in the contrast: a shatteringly crisp wrapper around cheese that stays soft and stretchy, with pepper jelly’s sweet heat cutting through the richness in every bite.
String cheese is built for this kind of filling. It melts evenly and holds its shape just long enough to give you that satisfying cheese pull, instead of turning into a puddle in the fryer. Pair that with pepper jelly, which brings sweetness up front and a gentle kick behind it, and you get an appetizer that keeps people reaching for one more. Serve them with extra warmed pepper jelly on the side for dipping, and they disappear fast.
What Ingredients Do You Need?
Just six ingredients: String cheese, wonton wrappers, pepper jelly, egg wash, oil for frying, and scallions if you want a fresh garnish.
• 8 string cheese sticks; we recommend Renard’s String Cheese for its clean melt and mild, milky flavor
• 16 wonton wrappers
• ¼ cup pepper jelly, plus more for serving
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon
• Oil, for frying
• Thinly sliced scallions, for optional garnish
Want to switch things up? Our chefs suggest swapping in cranberry pepper jelly instead. The tart-sweet heat of cranberry pepper jelly plays beautifully off the mozzarella’s mild, creamy flavor, and it makes an equally good dipping sauce for the finished wontons.
How Do You Fold a Pepper Jelly Wonton Without It Leaking?
Keep the pepper jelly to about ½ teaspoon per wonton and seal the edges firmly with egg wash. That’s really all it takes to keep the filling in and the oil out.
Place your wonton wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you, then set a piece of string cheese slightly below center. Spoon the pepper jelly alongside the cheese, not on top of it, so it doesn't squeeze out when you fold. Brush the edges with egg wash, fold the bottom corner up and over the filling, fold in both sides, then roll tightly toward the top corner like a miniature egg roll. Press firmly to seal, and you're ready for the fryer.
Can You Air Fry These Instead of Deep Frying?
Absolutely. Just brush or spray the wontons with oil and air fry at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, for nearly the same crisp exterior with a fraction of the oil.
The air fryer is a great option for smaller batches or an easy weeknight snack, since there’s no oil to heat and monitor. If you’re frying for a party, though, a shallow pan of oil at 350°F will still give you the deepest golden color and the most satisfying crunch, about 1½ to 2 minutes per batch.
Bring Artisan Quality to Your Next Gathering
However you cook them, these wontons are proof that a few well-chosen ingredients can make for one seriously craveable appetizer. We think that starts with the cheese. Renard’s String Cheese is handcrafted in small batches right here in Door County, Wisconsin, using traditional, time-honored techniques instead of shortcuts, which is exactly why it melts so beautifully into every wonton. Choosing a small, local cheesemaker over a mass-produced brand means every batch you fry up is backed by real craftsmanship.
Next time you’re planning a gathering, big or small, add these to the menu. Pick up a pack of Renard’s String Cheese and your favorite pepper jelly, and get to folding. Your guests will be asking for the recipe before the plate’s empty.
Crispy Pepper Jelly String Cheese Wontons
Makes 16 wontons
Crispy golden wontons filled with warm, melty string cheese and sweet, slightly spicy pepper jelly. Serve with additional warmed pepper jelly for dipping.
Ingredients
• 8 Renard’s String Cheese sticks
• 16 wonton wrappers
• ¼ cup pepper jelly, plus more for serving
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon
• Oil, for frying
• Thinly sliced scallions, for optional garnish
Instructions
1. Cut each string cheese stick in half crosswise to make 16 pieces.
2. Place one wonton wrapper on a clean work surface with one corner pointing toward you.
3. Place one piece of string cheese slightly below the center of the wrapper.
4. Spoon about ½ teaspoon pepper jelly alongside the cheese. Avoid using too much, as excess jelly can cause the wonton to leak.
5. Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with the egg wash.
6. Fold the bottom corner over the filling. Fold in both sides, then roll tightly toward the top corner, similar to a miniature egg roll. Press firmly to seal.
7. Repeat with the remaining wrappers, cheese, and pepper jelly.
8. Heat about 1½–2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet or saucepan to 350°F.
9. Working in batches, fry the wontons for approximately 1½–2 minutes, turning as needed, until crisp and golden brown.
10. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain.
11. Serve immediately with warm pepper jelly for dipping. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions if desired.
Air Fryer Option
Lightly brush or spray the wontons with oil. Air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway through, until crisp and golden.
Chef’s Note
Keep the string cheese cold until you’re ready to assemble and cook the wontons. Cold cheese gives the wrapper time to become crisp before the cheese gets too hot and begins to escape.
Cranberry pepper jelly is especially delicious with mozzarella. The tart-sweet heat provides a flavorful contrast to the mild, creamy cheese, while additional warmed jelly makes an excellent dipping sauce.
