Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

Cranberry and brie filo crackers combine creamy brie, tart cranberries, and crunchy almonds, all wrapped in delicate filo pastry. These festive bites feature a touch of black sesame for extra flavor and are baked to golden crispness. They make inviting, edible decorations for sharing on the holiday table, offering both eye-catching presentation and rich textures. Garnish with chives or rosemary for a bright touch. Simple preparation ensures you’ll impress guests with minimal effort, making them a standout at any seasonal gathering or party.

Clare Recipes
Updated on Fri, 18 Jul 2025 20:27:36 GMT
A plate of cranberry and brie filo crackers. Save
A plate of cranberry and brie filo crackers. | recipesclare.com

Cranberry and brie filo crackers are everything I want for a holiday gathering—crisp filo pastry wrapped around melty brie and sweet cranberry sauce with just a hint of crunch from toasted almonds. They look so festive on the table and never last more than a few minutes once guests arrive.

I remember making these for my first ever holiday dinner party. They disappeared so quickly that I doubled the batch the very next year. Now they are my go to for December gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Filo pastry: Brings crunch and flaky layers be sure to thaw it properly for easy handling
  • Butter: For brushing each layer for rich flavor and golden color choose a good quality unsalted butter
  • Brie: Creamy and mild with a melty texture try to buy a wedge that is firm and easy to slice
  • Cranberry sauce: Adds bright tartness go for whole berry sauce for more texture
  • Flaked almonds: Provide irresistible crunch lightly toast them for extra flavor
  • Black sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for subtle nutty taste and pretty finish buy a fresh small packet for the holidays
  • Choose brie that is just chilled enough to slice neatly without squishing and keep your filo pastry covered with a damp towel so it does not dry out

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Trays:
Line two trays with parchment paper and set your oven to the correct temperature so you are ready to bake as soon as the crackers are rolled
Cut and Organize Filo Pastry:
Lay the thawed filo on a clean flat surface work quickly so it stays supple slice lengthways into three strips then crosswise so you end up with thirty six even squares cover everything not in use with a damp towel to keep the pastry from cracking
Assemble the Crackers:
Lay one square of filo in front of you and lightly brush it with melted butter this helps it crisp up and turn a beautiful golden brown place a piece of brie near one end a spoon of cranberry sauce and a small pinch of almonds then roll it up gently and pinch both ends to create a cute cracker shape
Fill the Trays:
Arrange each cracker onto your prepared trays give them space so they crisp and do not steam brush the tops with the rest of your melted butter and scatter a pinch of black sesame seeds on each one
Bake until Golden:
Pop trays into your hot oven and let them bake for about fifteen to twenty minutes keep an eye as they brown quickly take them out when puffed and deep golden
Finishing Touch:
If you want extra festive flair add a few rosemary leaves or chives just before serving for color and fragrance
A plate of cranberry and brie filo crackers. Save
A plate of cranberry and brie filo crackers. | recipesclare.com

My favorite part is the burst of tart cranberry against the creamy brie every bite reminds me of celebrating Christmas with my grandmother who always snuck a few of these crackers before dinner

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days

  • If you want to make ahead assemble the crackers and freeze them before baking then bake straight from the freezer with a couple extra minutes added to the cook time
  • Reheat in the oven to revive their crispiness never the microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Swap brie for camembert or any soft cheese with a creamy texture
  • Use raspberry or cherry jam if you are out of cranberry sauce
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts work nicely instead of almonds for extra buttery crunch

Serving Suggestions

  • Scatter the crackers on a big platter and garnish with rosemary or thyme sprigs or nestle them between other finger foods for an abundant holiday board
  • Serve with mulled wine or sparkling cider for the perfect pre dinner snack
  • Wrap with parchment and a ribbon for an edible table favor
A plate of cranberry and brie filo crackers. Save
A plate of cranberry and brie filo crackers. | recipesclare.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare these filo crackers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the crackers a few hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for best results.

→ What can I use instead of brie?

Camembert or a similar soft, creamy cheese works well as a substitute for brie in this appetizer.

→ How do I prevent the filo pastry from drying out?

Keep unused filo sheets covered with a damp towel while assembling to maintain their pliability and stop them from drying.

→ Are there nut-free alternatives for the almonds?

You can omit the almonds or replace them with toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a nut-free option.

→ What is the best way to serve these crackers?

Arrange the crackers on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or chives, for an elegant presentation.

Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers

Creamy brie and cranberries wrapped in crisp filo pastry with almonds, ideal for holiday celebrations.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 36 Serves

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 6 sheets frozen filo pastry, thawed
02 50 g butter, melted
03 250 g brie, cut into long slices
04 275 g cranberry sauce
05 1/4 cup almond flakes
06 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 02

Place thawed filo sheets on a flat surface. Divide the sheets lengthways into three strips, then cut each strip in half widthways to yield 36 squares.

Step 03

Place one pastry sheet on a flat surface. Cover the remaining sheets with a damp towel to prevent drying. Brush the pastry sheet with melted butter. Place a slice of brie, 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and 1 teaspoon of almond flakes at one end of the square, then roll up the pastry. Pinch both ends to form a cracker shape. Repeat for the remaining filo sheets.

Step 04

Transfer the prepared filo crackers to the baking trays. Brush each cracker with the remaining melted butter, and sprinkle with black sesame seeds. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 05

Garnish with rosemary leaves or chives before serving.

Helpful Notes

  1. Ensure filo sheets are completely thawed before use to avoid tearing.
  2. Cover filo sheets with a damp towel at all times to prevent them from drying out and cracking.

Required Tools

  • Two baking trays
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Damp kitchen towel

Allergen Info

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and seek medical advice if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (brie).
  • Contains tree nuts (almond flakes).
  • Contains gluten (filo pastry).

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These are general insights and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Fat: ~
  • Carbs: ~
  • Protein: ~