Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers Recipe

Crispy on the outside, oozy and creamy on the inside, these Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are truly a showstopper for any gathering. Picture buttery, flaky pastry wrapped around luscious melted brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, each little “cracker” finished with a sprinkle of crunchy almonds and jet-black sesame seeds. When you bake them to golden perfection, you get the ultimate crowd-pleaser for holiday parties, cozy nights, or any special occasion that needs a little sparkle. Trust me, once you bite into one, you’ll see why Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers always disappear first from the snack table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers is that they use just a handful of ingredients, but each one plays an important role in making these bites irresistible. You only need a few essentials, and together their flavors and textures create pure magic.

• Filo pastry (6 sheets, thawed): Ultra-thin layers of pastry bring that heavenly crunch and delicate texture—work quickly so they don’t dry out!
• Butter (50g, melted): Brushing each sheet with melted butter is the secret to rich, golden, perfectly crisp crackers.
• Brie (250g, sliced): Creamy brie brings a luxurious, melty center—be sure to slice it into slim strips for easy rolling.
• Cranberry sauce (275g): Sweet, tart, and vibrant, this sauce balances the richness of the cheese and makes each bite pop.
• Flaked almonds (1/4 cup): Add a gentle crunch and lovely nutty flavor—toast them lightly if you like extra depth.
• Black sesame seeds (1 tbsp): These tiny seeds offer toasty flavor and a stunning contrast on top of each cracker.

How to Make Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers

Step 1: Prep Your Trays and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F)—this ensures your pastry bakes up beautifully crisp. Line two baking trays with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Set them aside within easy reach, as things will move quickly once you start working with the filo sheets!

Step 2: Cut the Filo Pastry

Place your thawed filo sheets on a clean, flat surface. Stack them up so they’re easy to work with, then slice carefully into three long strips (lengthwise). Next, cut each strip in half across the middle. You’ll end up with 36 neat squares, each ready to cradle that dreamy filling.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

For each Cranberry and Brie Filo Cracker, lay out one filo square and cover the rest with a slightly damp towel to keep them from drying out—this is key! Brush your square gently with melted butter for those signature crispy layers. Place a slice of brie, a teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and a pinch of flaked almonds along one short edge. Roll up snugly, then pinch both ends to create the iconic “cracker” shape. Repeat until your tray is full of little parcels, all ready to bake.

Step 4: Time to Bake

Arrange your assembled filo crackers, seam-side down, on the prepared trays. Give them one final brush of butter for extra shine and crunch. Sprinkle generously with black sesame seeds for color and flavor burst. Slide your trays into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the aroma is completely irresistible.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

As soon as the Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers come out of the oven, transfer them to a cooling rack or serving platter. For that finishing touch, scatter a few fresh rosemary leaves or chopped chives over the crackers—if you want to hook your guests with a pop of green and a hint of herbal fragrance.

How to Serve Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers

Garnishes

Bring a splash of freshness and elevate your platter by scattering fresh rosemary leaves or snipped chives over the warm Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers just before serving. Not only do the herbs look stunning against the golden pastry, but they also add a subtle earthiness that ties all the flavors together.

Side Dishes

Pair these crackers with a festive salad of arugula, toasted walnuts, and orange segments, or set out a simple crudité board for extra crunch. A platter of spiced nuts or a bowl of marinated olives also complements the sweet-tart, creamy profile perfectly, making your snack spread truly memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers pyramid-style on a wooden board for party drama, or pop them into rustic paper cones for a picnic vibe. For cocktail parties, nestle each cracker into a mini muffin liner—so guests can grab-and-go with no mess. Don’t forget to add colorful napkins or a little edible glitter if you’re feeling fancy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers left over (good luck!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the pastry may soften slightly. For best results, cool them completely before popping them in the fridge so they don’t get soggy.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these crackers before baking! Assemble up to the rolling stage, then layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment between each layer. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer, just adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To revive the crispy magic, reheat Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers in a hot oven (180°C/350°F) for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the filo go limp. A quick stint in the oven brings back that irresistible crunch and gooey cheese center.

FAQs

Can I use puff pastry instead of filo pastry?

Filo pastry is the secret to that light crispiness, but puff pastry can work in a pinch, though it will be heavier and more bready. The signature delicate crunch of Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers truly shines with filo, so try to stick with that if possible!

What kind of cranberry sauce works best?

Both homemade and good-quality store-bought sauces work well. If your sauce is on the runny side, use slightly less to avoid soggy pastry. Whole berry cranberry sauce adds a fun texture, but the smooth style is delicious too.

Can I substitute the brie with another cheese?

Absolutely! Camembert or even a mild goat cheese can step in if you can’t find brie. Just make sure the cheese melts well, so you still get that gooey, creamy bite that makes Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers so dreamy.

Do I need to toast the flaked almonds?

You don’t have to, but a quick toast in a dry pan does bring out extra flavor and a bit more crunch. If you’re short on time, the crackers are still fantastic with raw flaked almonds.

Can I make Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers gluten-free?

Most traditional filo contains gluten, but there are some gluten-free filo options out there. If you swap with a gluten-free variety, just be a bit gentle—they can be slightly more delicate to handle.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to impress your guests and treat yourself to something blissfully delicious, Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are your ticket. With their buttery crunch, creamy cheese, and that pop of cranberry, they’re an absolute must for your party or snack platter. So grab your ingredients and get rolling—these bite-sized beauties will quickly become a new favorite!

Print