Description
These Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers are a delightful appetizer combining creamy Brie and cream cheese with a sweet-tart cranberry topping and a touch of heat from fresh jalapeños. Enhanced with optional crumbled bacon and breadcrumbs for crunch, these baked poppers make a perfect party starter or holiday treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Jalapeños and Cheese Mixture
- 12 fresh jalapeños
- 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
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 cup cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for added crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the poppers.
- Prepare Jalapeños: Rinse the jalapeños under cold water, cut each one in half lengthwise, and remove seeds and membranes for milder heat or retain some seeds for spicier poppers.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine Brie cubes, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until creamy and well blended.
- Add Bacon: If using, fold the cooked and crumbled bacon into the cheese mixture for added flavor and texture.
- Fill Jalapeños: Spoon the cheese mixture generously into each jalapeño half, filling them evenly.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Top each filled jalapeño half with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, letting it overflow slightly for a festive look.
- Optional Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the filled jalapeños to add a crunchy texture if desired.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the filled jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle lightly with olive oil to help with 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 from the oven and allow the poppers to cool slightly to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh chives and serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For a spicier popper, leave more jalapeño seeds intact.
- To keep the dish vegetarian, omit the bacon or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Breadcrumbs add crunch but can be omitted for a softer texture.
- Use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste or store-bought for convenience.
- These poppers can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
