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
Scale
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.
