Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are an elegant, bite-sized appetizer that brings together the creamy richness of Brie cheese and the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce, all wrapped in crispy, golden filo pastry. The filo dough bakes up to a perfectly crunchy texture, creating a delightful contrast with the soft, melty Brie and the vibrant cranberry filling. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the dish even more, adding a touch of sweetness or freshness.
The first time I made these, I wanted to create a festive, flavorful appetizer that was simple yet impressive, and they turned out to be a crowd favorite! The combination of tangy cranberry and creamy Brie wrapped in crispy filo dough is both indulgent and light, making it an ideal bite-sized treat. What I love most about Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers is how easy they are to make while still feeling sophisticated. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or as a snack for any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something special!
Perfect for:
- Holiday parties
- Special occasions
- Appetizer platters
- Entertaining guests
- Cheese lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers will become your new go-to appetizer:
- Flavor Harmony: The blend of savory Brie, tangy cranberries, and honey creates a mouthwatering balance of flavors.
- Crispy and Flaky: The filo dough provides the perfect crunch, making each bite irresistible.
- Elegant Presentation: The golden, crisp filo crackers look sophisticated, making them a great addition to any spread.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, these crackers come together quickly, allowing you to spend more time with guests.
- Perfect for Entertaining: These appetizers are easy to serve and share, making them ideal for gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings or add a sprinkle of nuts for extra texture.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of Brie and cranberries is universally loved, making it a safe bet for diverse tastes.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the filo crackers ahead of time and bake them just before serving for minimal stress.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the filo dough with gluten-free wrappers for an inclusive option.
- Sweet and Savory Appeal: The mix of honey and rosemary adds an unexpected layer of depth and aroma.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 crackers
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 10g
Ingredients
For the Crackers:
- 8 sheets filo dough, thawed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce or fresh cranberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
Ingredient Highlights
- Brie Cheese: Soft, creamy, and mildly tangy, it’s the perfect cheese for this recipe.
- Filo Dough: Thin, flaky layers that create a delicate and crispy texture.
- Cranberries: Fresh or sauce adds a tart contrast to the richness of the Brie.
- Fresh Rosemary: Provides an aromatic, earthy flavor that enhances the other ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Filo Dough:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Filo Dough: Brush each sheet of filo dough with melted butter and layer them on top of each other. Cut the stack into squares (approximately 3×3 inches).
- Bake the Filo Sheets: Arrange the filo squares on the prepared baking sheet, then bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Assemble the Crackers:
- Top with Brie: Place a small cube of Brie on top of each filo square.
- Add Cranberries: Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce or place a few fresh cranberries on top of the Brie.
- Sprinkle Rosemary: Add a sprinkle of fresh rosemary over the Brie and cranberries.
Drizzle with Honey:
- Add Honey: Drizzle a small amount of honey over each cracker to add sweetness.
- Bake Again: Return the crackers to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the Brie has melted and the edges of the filo are golden.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional rosemary if desired and serve immediately while hot.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers:
- As a Holiday Appetizer: Serve on a festive platter at Christmas or Thanksgiving.
- On Cheese Platters: These crackers make a great addition to a cheese and charcuterie board.
- With Fresh Greens: Serve on a bed of arugula or spinach for a light, fresh contrast.
- As a Cocktail Snack: Perfect for cocktail parties and casual gatherings.
- With Chutney or Jam: Serve alongside your favorite chutney or fruit preserve for an extra layer of flavor.
- For New Year’s Eve: A decadent bite to enjoy while ringing in the new year.
- For Bridal Showers: These delicate crackers make for an elegant addition to bridal shower spreads.
- As an Afternoon Snack: Pair with a cup of tea for a light yet indulgent treat.
- As a Gourmet Gift: Package these in a decorative box to gift to loved ones.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Brie: Opt for fresh Brie cheese for a creamy texture that melts beautifully. Avoid using Brie that has been sitting in the fridge for too long, as it may not melt as well.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure to preheat your oven to the right temperature so the filo crisps up perfectly and the Brie melts without overcooking.
- Brush Filo Generously with Butter: To ensure the filo sheets crisp up nicely, brush each layer generously with melted butter or olive oil. This will give your crackers that golden, flaky finish.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary over the Brie and cranberry mixture before baking. These herbs complement the sweetness of the cranberries and richness of the Brie.
- Experiment with Different Jams: While cranberry is classic, you can experiment with other fruit jams like apricot or fig for a different twist.
- Use a Cookie Cutter: For a neat presentation, use a cookie cutter to shape the filo dough into uniform rounds before baking. This gives the crackers a professional look.
- Serve with a Dipping Sauce: Pair the finished crackers with a balsamic reduction or a honey drizzle for an added touch of sweetness and tang.
- Chill Before Baking: If you’re preparing these ahead of time, refrigerate the assembled crackers for about 15 minutes before baking. This will help them hold their shape while baking.
- Add a Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top before baking for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- Use Mini Filo Shells: If you’re short on time, use pre-made mini filo shells as the base for these crackers. They’re a great shortcut that still delivers a delicious result!
Recipe Variations
- Add Walnuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Caramelized Onion: Add a layer of caramelized onions for extra sweetness.
- Balsamic Drizzle: Finish with a balsamic glaze instead of honey for a tangy twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free filo dough or a gluten-free cracker base.
- Apple and Brie: Swap out the cranberries for thin apple slices for a seasonal variation.
- Fig Jam: Replace cranberry sauce with fig jam for a more sophisticated flavor.
Special Equipment
- Baking Sheet: For baking the filo crackers.
- Pastry Brush: To brush butter onto the filo dough.
- Sharp Knife: For cutting the filo dough into squares.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Small Spoon: For scooping cranberry sauce or fresh cranberries onto the crackers.
FAQ Section
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filo crackers in advance and store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven before serving. - Can I use puff pastry instead of filo dough?
Yes, puff pastry will give a flakier texture but will be slightly thicker than filo dough. - How long do these crackers last?
They are best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. - Can I freeze these?
Yes, freeze the assembled crackers before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time. - What other cheese can I use?
Goat cheese or Camembert would also work well in this recipe. - How do I know when the filo dough is done?
The filo dough is done when it is golden brown and crispy. - Can I skip the honey?
Yes, the crackers are still delicious without the honey, or you could replace it with maple syrup. - Can I add other fruits?
Yes, sliced pears or figs would make great alternatives to cranberries. - How can I make these more savory?
Skip the honey and drizzle with olive oil instead. You could also add a sprinkle of sea salt before baking. - How do I prevent the Brie from leaking out?
Ensure you don’t overfill the filo dough with cheese, and bake the crackers just until the Brie melts.
Conclusion
Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are a deliciously elegant and simple appetizer that combines the creamy richness of Brie cheese with the tart sweetness of cranberries, all wrapped in crispy, flaky filo pastry. The filo dough is baked until golden and crunchy, providing a delicate and light texture that complements the creamy Brie perfectly. The cranberry sauce or fresh cranberries add a burst of sweetness and color, creating a beautiful contrast to the rich cheese.
These bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday parties, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a flavorful, sophisticated dish. You can also drizzle a little honey or balsamic glaze for an extra layer of sweetness and tang.
I can’t wait to see how your Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!