Can I make cranberry and brie filo crackers ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the crackers and freeze them before baking. Simply place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed container. When ready to serve, bake them straight from the freezer — no need to thaw. This makes holiday prep incredibly convenient.

Do I have to use brie, or can I substitute another cheese?

While brie is the traditional choice for its creamy melt and mild flavor, you can easily substitute with camembert, goat cheese, or even a creamy blue cheese for a bolder flavor profile. The key is choosing a cheese that melts well and complements the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.

Can I reheat leftovers, and will they stay crispy?

Yes, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a conventional oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–8 minutes to help maintain crispness. Microwaving is possible but will result in softer, less flaky pastry. For best results, enjoy freshly baked or reheated in the oven.

Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers – Easy Festive Appetizer

Name: Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 sheets frozen filo pastry, thawed; 50 g butter, melted; 250 g brie, cut into 36 long slices; 275 g cranberry sauce; 1/4 cup flaked almonds; 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds; Optional: fresh rosemary sprigs or chives for garnish

Description

These festive Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are a perfect holiday appetizer, featuring creamy brie, sweet cranberry sauce, and crunchy almond flakes wrapped in delicate, golden filo pastry. Easy to assemble and bake, these bite-sized crackers are an elegant addition to your Christmas or New Year’s party spread.

Ingredients

Scale

6 sheets frozen filo pastry, thawed
50 g butter, melted
250 g brie, cut into 36 long slices
275 g cranberry sauce
1/4 cup flaked almonds
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
Optional: fresh rosemary sprigs or chives for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set aside.
Place thawed filo sheets on a flat surface. Cut each into 3 strips lengthwise and then in half widthwise to create 36 squares.
Keep unused filo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
Place one filo square on a flat surface and brush lightly with melted butter.
Place a slice of brie, 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce, and 1 teaspoon flaked almonds at one end of the square.
Carefully roll the square into a cylinder and pinch both ends to form a cracker shape.
Repeat with remaining filo squares and filling ingredients.
Arrange crackers on baking trays, brush with remaining melted butter, and sprinkle with black sesame seeds.
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Garnish with rosemary sprigs or chives if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use two buttered filo squares if the pastry tears or leaks during baking.
To make ahead, assemble and freeze unbaked crackers. Bake from frozen without thawing.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Microwaving leftovers is possible but will reduce crispiness.
Homemade or canned cranberry sauce works well for this recipe.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cracker
Calories: 61
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 66mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 11mg