Basil Mozzarella Wontons with Tomato Dipping Sauce

Looking for a new and delicious Italian-inspired appetizer? This is the one! My basil and mozzarella wontons are made with fresh mozzarella cheese wrapped in basil leaves, wonton wrappers and then deep-fried to perfection. And, to go with this delicious appetizer, a simple tomato dipping sauce. You’ll love the classic Italian flavors of this unique appetizer preparation! It’s a new twist on classic Italian cuisine!

What’s Inside the Wontons

When you bite into these little mozzarella wontons, you’ll be surprised with warm, melted mozzarella cheese wrapped in the crunchy wonton wrapper and the refreshing flavor of fresh basil. The flavor combination is spectacular! I like to make my own dipping sauce for this recipe but you could use any pre-made tomato sauce of your choosing! Even pre-made pesto would work well with these wontons!

How to Make Mozzarella Wontons

Here’s how to make these easy appetizers!

1. Drain the mozzarella cheese balls and place into small bowl. You can also cut a large block of fresh mozzarella cheese into small cubes. Toss with salt and vinegar. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes. Then drain again.
2. Heat 2 inches of oil in a small sauce pan over medium heat to 300F. Meanwhile, prepare the wontons. Have a pastry brush and bowl of water ready. For each wonton, moisten the edges of the wrapper right before shaping appetizer. Place 1 mozzarella ball and 1 basil leaf in the center. Pull the edges together, then fold over the front to create the iconic wonton shape. Place the prepared wontons onto cutting board or tray.
3. Fry 4 to 6 wontons at a time in the hot oil. Turn them frequently and fry until they’re golden brown. Remove the wontons carefully with a slotted spoon and place onto paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. For the sauce: Place all the dip ingredients into blender and pulse the ingredients until smooth and garlic is finely minced. Pour the mixture into small sauce pan. Heat the over medium heat, whisking occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until sauce is reduced and garlic is cooked.
5.  Serve the wontons warm with warm dipping sauce.

More Recipes!

Enjoyed this easy appetizer recipe? Check out some of my other recipes you’re sure to enjoy!

• Burrata Bruschetta – easy and delicious bruschetta with burrata cheese and prosciutto!
• Bacon & Cheese Mini Peppers – these are so delicious and cheesy, stuffed with extra cheese and bacon bits!
• Avocado Chicken Eggs Rolls – inspired by the Cheesecake Factory favorite, with chimichurri sauce!

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Basil Mozzarella Wontons with Tomato Dipping Sauce

30 mins prep + 15 mins cook

24 servings

Easy and delicious deep-fried mozzarella wontons with fresh basil and tomato dipping sauce!

Ingredients 

• 24 square wonton wrappers
• 24 fresh mozzarella cheese balls, drained
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 24 large basil leaves
• canola oil for frying
• 1 1/2 cups store-bought marinara sauce
• OR make your own sauce

For Dipping Sauce:

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 large tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire
• 4 garlic cloves
• small bunch fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon EACH: dried basil, salt, sugar
• fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

• Drain the mozzarella cheese balls and place into small bowl. You can also cut a large block of fresh mozzarella cheese into small cubes. Toss with salt and vinegar. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes. Then drain again.
• Heat 2 inches of oil in a small sauce pan over medium heat to 300F. Meanwhile, prepare the wontons. Have a pastry brush and bowl of water ready. For each wonton, moisten the edges of the wrapper right before shaping appetizer. Place 1 mozzarella ball and 1 basil leaf in the center. Pull the edges together, then fold over the front to create the iconic wonton shape. Place the prepared wontons onto cutting board or tray.
• Fry 4 to 6 wontons at a time in the hot oil. Turn them frequently and fry until they're golden brown. Remove the wontons carefully with a slotted spoon and place onto paper towels to drain any excess oil.
• For the sauce: Place all the dip ingredients into blender and pulse the ingredients until smooth and garlic is finely minced. Pour the mixture into small sauce pan. Heat the over medium heat, whisking occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until sauce is reduced and garlic is cooked. 
• Serve the wontons warm with warm dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 229mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 194IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 1mg