If you’re on the hunt for an irresistible appetizer that feels both festive and fancy, you’ve got to try this Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe. I absolutely love how these little bites come out crispy, buttery, and bursting with that perfect combo of melty brie and tangy cranberry sauce. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a must-have at our holiday gatherings—and I promise, once you make these, your friends will be asking for the recipe too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The rich creaminess of brie meets the bright tartness of cranberry for a truly mouthwatering bite.
- Elegant Yet Easy to Make: Filo pastry looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to handle once you know the tricks.
- Crowd-Pleasing Party Snack: Your family and guests will go crazy for these – they’re addictive and perfect for sharing.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep these in advance and bake right before your guests arrive for fresh, flaky crackers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe lies in the simple but complementary ingredients that come together beautifully. You want a good quality brie, fresh-tasting cranberry sauce, and of course, crisp filo pastry that bakes up perfectly flaky.

- Frozen Filo Pastry Sheets: Make sure they’re fully thawed but still cold, so they don’t tear easily while you work.
- Butter: Melted butter adds that golden, crisp finish and helps seal the pastry.
- Brie Cheese: I like cutting it into long slices for easy rolling—choose a creamy one for best results.
- Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tangy, this adds a pop of flavor that cuts through the richness of the brie.
- Flaked Almonds: Adds wonderful crunch and contrasts the soft filling.
- Black Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle on top for a nutty flavor and stunning visual appeal.
Variations
I love that the Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe is such a flexible little canvas—you can tweak it to match your mood or the season. I often play with different nuts or sprinkle in herbs depending on what I have around.
- Nut Variations: Swap almonds for pistachios or walnuts for a different crunchy texture—I tried pistachios once and my guests loved the unexpected pop of color and flavor.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh rosemary or thyme sprinkled inside or on top adds a fragrant touch that elevates these crackers for holiday gatherings.
- Cheese Swaps: If you’re feeling adventurous, try goat cheese or camembert for a similar creamy effect but with a twist in flavor.
- Sweet vs. Savory: Adding a tiny drizzle of honey before rolling can mellow the tartness of the cranberry for a more subtle sweetness.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Filo Sheets with Care
First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking trays with parchment paper. When handling filo, remember it’s delicate—lay one sheet flat on your workspace and keep the rest covered with a slightly damp towel so they don’t dry out and crack. Cutting the sheets into 36 little squares might feel tedious, but trust me—it’s worth that perfect portion size!
Step 2: Butter Up and Fill
Brush the filo square generously with melted butter. I discovered this trick because without the butter, the filo just doesn’t crisp up right or hold its shape. Next, add a long slice of brie, about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and a teaspoon of flaked almonds at one end—don’t overstuff or the filling might leak while baking.
Step 3: Roll and Shape Your Crackers
Roll the pastry over the filling snugly, then pinch both ends to seal. This step is key to keeping all that melty, fruity goodness inside during baking. If you want, you can double the layers and brush butter between two sheets to prevent any leaks—this is a tip I picked up after a few batches that oozed out too much filling!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place all your crackers on the baking trays. Brush the tops with any leftover melted butter and sprinkle on those black sesame seeds for a stunning finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crackers are golden, flaky, and irresistible. Just keep an eye on them after 15 minutes so they don’t burn.
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe
- Keep Filo Covered: Never let your filo sit uncovered—it dries out in seconds and cracks easily, so keep a damp towel handy.
- Butter Between Layers: Brushing butter between two filo sheets adds extra strength and prevents filling leaks.
- Even Rolling: Roll crackers tightly but gently to keep filling intact without tearing the pastry.
- Watch the Oven: Ovens vary, so start checking the crackers at 15 minutes to avoid burning and adjust time as needed.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe

Garnishes
I swear by fresh rosemary leaves or finely chopped chives scattered on top right after baking—they add a vibrant color and an herby freshness that complements the richness perfectly. Feel free to experiment with a light drizzle of honey or a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra dimension of flavor.
Side Dishes
Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers go beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette or alongside a cheese and charcuterie board with olives, nuts, and dried fruits. For holiday parties, I like to pair them with a glass of sparkling wine—makes the whole experience feel extra special!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these on a rustic wooden board lined with fresh herbs or cranberry sprigs for a festive look. For holiday gatherings, I’ve even nestled them in mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go party snacks. It’s fun to get creative with little touches that make the presentation pop as much as the flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which, frankly, is rare!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I find the crackers stay crisp enough this way, but after that, they’ll start losing their flakiness.
Freezing
You can freeze these before baking by laying them on a tray and once frozen, transfer to a ziplock bag. Bake them straight from frozen, just add a few more minutes to the baking time. This trick has saved me on busy holiday evenings more than once!
Reheating
To reheat, pop the crackers in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the crispness without drying them out, and the brie warms back up perfectly melty.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade cranberry sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce works beautifully and lets you control the sweetness and texture. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when spooned onto the crackers to avoid sogginess.
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How do I prevent the filo pastry from tearing?
Keep unused filo sheets covered with a damp towel to retain moisture, work on a dry surface, and handle the sheets gently. Also, brushing melted butter between sheets strengthens them and reduces tearing.
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Can I make these crackers gluten-free?
Traditional filo pastry isn’t gluten-free, but there are specialty gluten-free filo alternatives available in some stores. Otherwise, you might try thin gluten-free puff pastry, though the texture will differ slightly from classic filo.
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What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve them warm or at room temperature arranged on a pretty platter with fresh herbs for garnish. Pair with dipping sauces like honey mustard or a light aioli for extra flair, and watch them disappear fast!
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation, especially around the holidays when everyone loves something bite-sized, cozy, and flavorful. I’m telling you, once you try making these, the combination of crisp filo, creamy brie, and that burst of cranberry sweetness will have you reaching for seconds. So go ahead—grab that filo, get your butter ready, and make yourself (and everyone you love) ridiculously happy with this charming little snack!
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 delightful appetizer perfect for festive occasions. Crispy filo pastry wrapped around creamy brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy almonds, then baked to golden perfection and sprinkled with black sesame seeds for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
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) and line two baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cut Filo Sheets: Lay the thawed filo sheets flat. Divide each sheet into three long strips lengthwise, then cut each strip in half widthwise to create a total of 36 squares. Keep the unused filo 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, about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and 1 teaspoon of flaked almonds at one end of the square. Carefully roll up the pastry, pinching both ends to enclose the filling securely. Repeat this step for all squares.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the filled filo crackers on the lined baking trays. Brush the tops with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle evenly with black sesame seeds for an attractive finish.
- Bake to Golden: Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are crisp and golden brown. Keep an eye to ensure they do not burn.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, optionally garnish the crackers with fresh rosemary leaves or chives before serving to add a fragrant and colorful touch.
Notes
- Because filo pastry is delicate and prone to tearing, you can use two brushed sheets per cracker to help prevent leaks of the filling during baking.
- Ensure your work surface is dry and your hands are dry when handling filo to prevent it from sticking or tearing.
- Keep unused filo sheets covered with a damp towel to maintain moisture and pliability.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cracker
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg


