If you are looking to impress your friends with a dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious, you have to try this Cannoli Dip with Homemade Wonton Chips Recipe. It takes the essence of traditional cannoli—creamy ricotta, sweet orange zest, and a touch of chocolate—and presents it in a playful, shareable dip form. Paired with crispy, golden wonton chips, this recipe turns sleepy weeknight gatherings or parties into joyful, flavor-packed celebrations. You’re about to discover a fresh twist on a classic Italian treat that’s irresistibly good and surprisingly simple to whip up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cannoli Dip with Homemade Wonton Chips Recipe plays a crucial role, and you’ll be amazed at how just a handful of pantry staples come together to create layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy ricotta base to the bright zing of orange zest, every element has a purpose in making this dish truly special.
- Peanut oil: Ideal for frying wonton chips to a perfect, crispy golden hue with a neutral flavor.
- Wonton wrappers: The foundation for your homemade chips; halving them diagonally creates perfect triangles for dipping.
- Kosher salt: A sprinkle on hot chips enhances their flavor and balances sweetness.
- Whole-milk ricotta cheese: The silky, creamy base of your dip, offering richness and smooth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the ricotta without overpowering its natural flavor.
- Orange zest: Adds a fragrant citrus burst that brightens the entire dip.
- Pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the sweetened ricotta mixture.
- Finely chopped candied ginger: Offers a subtle spicy kick and chewy contrast to the creamy dip.
- Semisweet mini chocolate chips: Little pockets of chocolate goodness that melt in your mouth with every bite.
How to Make Cannoli Dip with Homemade Wonton Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Chips
Begin by heating peanut oil in a deep skillet or fryer to around 350°F (175°C). While the oil heats, carefully cut each wonton wrapper diagonally to form triangles. Fry the wonton pieces in small batches until they puff up and turn a lovely golden brown—this usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Once done, transfer the chips to a paper towel-lined plate and immediately sprinkle kosher salt over them to enhance their flavor and crunch.
Step 2: Make the Cannoli Dip
In a large bowl, combine the whole-milk ricotta cheese with granulated sugar, orange zest, and pure vanilla extract. Stir gently but thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy dip base. Next, fold in the finely chopped candied ginger and semisweet mini chocolate chips. The texture of the ginger mingling with the sweet bursts of chocolate creates an irresistible filling reminiscent of traditional cannoli flavors.
Step 3: Chill Before Serving
Cover the cannoli dip and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and firms up the dip to the perfect consistency for scooping onto the wonton chips.
How to Serve Cannoli Dip with Homemade Wonton Chips Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add an extra touch of elegance and flavor, dust the top of your cannoli dip with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. This adds a pop of color and a nutty bite that pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture.
Side Dishes
While this dip shines as a standalone dessert, pairing it with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or tangy orange segments can add a refreshing contrast. A light prosecco or sparkling wine also pairs beautifully for an adult gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the dip in small individual jars or scooped into mini dessert cups surrounded by the wonton chips standing upright. You can even drizzle a little honey or chocolate sauce on top for extra decadence. Presentation is everything when sharing the joy of the Cannoli Dip with Homemade Wonton Chips Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cannoli dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the dip remains creamy and delightful when served chilled.
Freezing
Although it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cannoli dip in a sealed container for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a gentle stir before serving, though some texture changes are possible.
Reheating
This dip is meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. For the wonton chips, if they lose their crunch, you can refresh them by popping them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
FAQs
Can I use a different oil instead of peanut oil for frying?
Yes, you can substitute peanut oil with other neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil. The key is using an oil with a high smoke point to ensure crispy chips without burning.
What can I substitute for the candied ginger if I don’t have it?
If candied ginger isn’t available, try adding a pinch of ground ginger for a milder spice or leave it out entirely—the dip will still be delicious.
Is there a way to make this dip dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free ricotta alternatives or use a blended mixture of silken tofu and coconut cream, but this will change the flavor and texture from the classic version.
How long do homemade wonton chips stay crispy?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, wonton chips stay crispy for up to two days. To refresh them, simply warm in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Can this dip be served at parties?
Absolutely! The Cannoli Dip with Homemade Wonton Chips Recipe is a party favorite thanks to its shareable format and hook of familiar yet inventive flavors. It’s sure to impress guests every time.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dessert that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new, this Cannoli Dip with Homemade Wonton Chips Recipe is your answer. It’s easy to prepare, fun to share, and perfectly balances creamy, sweet, and crunchy elements. Gather your friends, prepare your chips, and dive into a bowl of joyful indulgence—you’re going to love every bite!
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Cannoli Dip with Homemade Wonton Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cannoli Dip with Homemade Wonton Chips is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert perfect for gatherings. Creamy ricotta cheese is blended with sugar, orange zest, vanilla, candied ginger, and chocolate chips to create a sweet, textured dip. Served with crispy, golden-fried wonton chips sprinkled with kosher salt, this recipe combines creamy and crunchy textures with bright citrus and warm ginger flavors to impress your guests effortlessly.
Ingredients
For the Wonton Chips
- 25 wonton wrappers (100 grams, halved diagonally)
- Peanut oil (for frying)
- Kosher salt (for topping)
For the Cannoli Dip
- 16 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese (454 grams, BelGioioso recommended)
- â…” cup granulated sugar (133 grams)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (6 grams, from ½ orange)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (2 grams)
- 1½ tablespoons finely chopped candied ginger (17 grams)
- ¼ cup semisweet mini chocolate chips (44 grams)
Instructions
- Prepare the Wonton Chips: Heat peanut oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, halve the wonton wrappers diagonally to form triangles. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the wonton triangles in batches until golden and crisp, about 1 to 2 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, sprinkle the wonton chips lightly with kosher salt for seasoning.
- Make the Cannoli Dip: In a medium bowl, combine whole-milk ricotta cheese and granulated sugar. Stir vigorously until smooth and creamy. Add in the orange zest, pure vanilla extract, finely chopped candied ginger, and semisweet mini chocolate chips, folding gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Chill the dip in the refrigerator until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld and the dip to firm slightly.
- Serve: Transfer the chilled cannoli dip to a serving bowl and place alongside the crispy homemade wonton chips. Enjoy by dipping the crunchy chips into the creamy ricotta mixture for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to keep the wonton chips crispy and non-greasy.
- You can substitute candied ginger with finely chopped crystallized ginger if preferred.
- Store any leftover dip covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free wonton wrappers or substitute with another gluten-free chip.
- To soften the ricotta if too grainy, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing.
