Every Christmas Eve growing up, Mama would set out the fancy snacks little bites that looked like they came from a gourmet magazine but were made right in our kitchen. That’s exactly the spirit behind these cranberry and brie filo crackers. Crispy, buttery, tangy-sweet, and unapologetically rich. They’re festive, simple, and downright irresistible kind of like holiday magic in a bite.
Why You’ll Adore These Little Beauties
- Perfect for Holiday Appetizers Christmas Easy planning
- Look like they came from a caterer, but use just 5 ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes
What You’ll Need and Why
This isn’t just a shopping list it’s a flavor game plan. Each ingredient plays a role, and they all shine together.
Filo Pastry: Delicate and crisp, it brings the crunch and an elegant touch. You’ll find it in the freezer aisle just be sure to thaw it before starting.
Brie Cheese: Creamy, mellow, and a little earthy, Brie melts like a dream and pairs beautifully with sweet-tart cranberry.
Cranberry Sauce: Use whole berry sauce for texture or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. It adds that festive flair and a pop of color.
Butter (melted): It’s the secret to that golden, flaky finish. Brush each layer like you’re painting joy onto it because you are.
Twine or Chives (optional): These are just for tying the ends if you want to get real cute with it total Decorative Christmas Appetizers vibes.
Let’s Wrap ‘Em Up : Step by Step
Grab your favorite apron, put on some holiday music, and let’s do this. It’s like wrapping tiny presents only tastier.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll your thawed filo dough and cover it with a slightly damp towel so it doesn’t dry out while you work.
- Take one sheet, brush it lightly with melted butter, then layer another sheet on top. Repeat until you have 3 layers.
- Cut into rectangles about 4×6 inches. Place a small slice of brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce in the center of each.
- Roll the pastry up like a candy wrapper, pinching the ends. Tie with kitchen twine or a chive if you like.
- Brush the tops with more melted butter. Because we’re not skimping today.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving.
Mistakes to Dodge
We all hit a kitchen snag or two, but these tips’ll keep your cranberry and brie filo crackers from falling flat:
- Don’t skip buttering the layers: Dry filo is sad filo.
- Too much filling? You’ll end up with a cheesy cranberry explosion (which sounds fun but isn’t cute on your tray).
- Overbaking: Watch the edges—they go from golden to burned in seconds.
A Few Pro Tips from My Holiday Oven
This recipe is already simple, but here’s how to make it feel like a showstopper at your next holiday party.
Keep filo covered: Seriously. Filo dries out faster than your Aunt Louise’s turkey. A damp towel over the unused sheets keeps them pliable and easy to roll.
Play with the fillings: Swap in fig jam, apple butter, or pepper jelly. Brie loves sweet-savory combos. You can even toss in a toasted walnut for crunch.
Serve warm: If you’re making them ahead, pop ‘em back in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes to bring that flaky magic back to life.
Freezer-friendly? Oh yes. Freeze before baking, then bake straight from frozen just add 5 extra minutes to the timer.
A Little Holiday Hosting Wisdom
Want these to be the talk of your Christmas Party Nibbles lineup? Here’s my favorite tip:
Make them mini! Use smaller filo rectangles and a cube of brie to create bite-size versions perfect for Festive Buffet Ideas. They’re easier to eat standing up with a glass of bubbly in hand.
And if you’re serving these for dinner instead of apps, they make stunning starters for your Christmas main ideas like that cheesy pull-apart tree bread.
Set the Scene: How to Serve
These beauties deserve a little stage. Here’s how I like to plate ’em:
- On a rustic wooden board with rosemary sprigs (they look like tiny trees!)
- With a few bowls of spiced nuts, olives, and maybe a pepper jelly cheese dip nearby
- For brunch? Pair with a fruit platter and sparkling mimosas an unexpected but delightful Christmas Eve Entree Idea.
Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Filo Pastry
- 6 sheets filo dough thawed if frozen
Brie Filling
- 4 oz brie cheese cut into small slices
Cranberry Filling
- 4 tbsp whole cranberry sauce or homemade
Finishing
- 2 tbsp butter melted, for brushing
- kitchen twine or chives optional, for tying ends
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll your thawed filo dough and cover it with a slightly damp towel so it doesn’t dry out while you work.
- Take one sheet, brush it lightly with melted butter, then layer another sheet on top. Repeat until you have 3 layers.
- Cut into rectangles about 4×6 inches. Place a small slice of brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce in the center of each.
- Roll the pastry up like a candy wrapper, pinching the ends. Tie with kitchen twine or a chive if you like.
- Brush the tops with more melted butter.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving (but not too long—they’re best warm!).
Notes
- Feel free to swap any of the fillings fig jam, apple butter, or pepper jelly work great.
- If making ahead, assemble and freeze unbaked, then bake straight from frozen adding ~5 extra minutes.
FAQs About Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers
Can I use puff pastry instead of filo?
Technically yes, but it’ll change the texture. Puff pastry gives you a buttery, doughier bite, while filo delivers that shattering crunch we love in these impressive Christmas appetizers.
Can I make these ahead for a big party?
Absolutely. Assemble and freeze them unbaked. When ready, just pop them in the oven. That makes them ideal for small Christmas dishes that still feel special.
Why is my filo tearing?
It’s either too dry or too warm. Work quickly and keep it under a damp towel. And don’t fret a little tear won’t hurt, especially once it’s baked golden and lovely.
Can I make them sweet instead of savory?
You bet. Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped pecans inside for a easy Christmas treat savory-sweet mashup that’ll surprise your guests in the best way.
Warm Thoughts from My Kitchen to Yours
These cranberry and brie filo crackers are more than a recipe—they’re a moment. They’re the kind of treat that makes folks stop mid-sentence and go, “Wait what is this deliciousness?” And that, my friend, is the joy of holiday cooking. If you loved these, try my easy cranberry meatballs or cranberry and brie tartlets for another sweet-savory moment. Happy holidays, and happy snacking.
