Description

These Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are a delightful appetizer featuring flaky filo pastry filled with creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy almond flakes. Perfectly baked until golden and topped with black sesame seeds, they offer a sophisticated blend of sweet and savory flavors that are ideal for holiday entertaining or a special snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

6 sheets frozen filo pastry (thawed)
50 g butter (melted)

Filling

250 g brie (cut into long slices)
275 g cranberry sauce
1/4 cup flaked almonds

Topping

1 tbsp black sesame seeds

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F. Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set aside for baking the filo crackers evenly.
Prepare Filo Sheets: Lay the thawed filo pastry sheets flat on a clean surface. Divide each sheet into three lengthwise strips, then cut each strip in half widthwise to produce 36 squares in total.
Assemble Crackers: Take one filo square and brush it generously with melted butter. Add a slice of brie, about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and 1 teaspoon of flaked almonds at one end of the square. Carefully roll the filo over the filling and pinch both ends to seal and shape into a cracker. Repeat this process for all filo squares, keeping remaining sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
Prepare for Baking: Arrange the assembled filo crackers on the lined baking trays. Brush the tops with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle evenly with black sesame seeds for a nutty, visual finish.
Bake: Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filo is crisp and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, optionally garnish the crackers with fresh rosemary leaves or chives before serving to add a fresh herbal aroma and enhance presentation.

Notes

Keep unused filo sheets covered with a damp towel at all times to prevent them from drying out and tearing.
Use good quality brie cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
You can substitute flaked almonds with other nuts like pistachios or walnuts for different textures and tastes.
These crackers are best enjoyed warm fresh from the oven but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
To re-crisp stored crackers, warm them briefly in the oven at 160°C / 320°F.

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

Keywords: cranberry, brie, filo pastry, appetizer, holiday snack, baked crackers, savory, sweet and savory