If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s both elegant and ridiculously easy to make, you’re going to want to try my Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe. I absolutely love how these little bites combine flaky filo pastry, creamy brie, and the perfect tang of cranberry sauce — it’s like a Thanksgiving party in every cracker. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just craving something special, this recipe really delivers on flavor and wow factor with very little fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple But Impressive: It looks fancy but comes together so quickly, perfect for last-minute entertaining.
- Perfect Flavor Balance: Creamy brie meets tangy cranberry and crunchy almonds — such a winning combo.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: You can prep these ahead and bake right before guests arrive.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone from kids to adults tends to go crazy for these crackers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe

- Filo pastry sheets: Make sure they’re thawed properly but still cold to prevent tearing when you work with them.
- Butter: Melted and used for brushing to get that golden, crisp finish.
- Brie cheese: Choose a good quality brie, and slice it long and thin so it melts perfectly inside the cracker.
- Cranberry sauce: I prefer whole berry cranberry sauce for texture, but homemade or store-bought both work great.
- Almond flakes: Adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the brie and cranberry.
- Black sesame seeds: For a subtle, toasty finish and a touch of visual contrast on top.
Variations
I love how flexible this Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe is — you can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. It’s a fun recipe to play around with!
- Nut-Free Version: I once made these without almonds just by increasing the brie and cranberry portions, and they still turned out fantastic for a nut allergy situation.
- Herb Boost: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme directly inside the crackers adds an aromatic layer I personally adore.
- Spicy Kick: A tiny pinch of chili flakes in the cranberry sauce gives an unexpected warmth that’s delicious if you like bold flavors.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan butter and a plant-based cheese alternative — it won’t be quite the same, but I’ve had great results with cashew-based brie.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filo Sheets
First things first — preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking trays with parchment paper. Now, take your thawed filo sheets and lay them flat on a clean, dry surface. I learned the hard way that filo can be super fragile, so be gentle. Cut each sheet lengthwise into thirds, then cut those strips in half widthwise, so you end up with 36 neat squares. Keep remaining sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out — trust me, that’s crucial for easy handling.
Step 2: Assemble Your Crackers
Brush one filo square lightly with melted butter. Spoon a thin slice of brie along one edge, add about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and sprinkle with some almond flakes. Then, roll the filo over carefully and pinch both ends gently to seal your little cracker. It’s a quick process once you get the hang of it, and you’ll find your fingers getting buttery and cozy with the pastry! Repeat this for all the squares, and arrange them evenly on your baking trays.
Step 3: Add Finishing Touches and Bake
Once your crackers are all rolled and on the trays, brush them with the remaining melted butter — this is what gives them that golden-brown, flaky finish. Sprinkle black sesame seeds on top to add a beautiful contrast and nutty flavor. Pop the trays in your oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until the crackers are crisp and golden. Keep an eye out toward the end, because because filo can go from perfectly cooked to a bit too dark quickly.
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe
- Double Up Your Filo: If you worry about the filling leaking, layering two sheets of filo buttered separately really keeps everything sealed inside beautifully.
- Dry Hands, Dry Surface: I discovered this trick the first time I had soggy filo all over the place — always use a dry countertop and avoid wet hands while handling the sheets.
- Keep The Unused Sheets Covered: Filo dries out fast, so keeping the remaining sheets under a damp towel until ready keeps them pliable and easier to work with.
- Bake On Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup faster, especially with the butter and melty cheese.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe

Garnishes
I love sprinkling fresh rosemary leaves or finely chopped chives on top right after baking — it adds a lovely aroma and a pop of color that makes these crackers look even more irresistible. Sometimes a tiny drizzle of honey on each can balance the tart cranberry perfectly if you want a bit of sweetness.
Side Dishes
These crackers are super versatile whether you’re pairing them with soups, salads, or charcuterie boards. My family especially enjoys them alongside a crisp green salad with toasted pecans and a tangy vinaigrette — such a light and refreshing contrast!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas, I like to arrange the Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe on a wooden board surrounded by sprigs of fresh herbs and cranberries. Adding little bowls of extra cranberry sauce or honey for dipping also makes it look festive and inviting. Guests love how pretty and approachable it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers — which is rare because they disappear fast! — store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I usually place a paper towel underneath to absorb any moisture and keep them crisp.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these crackers successfully before baking — just assemble, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want to serve, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple minutes to the bake time. This is a great way to prep for parties ahead of time without stress.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, pop them in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back their crispness without drying out the filling — just avoid microwaving, as it makes filo soggy.
FAQs
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Can I make the cranberry sauce from scratch for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a bit of sugar works beautifully and gives you control over sweetness and texture. Just let it cool completely before assembling your crackers to avoid soggy pastry.
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What can I substitute if I don’t like brie cheese?
You can swap brie for camembert, or even cream cheese if you want a milder, less melty option. Goat cheese also pairs nicely but will bring a tangier flavor, so it depends on your preference.
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How do I prevent the filo pastry from tearing?
Working with filo can be tricky — keep the sheets covered with a damp towel to maintain moisture, handle them gently, and use dry hands and a clean, dry surface. Also, brushing each layer with butter helps the sheets stick and hold together better.
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Can I prepare these crackers ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a few hours before baking and keep them covered in the fridge, or freeze them before baking for longer storage. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers Recipe has become my go-to appetizer for seasons when I want something that’s quick, festive, and utterly delicious. I remember the first time I made them — my family went wild over the crispy, buttery pastry and the combo of sweet and savory fillings. Honestly, I’m pretty sure they’ve asked me to bring them every holiday since. If you want something that looks impressive but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, give this recipe a try. I promise you’ll love how easy and tasty these crackers are!
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
Description
These Thanksgiving Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are a delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Crispy filo pastry is filled with creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy almond flakes, then baked until golden and topped with black sesame seeds for a flavorful and elegant bite-sized treat.
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 and prepare trays: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking trays with parchment paper. Set these aside while you prepare the crackers.
- Cut filo sheets: Lay the thawed filo sheets flat on your work surface. Cut each sheet lengthwise into 3 strips, then cut each strip in half widthwise, yielding 36 square pieces total.
- Assemble crackers: Place one filo square on a flat surface and cover the rest with a damp towel to keep them moist. Brush the square lightly with melted butter.
- Add filling: At one end of the square, place a slice of brie, about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and 1 teaspoon of flaked almonds.
- Roll and pinch: Roll the filo from the filled end to form a cylindrical cracker, then pinch both ends to seal the filling inside. Repeat this step with all the filo squares.
- Brush and top: Arrange the rolled crackers on the lined baking trays. Brush the tops with remaining melted butter and sprinkle black sesame seeds over them.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the filo is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with fresh rosemary leaves or chives. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Filo pastry sheets are very delicate and may leak filling while baking. To prevent this, you can use two buttered filo sheets for each cracker.
- Keep your work surface dry and use dry hands to handle the filo to avoid tearing.
- These crackers are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cracker
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg


