If you’re on the hunt for a bite-sized appetizer that’s both elegant and ridiculously tasty, you’ve got to try this Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe. I absolutely love how these flaky, buttery filo goodies come together with creamy brie and tangy cranberry — it’s like a little party in every bite. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to keep these gems on hand for every holiday and gathering. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant yet Easy: These crackers look fancy but come together super quickly, perfect for last-minute guests.
- Perfect Flavor Combo: The creamy brie pairs beautifully with tart cranberry and crunchy almonds for a delightful contrast.
- Versatile Snack: Whether it’s a holiday party or casual get-together, these little bites always steal the show.
- Fun to Make: Rolling these crackers together feels like a crafty kitchen project and kids love helping too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic here lies in the simple ingredients working in harmony — flaky filo pastry creates a crisp, buttery shell, while creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce bring the filling to life. Grab good-quality brie and your favorite cranberry sauce for best results.
- Filo pastry sheets: They’re super delicate, so thaw gently and keep covered with a damp towel to avoid drying out.
- Butter (melted): Brush generously — this makes your crackers golden and flaky.
- Brie cheese: Slice into long strips; it melts beautifully and adds that creamy richness.
- Cranberry sauce: Aim for your favorite brand or homemade; it adds that perfect tart sweetness.
- Flaked almonds: Give a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with brie.
- Black sesame seeds: These add a pop of contrast and a mild nutty note plus a great visual touch.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks. You can play around with the fillings, toppings, and even pastry types to suit your mood or dietary needs.
- Sweet & Spicy: I once added a tiny drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chili flakes before baking — the unexpected heat with the sweet cranberry blew everyone’s mind.
- Nut-Free: If you’re avoiding nuts, try pumpkin seeds instead of almonds for crunch, or skip the nuts entirely without losing much texture.
- Cheese Swap: While brie is my top pick, you can try camembert or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Herbs: Mixing fresh thyme or rosemary into the filling or as garnish adds lovely herbal notes — my family goes crazy for rosemary!
How to Make Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Filo
First things first: preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper — this keeps the crackers from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Then, gently thaw your filo sheets on a flat surface and cover them with a damp towel to prevent drying out. Once ready, carefully slice each sheet lengthwise into thirds, then halve them widthwise — you’ll end up with 36 perfect squares to work with.
Step 2: Butter Up and Fill
Take one filo square and brush it lightly but thoroughly with melted butter — this is key for that crispy, golden texture we all love. Place your brie slice at one short edge, add about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and sprinkle some flaked almonds right on top. The combo of those textures and flavors in this little package is what makes this Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe so legendary.
Step 3: Roll and Seal Your Crackers
Carefully roll the filo around the filling, like you’re wrapping up a tiny present. Pinch the ends to seal and keep everything inside while baking (this is where a damp towel on your filo sheets really helps by keeping them flexible). Repeat this process for all the squares — it’s a bit soothing, honestly!
Step 4: Final Butter Brush & Bake
Place your rolled crackers on the parchment-lined trays. Brush each one generously with the remaining melted butter — don’t skimp here, it’s what gets you that irresistible golden crunch. Sprinkle black sesame seeds over the top for that striking visual and subtle nutty flavor. Pop the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the filo turns a beautiful golden brown.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, I love garnishing mine with fresh rosemary leaves or chopped chives — it adds a pop of green freshness that makes the presentation sing. Serve warm or at room temperature, and watch these disappear fast!
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe
- Handle Filo Gently: I learned the hard way that dry filo tears easily — keep sheets covered with a damp towel and work quickly but carefully.
- Double Up If Needed: If your filling tends to leak, layering two buttered sheets of filo can prevent any messy escapees.
- Butter Is Your Best Friend: Don’t be shy brushing each layer and the outside generously — it’s the key to perfect flaky bites.
- Roll Tight but Cozy: Roll snug enough to hold shape but not too tight or the filo could crack or make the filling spill out during baking.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe
Garnishes
I usually reach for fresh rosemary because its piney aroma complements the cranberry and brie so well — but chopped chives add a nice, mild onion kick too. If you want a touch of elegance, a tiny dab of fig jam or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios on top works wonders for texture and flair.
Side Dishes
Pair these crackers with a light green salad dressed with citrus vinaigrette or serve alongside a cheese board loaded with grapes, nuts, and honey. They’re also fantastic as part of a brunch spread or with a glass of crisp white wine for a special treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange your Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe on a platter lined with fresh evergreen sprigs during holidays. I’ve also wrapped them individually in parchment and tied with twine for party favors, which guests adored. Plating them in a wooden board with fresh berries and herb sprigs always makes them look irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (ha, as if!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Because filo is best fresh, they might lose a bit of their crispness, but you can easily freshen them up the next day.
Freezing
I have frozen unbaked crackers by assembling them on baking sheets, freezing solid, then transferring them to ziplock bags. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time — super handy for planned parties!
Reheating
To bring back that flaky crispness, just pop the crackers in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make filo soggy. This way, they taste almost as fresh as the first batch.
FAQs
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Can I make the Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble these crackers a few hours before baking and keep them covered in the fridge. Just bring them to room temperature before baking to ensure that the filo crisps up nicely.
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What’s the best way to prevent the filling from leaking?
The best trick is to use two layers of filo brushed with butter to create a thicker barrier. Also, roll your crackers snugly and pinch the ends well to lock everything inside during baking.
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Can I substitute brie with another cheese?
Definitely! Mild cheeses like camembert or even a creamy goat cheese work well. Just avoid anything too firm as it won’t melt as nicely inside the filo.
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Is it okay to use homemade cranberry sauce?
For sure — homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that’s even better than store-bought. Just be mindful of its consistency; if too runny, it might cause soggy filo, so let it thicken before using.
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How do I store leftover crackers without losing crispness?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat briefly in the oven before serving to bring back their crisp texture.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could create something so elegant and addictive. Now, it’s my go-to for holidays and dinner parties because it impresses without stressing me out in the kitchen. I encourage you to try it — from buttery crisp filo to that dreamy bite of brie and cranberry, it’s a treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation too. Happy baking!
Print
Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 crackers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Thanksgiving Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are a delicious and elegant appetizer featuring crisp, buttery filo pastry filled with creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy almond flakes. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bite-sized treats are baked until golden and topped with black sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Filo Pastry
- 6 sheets frozen filo pastry, thawed
- 50 g butter, melted
Filling
- 250 g brie, cut into long slices
- 275 g cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup flaked almonds
Topping
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Trays: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set aside for later use.
- Cut Filo Pastry Sheets: Lay the thawed filo sheets flat on a clean, dry surface. Cut each sheet lengthwise into 3 strips, then cut each strip in half widthwise to make 36 squares total. Keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
- Assemble Crackers: Take one filo square and brush it generously with melted butter. Place a slice of brie, 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and 1 teaspoon of flaked almonds at one end of the square. Carefully roll up the pastry from the filled end, then pinch both ends to form a cracker shape. Repeat until all squares are filled and rolled.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the assembled filo crackers on the lined baking trays. Brush the tops with the remaining melted butter. Sprinkle black sesame seeds evenly over the crackers for extra flavor and crunch.
- Bake: Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove crackers from the oven. Garnish with fresh rosemary leaves or chopped chives as desired. Serve warm or at room temperature as festive finger food.
Notes
- Filo pastry sheets are delicate and may tear or leak during baking. To prevent filling from escaping, try using two layers of buttered filo sheets per cracker.
- Ensure your work surface is completely dry and avoid wet hands to keep filo sheets intact.
- These crackers are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored airtight and gently reheated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cracker
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
