Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

Oh my goodness, stop what you are doing! Today I’m bringing you a truly game-changing appetizer that will steal the show at any gathering this holiday season (or honestly, any time you need a sweet and savory fix!). These Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers take everything you love about the classic, creamy bite—that perfect heat, the gooey cheese—and wraps it in a stunning festive bow with the addition of creamy Brie and bright cranberry sauce. Trust me, you are going to absolutely savor the way the rich, melted cheese and sweet cranberries tango with that lovely little kick of heat. They are perfectly balanced, ridiculously easy to make, and they disappear faster than you can say “appetizer platter.”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, Savory, and Spicy Perfection: This recipe hits all the high notes. The spicy jalapeño is perfectly cooled by creamy Brie, while the cranberry offers a pop of tart sweetness that is just unreal.
• Ultimate Holiday Vibe: The combination of red cranberries, white Brie, and green jalapeño makes these the most beautiful, festive bite for any holiday party.
• Totally Show-Stopping: While they look gourmet, these poppers are shockingly simple to whip up. You’ll spend more time admiring them than actually cooking them!

Ingredients

All you need for these incredible poppers are a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes of prep time. Gathering these up is the first step to holiday appetizer bliss:

• Fresh Jalapeño Peppers: These are the vessel for all the goodness! Make sure to cut them lengthwise and meticulously remove all the seeds and membranes. This is where most of the heat lives, so removing them is key to getting the flavor without overwhelming spice.
• Brie Cheese: The secret to that ultra-creamy, slightly earthy flavor. Don’t skip removing the rind; it helps the Brie melt into a silky dream when baked.
• Cranberry Sauce: Whether you prefer whole berry or jellied, this is what brings the “holiday” and that gorgeous sweet-tart contrast to the richness of the cheese.
• Cream Cheese: Our trusty creamy base! Make sure this is softened, as it helps bind all the filling ingredients together for a perfectly scoopable texture.
• Black Pepper & Garlic Powder: These spices are the essential foundation that elevates the savoriness of the cheese and balances the sweetness of the cranberry.
• Chopped Green Onions: They add a crucial, subtle oniony bite and a little punch of freshness to cut through all that rich cheese.
• Breadcrumbs: This is how we get that satisfying, crispy, golden top! They add texture and keep everything beautifully contained.
• Olive Oil: Used just to coat the breadcrumbs, it ensures they crisp up and turn beautifully golden brown in the oven.
• Fresh Parsley: A little garnish makes a big difference! Finely chopped parsley adds a final pop of color and freshness.

Note: The exact quantities for these ingredients, along with the full, printable instructions, can be found right below this article in the recipe card!

How to Make the Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers

These gorgeous appetizers are so easy, they practically make themselves!

Step 1: Prep Your Peppers and Pan

Preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C) and line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper—this is going to save you so much cleanup, trust me! Lay out those beautiful, hollowed-out jalapeño halves, cut-side up, ready to be filled.

Step 2: Mix Up the Magic Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the Brie (rind-free, remember!), the softened cream cheese, the cranberry sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and green onions. Give it a good stir until everything is smooth, creamy, and beautifully mixed. It will smell divine!

Step 3: Fill and Crown the Poppers

Spoon the rich mixture evenly into each jalapeño half. Don’t be shy, you want them well-filled! Next, in a separate small bowl, toss your breadcrumbs with the olive oil until they’re lightly coated. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture generously and evenly over the top of the filled poppers.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide that baking sheet into the oven and let the magic happen for about 18 to 22 minutes. You are looking for the peppers to soften slightly and for that cheesy, breadcrumb topping to be gorgeously golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Carefully remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool just slightly. This helps the cheese firm up a tiny bit so they are easier to handle. Finish them off with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley before you serve them up!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Wear Gloves When Prepping: Jalapeño heat is no joke! When removing the seeds and membranes, wearing disposable gloves prevents capsaicin (the heat compound) from lingering on your fingers.
• Score the Jalapeños: If you find the peppers are too stiff after baking, try blanching them quickly in boiling water for about 60 seconds before filling. This jump-starts the softening process.
• Need a Cheaper Cheese? While Brie is wonderful, a mixture of cream cheese and goat cheese can give you a similar tangy, creamy profile if you’re in a pinch!

How to Serve

These poppers are fabulous all on their own, but they really shine as part of a vibrant spread!

• The Ultimate Appetizer: Serve these as the warm star of your holiday appetizer platter alongside some simple crackers, olives, and charcuterie.
• Garnish Is Key: Don’t skip the fresh parsley! A small drizzle of balsamic glaze or a few extra whole cranberries on the platter can also make the presentation pop.
• Pairing Perfection: Serve them with a crisp, slightly sweet white wine like Riesling, or a tart, bubbly prosecco to cut through the richness of the cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover poppers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re honestly best eaten fresh, but they still make a great snack the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze these poppers before baking. Prepare them completely (including the breadcrumb topping), arrange them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftovers is in a toaster oven or standard oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly again. The microwave works, but you’ll lose that crispy topping!

FAQs

Is it necessary to remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños?

Yes, absolutely! The majority of the heat in a jalapeño is concentrated in the seeds and the white membrane (or pith). Removing these drastically cuts down on the spice, making the poppers enjoyable for everyone while still giving you that classic, fresh jalapeño flavor and firm texture. It allows the sweet cranberry and creamy Brie flavors to truly shine.

Can I use pre-made cranberry sauce or do I need homemade?

Either one works beautifully! If you are using jellied cranberry sauce, you will get a very smooth texture in the filling. If you opt for whole berry sauce, you’ll have lovely little pops of tartness and texture, which I personally adore. Just use your favorite, and the filling will be fantastic either way.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

You certainly can! Mix the Brie, cream cheese, cranberry sauce, and spices together and store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just let the mixture warm up slightly for about 15 minutes to make it easier to spoon into the pepper halves, then top with the breadcrumbs and bake as directed.

What is the best substitution for Brie cheese?

If you don’t have Brie, the next best option for this recipe would be a creamy Havarti or even a soft, fresh goat cheese. Havarti melts wonderfully and has a mild, buttery flavor. Goat cheese will add a bit more tang and richness, which pairs beautifully with the sweet cranberries. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well to ensure that lovely, gooey center!