Cranberry Brie Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

These cranberry brie jalapeño poppers balance creamy, smoky, and sweet heat in every bite: whipped brie and cream cheese are stuffed into fresh jalapeños, topped with tangy cranberry sauce, and wrapped in crisp bacon. They’re an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer that can be baked, smoked, or air-fried for game days, holidays, or any gathering that calls for bold flavor without a lot of fuss.

If you’re looking for a standout holiday appetizer that feels special yet easy to pull off, these cranberry brie jalapeño poppers deserve a spot on your appetizer spread. They combine creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, smoky bacon, and just enough spice from fresh jalapeño peppers to keep things interesting.

Whether you bake them on a baking sheet, smoke them low and slow, or pop them into the air fryer, this recipe delivers big flavor without complicated steps.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers

• A perfect balance of creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and the spice of the jalapeño
• Ideal as a holiday appetizer, Thanksgiving appetizer, or last-minute appetizer
• Multiple cooking methods: oven, smoker, or air fryer
• Easy to prep ahead and finish right before guests arrive
• A fun twist on classic jalapeño poppers with a combination of tart cranberries and creamy brie

Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers

Filling Ingredients

• Brie Cheese- Remove the rind and make sure this is fully softened to room temperature in order to whip it. You will want a food processor for this as well.
• Softened Cream Cheese- helps add bulk to the brie
• Jalapenos (added to the filling), green onion, red onion, and fresh cilantro were added for flavor.
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Assembly:

• Fresh jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed (use similar-sized peppers for even cooking)
• Cranberry sauce, canned or homemade (whole berry adds texture; smooth sauce works too). You can also use your favorite jam, optional (like my mulled wine jam, or use a raspberry or cherry as they all pair well with brie)
• Thin-cut bacon slices, cut in half (crisps evenly and wraps cleanly). Want a different flavor profile? Try using a halved slice of prosciutto as an alternative  

Optional Tools & Extras:

• Toothpicks (help secure the bacon during cooking)
• Food processor (creates a smooth, whipped cheese filling)

How to Make Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers

Start by blending the brie and cream cheese in a food processor until completely smooth and whipped. Transfer the creamy cheese to a bowl and fold in the minced jalapeños, green onions, salt, garlic powder, and pepper using a small spoon.

Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture, but leave a small well on top. This space helps keep the cranberry sauce from spilling over as it cooks. Spoon cranberry sauce on top, then wrap each popper with bacon and secure with a toothpick if needed.

Place the poppers seam-side down on a wire rack set over parchment paper on a baking sheet, or directly onto smoker-safe racks.

Cooking Methods for Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers

One of the best things about these cranberry brie jalapeño poppers is how flexible they are. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, firing up the smoker, or need a quick air fryer appetizer, all three methods deliver creamy centers and crispy bacon.

Oven Method (Best for Larger Batches)

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the assembled poppers seam-side down on a wire rack set over a parchment-lined baking sheet (or use cooking spray to prevent sticking). Bake on the middle rack for 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked and golden brown and the cheese mixture is hot and bubbly. For extra-crispy bacon, broil for the final 2–3 minutes, watching closely.

Smoker Method (Best for Added Flavor)

Preheat your smoker to 275°F using a mild wood like apple or cherry. Arrange the poppers on a smoker-safe rack and smoke for 45–60 minutes, until the bacon is rendered and the filling is warmed through.
If you prefer firmer, crispier bacon, increase the heat to 350°F for the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Air Fryer Method (Best for Small Batches or Speed)

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3–5 minutes. Place the poppers in a single layer, bacon seam-side down, leaving space between each one. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, working in batches if needed, until the bacon is crisp and the filling is fully heated.

Pro tip: Because bacon thickness and appliance heat vary, always check early and adjust as needed. You want crisp bacon without forcing the cheese to overflow.

Tips for Perfect Jalapeño Poppers Every Time

• Leave room for the cranberry topping to prevent leaks
• Use thin bacon for even cooking
• Let the cheese soften fully before blending and remove the rind (this won’t break down or melt)
• A wire rack helps air flow move throughout the cooking process when baking or smoking to help fully cook the bacon

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

These can be assembled up to a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Cook just before serving for the best texture. Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer.

Serving Ideas for Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers

These cranberry brie jalapeño poppers fit seamlessly as an easy appetizer and full holiday menus. For a warmer, more complex flavor, swap the cranberry sauce for mulled wine jam, which adds subtle spice and depth that pairs beautifully with creamy brie and smoky bacon. Serve them alongside other cranberry-forward dishes to create a cohesive menu that feels intentional and festive, whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a full holiday meal.

Great pairings include:

• Cranberry BBQ sauce sausage burnt ends for a sweet-and-smoky contrast
• Cranberry brie flatbread, sliced into shareable pieces for variety in texture
• Pulled smoked ham as a hearty holiday main
• Smoked beef tenderloin for a more elevated dinner centerpiece

More Recipes To Try 

Mexican Street Corn Jalapeno Poppers

Smoked Bacon Wrapped Hatch Chili Poppers

Brie Bread Bowl

Sausage Rolls Recipe