If you’re on the hunt for a snack that brings together spicy, creamy, and sweet all at once, the Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers Recipe is your new best friend. These poppers take the classic jalapeño popper up a notch by stuffing fresh jalapeños with a dreamy blend of Brie and cream cheese, then topping them with luscious cranberry sauce that adds a festive, tangy contrast. Every bite bursts with a delightful balance of heat and mellow flavors that make this appetizer an instant crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this recipe is surprisingly simple because every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that these Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers Recipe deliver.
- 12 fresh jalapeños: These provide the spicy kick and vessel for all the delicious fillings.
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed: Offers a creamy, buttery softness that melts beautifully inside.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: Adds a tangy-sweet punch that brightens the spicy peppers.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Gives smoothness and helps bind the filling together.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a savory depth of flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall seasoning with a subtle savory taste.
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional): Introduces a smoky crunch for those who love extra texture and savory goodness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped: A fresh, mild onion flavor to garnish and brighten each popper.
- Olive oil: A light drizzle to help the poppers brown up perfectly in the oven.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance the flavors.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional): For an extra crunchy topping if you want a crisp finish.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Jalapeños
Start by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, wash your jalapeños and slice them lengthwise, carefully removing the seeds and membranes to control the spice level. Leaving some seeds in will give your poppers that bold heat, so adjust to your preferred kick.
Step 2: Create the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the Brie cheese cubes (without rind), softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend everything until smooth and luxuriously creamy. If bacon is your jam, fold the cooked, crumbled bacon into this mixture to sneak in a smoky, savory note.
Step 3: Fill Each Jalapeño Half
Spoon the velvety cheese mixture generously into each jalapeño half, making sure they’re well-filled but not spilling over. This creamy stuffing is what makes these poppers dreamy and indulgent.
Step 4: Add the Cranberry Sauce Topping
Top every stuffed jalapeño with a small spoonful of vibrant cranberry sauce. This isn’t just a flavor boost, but also makes the dish visually stunning with a striking pop of red that signals the sweet and tangy surprise inside.
Step 5: Optional Crunch and Preparing for Baking
If you’re aiming for that perfect contrast of textures, sprinkle breadcrumbs atop each popper. Then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and drizzle lightly with olive oil to help them brown and crisp up beautifully.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Bake the poppers for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts to oozy perfection and the jalapeños soften just right. Let them cool a bit after removing from the oven, then sprinkle with fresh chopped chives before serving to add a burst of color and mild freshness.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your poppers, freshly chopped chives are a fabulous choice—they add a gentle oniony brightness and a lovely green hue. You can also experiment with a light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra flair.
Side Dishes
Serve these poppers alongside a crisp green salad or a simple charcuterie board for a well-rounded spread. The sweetness of the cranberry and the richness of the cheese pair delightfully with fresh veggies, crunchy nuts, or buttery crackers.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers Recipe on a festive platter with fresh herbs and edible flowers to impress your guests. For a casual gathering, stack them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra cranberry sauce and dipping mustard nearby.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them chilled and covered to preserve freshness and prevent the jalapeños from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze prepared, unbaked poppers by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfectly fresh results.
Reheating
Reheat your poppers in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese instead of Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie adds a creamy, mild flavor, you can substitute cream cheese alone or try mascarpone or mild goat cheese for different textures and tastes. Just keep the cheese soft and easy to melt.
How spicy are these poppers?
The heat level depends on how many jalapeño seeds you leave in. Removing all seeds and membranes results in mild poppers, while leaving some seeds will add a nice, noticeable kick.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and maybe add extra chopped nuts or seeds for crunch. The cheese and cranberry combo is flavorful enough to shine on its own.
Can I make these poppers gluten-free?
Definitely. Just skip the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep that crispy texture without the gluten.
What’s the best way to serve leftover poppers at a party?
Reheat them gently in the oven and serve warm with a fresh garnish of chives or extra cranberry sauce on the side. They pair wonderfully with drinks, making them a delightful finger food option.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers Recipe is truly a standout appetizer that combines unexpected flavors into a cozy, festive bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a tasty treat, these poppers will bring warmth, excitement, and smiles every time you make them. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite party snack!
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Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 24 jalapeño halves (serving approximately 12-24, depending on portion size)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers are a delicious blend of creamy Brie and cream cheese mixed with spices and optional bacon, stuffed into fresh jalapeños, topped with sweet cranberry sauce and breadcrumbs, then baked to perfection. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer with a balance of spicy, creamy, and sweet elements.
Ingredients
Jalapeños
- 12 fresh jalapeños
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fillings and Toppings
- 1 cup cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for added crunch)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the jalapeño poppers.
- Prepare Jalapeños: Rinse the jalapeños well under cold water. Cut each one in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes to reduce heat, leaving some seeds if a spicier result is desired.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the Brie cubes, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Bacon (Optional): If using bacon, fold the cooked and crumbled bacon into the cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
- Fill Jalapeños: Spoon the cheese mixture generously into each jalapeño half, ensuring they are well filled.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Top each filled jalapeño half with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, allowing it to slightly overflow for an attractive presentation.
- Add Breadcrumbs (Optional): Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the filled jalapeños for added texture and crunch if desired.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Arrange the filled jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to promote browning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the jalapeños are tender.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh chives on top as a garnish. Serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For a spicier popper, leave more seeds and membranes in the jalapeños.
- Bacon is optional; omit for a vegetarian version.
- Breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture but can be excluded for gluten-free adaptations.
- Ensure Brie rind is removed to avoid bitterness.
- Use fresh cranberries to make your own cranberry sauce for a homemade touch.
- Serve poppers warm for optimal flavor and creaminess.
