These Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are a delightful appetizer featuring crispy filo pastry filled with creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy almond flakes. Perfect for holiday gatherings or elegant entertaining, they bake to a golden crisp and are topped with fragrant black sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor.
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:36 crackers
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
Optional garnish: rosemary leaves or chives
Instructions
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set them aside for later.
Prepare filo sheets: Lay the thawed filo sheets flat on a clean surface. Cut each sheet into 3 strips lengthwise and then cut those strips in half widthwise to create 36 squares of filo pastry. Cover unused sheets with a damp towel to keep them moist.
Assemble crackers: Take one filo square and brush it thoroughly with melted butter. Place a slice of brie, about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and 1 teaspoon of flaked almonds at one end of the square. Roll the pastry tightly over the filling and pinch both ends to seal, forming a cracker shape. Repeat this process with the remaining filo squares and filling ingredients.
Prepare for baking: Arrange the rolled crackers on the prepared baking trays. Brush their tops with any remaining melted butter to promote browning. Sprinkle the black sesame seeds evenly over the crackers for added flavor and texture.
Bake: Place the trays in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the filo pastry turns a beautiful golden brown and crispy.
Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with fresh rosemary leaves or finely chopped chives before serving warm.
Notes
Keep unused filo pastry covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out while working.
For easier rolling, work quickly but gently with the delicate filo sheets.
You can substitute cranberry sauce with any tart fruit preserve like raspberry or cherry jam if preferred.
Brie slices can be swapped with camembert or a mild goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
To enhance crispness, ensure the filo layers are well brushed with melted butter before rolling.
These crackers are best served fresh and warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
