Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers Recipe

When it comes to appetizers, few combinations are as delightful as Cranberry and Brie. The rich, creamy texture of brie paired with the tartness and vibrant color of cranberries creates a perfect harmony of flavors. When wrapped in crisp, flaky filo dough, the result is a sophisticated and elegant appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a party, or just want to treat yourself to a gourmet snack, Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are a fantastic choice.

These filo crackers are easy to make but look and taste like something from a high-end bakery. The filo dough provides a delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, melty brie and the sweet-tart burst of cranberries. What’s more, this recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to experiment with flavors while keeping the core ingredients intact.

In this extensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step of preparing these delightful Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers, from the ingredients list to advanced techniques, flavor variations, and creative serving ideas. You’ll learn everything you need to know to master this simple yet sophisticated appetizer.

Instructions:

Now that we have everything we need, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making these Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers. From preparing the ingredients to assembling and baking, we’ll guide you through the whole journey.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). The oven should be hot and ready by the time your crackers are assembled, ensuring a crisp and golden result.

Step 2: Prepare the Cranberries (if using fresh cranberries)

If you’re using fresh cranberries, you’ll need to cook them down to make a sweet, thick compote that will pair well with the brie.

1. Cook the Cranberries: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries with sugar (1-2 tbsp depending on your desired sweetness) and a splash of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will start to burst after about 5 minutes.
2. Simmer the Compote: Let the cranberries cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the mixture has thickened and become syrupy. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool before using it in the crackers.

Step 3: Prepare the Filo Dough

Filo dough requires some careful handling to ensure it doesn’t dry out or tear during assembly. It’s important to work quickly, as filo dough can become brittle and crumbly if left uncovered.

1. Unroll the Filo Dough: Take out 10-12 sheets of filo dough and carefully unroll them. Lay them flat on a clean surface.
2. Brush with Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush a thin layer of melted butter onto one sheet of filo dough. Place another sheet of filo dough on top, and brush with butter again. Repeat this process until you have 4-5 sheets of filo dough stacked on top of each other, with each sheet brushed with butter.
3. Cut the Dough into Squares: Once you’ve layered and buttered the filo dough, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into small squares, about 3×3 inches each. You should be able to cut about 6-8 squares from each stacked sheet of filo dough, depending on the size you want your crackers to be.

Step 4: Assemble the Filo Crackers

This is where the fun starts! The assembly process is quick and easy, but it requires some attention to detail.

1. Place a Piece of Brie: On each filo square, place a small piece of brie cheese (about 1-2 tsp). Be sure to remove the rind if it’s too thick or not to your liking.
2. Add Cranberry Sauce or Compote: Add about 1 tsp of cranberry sauce (or cranberry compote if you used fresh cranberries) on top of the brie.
3. Fold the Filo Dough: Fold the corners of the filo dough over the filling to create a little bundle or packet. Alternatively, you can fold the edges of the filo over the filling to create an open triangular shape (similar to an empanada).
4. Brush with Butter: Once the filo dough is folded, brush the tops of each cracker with a little more melted butter. This will give the crackers their signature golden-brown crispness.

Step 5: Bake the Crackers

Once all the crackers are assembled and brushed with butter, it’s time to bake them.

1. Place on a Baking Sheet: Arrange the filo crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows them to bake evenly and become crispy.
2. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the filo dough is golden and crispy, and the brie is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the crackers are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

1. Garnish: If desired, garnish the crackers with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary, a drizzle of honey, and some chopped walnuts or pecans for added flavor and texture. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can also be added for extra depth.
2. Serve: These Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are best served warm. They make a perfect appetizer for a holiday dinner, a party, or any special occasion. Serve them on a platter alongside other appetizers like stuffed mushrooms, crostini, or charcuterie.

Tips and Tricks:

1. Handling Filo Dough: Filo dough can dry out quickly, so always keep it covered with a damp cloth while working with it to prevent it from becoming brittle. If it dries out, it can tear easily and will not bake up as crispy.
2. Make-Ahead Option: If you’re preparing for a party, you can assemble the crackers ahead of time, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before baking. Just be sure to bake them fresh for the best texture.
3. Use Room Temperature Brie: Brie that’s slightly warmed or at room temperature is easier to work with and will melt more smoothly inside the filo dough.
4. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as camembert or goat cheese. You can also add some chopped herbs or garlic to the cranberry sauce for added depth of flavor.
5. Serving Ideas: These crackers can be paired with a variety of dips, such as a honey mustard dip, a spicy chutney, or a balsamic reduction.

Variations:

While the Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are delicious as written, you can always customize the flavors to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few variations to try:

• Pecan and Caramelized Onion: Add a spoonful of caramelized onions to the filling and top with crushed pecans for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
• Bacon and Apple: For a smoky twist, add crispy bacon bits and thinly sliced apples to the filling along with the brie and cranberries.
• Fig and Prosciutto: Use fig jam and a slice of prosciutto instead of cranberry sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Blue Cheese and Pear: Swap the brie for blue cheese and add thinly sliced pear for a tangy and sweet contrast.

Conclusion:

Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are a simple yet elegant appetizer that combines sweet, savory, and creamy flavors in a flaky, crispy package. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a family gathering, or just want to impress your friends with a gourmet treat, these crackers are sure to be a hit. With a few basic ingredients, you can create a beautiful and delicious appetizer that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

By following the steps, tips, and variations in this guide, you’ll have everything you need to make these delightful filo crackers. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different fillings and garnishes. Most importantly, have fun with it and enjoy the process of creating something delicious and memorable.

Happy cooking!

Yield: 16-20 Crackers

Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers Recipe

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When it comes to appetizers, few combinations are as delightful as Cranberry and Brie. The rich, creamy texture of brie paired with the tartness and vibrant color of cranberries creates a perfect harmony of flavors. When wrapped in crisp, flaky filo dough, the result is a sophisticated and elegant appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a party, or just want to treat yourself to a gourmet snack, Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are a fantastic choice.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 sheets filo pastry
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil for a lighter option)
• 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzle)
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filo Pastry:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Brush a baking sheet with a thin layer of melted butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.
   Lay one sheet of filo pastry on the prepared baking sheet and brush lightly with melted butter. Top with another sheet of filo and brush again with butter. Repeat with the remaining filo sheets to create a stack of about 8 layers.
   
2. Cut the Pastry:
   Once the layers are stacked, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the filo into squares or rectangles (about 2x2 inches each, or your desired size for crackers).
   
3. Assemble the Crackers:
   Place a small piece of Brie cheese in the center of each filo square.
   Add a small spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the Brie.
   If using, sprinkle a little chopped fresh rosemary on top for added flavor.
   
4. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the filo is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
   
5. Finish and Serve:
   After baking, drizzle a bit of honey over the crackers for added sweetness (optional).
   Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and serve warm.

Notes

• Customization: You can replace cranberry sauce with fig jam, apricot preserves, or even caramelized onions for a different sweet-savory combo.
• Cheese Variation: While Brie is traditional, you can try other soft cheeses like Camembert or goat cheese if you prefer.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filo layers and assemble the crackers in advance, storing them in the fridge. Just bake them when you're ready to serve.