The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and indulging in delicious treats. These Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Bites are the perfect addition to your holiday spread – a festive, flavor-packed appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more. With a vibrant mix of tart cranberries, zesty jalapeños, and creamy, melty cheese, these bites are a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Bites
These Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for your holiday gatherings. They’re easy to make, but the flavors are so craveable and indulgent, your guests will think you slaved away in the kitchen. The combination of tart, juicy cranberries, smoky jalapeños, and creamy, melty cheese creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, the vibrant red and green colors make these bites the perfect festive addition to your holiday table.
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to make these Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Bites: fresh cranberries, jalapeños, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and some basic pantry staples like sugar, garlic powder, and salt.
- 1 cup (150g) – Fresh cranberries, chopped
- 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- 8 oz (225g) – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp (25g) – Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- ¼ tsp – Salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cranberries: If you can’t find fresh cranberries, you can use frozen cranberries instead. (They work just as well in the recipe.)
- Jalapeños: For a milder heat, use a single jalapeño or swap it out for a different type of pepper. (This allows you to adjust the spice level to your preference.)
How to Make Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Bites
Start by preheating your oven and lightly greasing a mini muffin tin. Then, prepare your ingredients – dice the jalapeños, chop the cranberries, and shred the cheese. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sugar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Fold in the chopped cranberries and jalapeños, being careful not to overmix. Scoop the cranberry jalapeño cheese mixture into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling them almost to the top. Bake the bites until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes before removing from the muffin tin. Serve the Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Bites warm, garnished with a fresh sprig of thyme or rosemary for a festive touch.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 24-cup mini muffin tin. Then, prepare your ingredients – dice the jalapeños, chop the cranberries, and shred the cheddar cheese.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sugar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and jalapeños, being careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Scoop the cranberry jalapeño cheese mixture into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling them almost to the top. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Let the Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Bites cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve them warm, garnished with a fresh sprig of thyme or rosemary for a festive touch.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Creamy Texture: For an extra creamy texture, swap out some of the cream cheese for a soft, spreadable goat cheese.
- Crunchy Topping: Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or sliced almonds on top for a delightful crunch.
- Make-Ahead: To make these bites ahead of time, prepare the filling and refrigerate it until ready to assemble and bake. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before scooping it into the muffin cups.
- Baking in a Regular Muffin Tin: You can use a regular-sized muffin tin instead of a mini muffin tin. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as the bites will be larger.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Bites are the perfect handheld appetizer for holiday parties and gatherings.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the bites in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance and bake the bites right before serving.
Nutrition Information
These Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Bites are a festive and indulgent treat, but they also provide a nutritional boost. Cranberries are a rich source of antioxidants, while jalapeños contain capsaicin, which can help boost your metabolism. The combination of creamy cheese and protein-packed ingredients makes these bites a satisfying and balanced snack.
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 77 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbs: 3 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely prepare the filling ahead of time and bake the bites right before serving. Just store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the cheddar cheese provides a lovely, melty texture, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as goat cheese, feta, or even a blend of cheeses.
How spicy are these bites?
The amount of heat from the jalapeños can vary, depending on the size and spiciness of the peppers. If you’re serving a crowd with varying spice preferences, you can start with just one jalapeño and add more to taste.
Can I make these bites in a regular muffin tin?
Yes, you can use a regular-sized muffin tin instead of a mini muffin tin. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as the bites will be larger.
How long do these Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Bites last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these bites will keep for up to 3 days. For the best texture and flavor, I recommend enjoying them within a day or two of baking.
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Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Bites for Holiday Gatherings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Bites are a perfect combination of creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and a hint of spice, making them an irresistible appetizer for your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
1/4 cup jalapeño, finely chopped
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup crushed crackers (e.g., Ritz or Town House)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cranberries, chopped jalapeño, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Shape the mixture into small bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Roll each cheese ball in the crushed crackers until evenly coated.
5. Place the cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Serve these cheese bites warm for the best flavor.
You can prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just roll into balls and bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cranberry, Jalapeño, Cheese Bites, Appetizer, Party Food