Introduction
If you’re looking for a Christmas appetizer that’s creamy, crispy, and almost too cute to eat, these Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers The Cutest Christmas Bites on the Table are about to steal the show. Imagine golden, flaky filo pastry wrapped up like tiny festive crackers, stuffed with gooey brie, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and a little crunchy almond surprise. They look like something you’d find at a fancy holiday party, but I promise they’re secretly very simple to make.
Fun fact: the first time I served these, they disappeared so fast that I thought I’d forgotten to bring half the tray out of the kitchen. These little parcels of cheesy goodness are the kind of bite that makes people hover by the snack table “just in case” more appear. They’re easy to hold, easy to eat, and even easier to go back for seconds… or thirds.
What makes this recipe special is how quickly it comes together with just a few ingredients you can grab at any supermarket. No complicated steps, no special tools — just filo pastry, brie, cranberry sauce, and your oven doing most of the work. It’s just as fuss-free as my baked brie and cranberry pull-apart bread, but in a bite-sized, kid-friendly, party-ready form.
Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or bringing a plate to a festive potluck, these Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers The Cutest Christmas Bites on the Table will bring instant cheer to your spread. Let’s make your holiday table as delicious as it is beautiful!
What Is Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers The Cutest Christmas Bites on the Table?
So what on earth is Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers The Cutest Christmas Bites on the Table anyway? Think of them as tiny edible Christmas crackers: flaky filo pastry rolled around melty brie, sweet cranberry sauce, and crunchy almonds, then twisted at the ends to look like party crackers. Cute, right? You get all the joy of pulling a cracker… but instead of a bad joke and a paper hat, you get warm, cheesy deliciousness.
Why the long name? Because every part of it deserves a shout-out! Cranberry for that festive tang, brie for the creamy center, filo for the crunch, and “the cutest Christmas bites” because, well… look at them! As the old saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach — and I’d say these work for everyone’s heart. Ready to fall in love with your new favorite holiday nibble? Let’s make a batch!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers The Cutest Christmas Bites on the Table
There are so many reasons these festive filo crackers will become a holiday tradition in your home. Here are the big ones:
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They’re the star of the snack table.
The main highlight of this dish is the perfect contrast in textures and flavors. You get crispy, buttery filo on the outside, a creamy, slightly salty brie center, and a burst of sweet-tart cranberry sauce in every bite. The flaked almonds add a light crunch, and the black sesame seeds on top make them look restaurant-level fancy. These are the bites people talk about after the party. -
Budget-friendly but impressive.
Making these Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers The Cutest Christmas Bites on the Table at home saves you a small fortune compared to buying ready-made appetizers. A pack of filo, a small wedge of brie, and a jar of cranberry sauce go a long way. You’ll get a tray full of 36 crackers that look like they came from a high-end catering company. Just like my easy puff pastry cheese twists, this is one of those recipes where your guests will assume you spent hours — but your wallet (and your schedule) will know better. -
Festive flavors in every detail.
The toppings and fillings are what make this recipe shine. Brie melts into a luscious, creamy center. Cranberry sauce brings that classic holiday flavor. Almond flakes tuck inside each cracker for a subtle nutty crunch, while black sesame seeds on top add a pop of color and a hint of earthiness. Every bite feels like Christmas wrapped in pastry. If you love the flavor combo in baked brie with cranberry, you’ll adore this fun, bite-sized twist.
If you’ve tried any of my other party bites, like mini caprese skewers or puff pastry pinwheels, this recipe will fit right into your entertaining rotation. Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and create the cutest Christmas bites on your table!
How to Make Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers The Cutest Christmas Bites on the Table
Quick Overview
These Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers The Cutest Christmas Bites on the Table are wonderfully simple: filo pastry is brushed with melted butter, filled with brie, cranberry sauce, and almonds, then rolled and twisted to look like mini crackers. A sprinkle of black sesame seeds and a quick bake in the oven turns them golden and crisp.
Prep time: about 15–20 minutes
Bake time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: roughly 35–40 minutes for a full batch of 36 crackers
Key Ingredients for Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers The Cutest Christmas Bites on the Table
- 6 sheets frozen filo pastry, thawed – ultra-thin, crisp pastry that bakes up beautifully golden.
- 50 g butter, melted – for brushing the filo and giving it that rich, buttery flavor.
- 250 g brie, cut into long slices – creamy, melty cheese that forms the heart of each cracker.
- 275 g cranberry sauce – adds sweetness and tartness; use whole berry or smooth, your choice.
- ¼ cup flaked almonds – for a delicate nutty crunch inside each bite.
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds – sprinkled on top for contrast and extra texture.
- Optional garnish: fresh rosemary leaves or chopped chives for serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prep the oven and trays.
Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F. Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set them aside. This prevents the filo crackers from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. -
Prepare the filo pastry.
Place the thawed filo sheets on a clean, dry, flat surface. Using a sharp knife, divide the stack into 3 equal strips lengthways. Then cut those strips in half widthways. You should now have 36 small rectangles of filo. Filo dries out quickly, so cover the pieces you’re not using with a slightly damp (not wet) towel. -
Brush with butter.
Take one filo rectangle and lay it flat in front of you. Brush it lightly with melted butter using a pastry brush. If your filo feels very fragile or tends to tear, you can use two sheets stacked together, brushing butter between them for extra strength and flakiness. -
Add the filling.
Place a slice of brie near one short end of the filo piece. Top it with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce and 1 teaspoon of flaked almonds. Don’t overfill, or the filling may leak out too much while baking. -
Roll into “crackers.”
Starting from the filled end, gently roll the pastry up over the filling to form a log. Once rolled, carefully pinch and twist both ends, just like a Christmas cracker. This helps seal the filling in and gives the crackers their signature shape. -
Repeat with remaining pastry.
Place each formed cracker onto the prepared baking trays, leaving a little space between them. Repeat the process with the remaining filo pieces, butter, brie, cranberry sauce, and almonds until all 36 crackers are made. -
Brush and sprinkle.
Brush the tops of the filo crackers with the remaining melted butter. Sprinkle black sesame seeds over the top for a pretty contrast and extra crunch. -
Bake until golden.
Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the filo is puffed, crisp, and a deep golden color. Keep an eye on them towards the end so they don’t over-brown. -
Garnish and serve.
Once baked, let the crackers cool slightly so the cheese sets just enough to be pleasantly gooey, not lava-hot. Garnish the tray with fresh rosemary leaves or chopped chives, and serve warm.
Note: Filo pastry is delicate and may leak a bit as it bakes. If you want to minimize this, double up the sheets as mentioned and make sure your work surface is dry. Also, avoid handling the pastry with wet hands — that’s when tearing tends to happen.
What to Serve Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers The Cutest Christmas Bites on the Table With
These crackers are versatile little party heroes and pair beautifully with a range of festive dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Charcuterie or grazing board: Add them alongside cured meats, fresh grapes, nuts, and extra cheese for a stunning holiday spread.
- Fresh green salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the brie and buttered filo.
- Soup starter: Serve these next to a cozy bowl of roasted butternut squash soup or tomato soup for a comforting winter meal.
- Festive drinks: They go wonderfully with sparkling wine, prosecco, mulled wine, or even a non-alcoholic cranberry spritzer.
Whether they’re the opening act to Christmas dinner or the star of a nibbles night, these Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers The Cutest Christmas Bites on the Table fit right in.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers The Cutest Christmas Bites on the Table
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Keep the filo covered.
Filo dries out very quickly once exposed to air. Always keep the unused sheets under a damp (not wet) kitchen towel while you work. Dry filo cracks and becomes hard to roll. -
Double up if needed.
If you find your filo is tearing easily or the filling is leaking, use two buttered sheets stacked together for each cracker. This creates a stronger shell and extra flakiness. -
Don’t overfill.
A little filling goes a long way. Stick to around one slice of brie and one teaspoon each of cranberry sauce and almonds per cracker. Overfilling makes rolling harder and increases leakage. -
Use cold brie for neat slicing.
Brie slices more cleanly when it’s chilled. Cut it into long slices straight from the fridge, then assemble your crackers. -
Play with substitutions.
No brie? Try camembert. No cranberry sauce? Use fig jam, red onion chutney, or even raspberry preserves for a fun twist. You can swap almonds for chopped pecans or walnuts too. -
Make ahead for parties.
You can assemble the crackers a few hours ahead, place them on trays, and store in the fridge, covered. Brush with a little extra butter just before baking so they still crisp up beautifully.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (it doesn’t happen often!), here’s how to store and reheat your Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers The Cutest Christmas Bites on the Table for best results.
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Storing in the fridge:
Once completely cooled, transfer the crackers to an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. -
Freezing:
You can freeze the unbaked assembled crackers on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 180°C / 350°F, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time until golden and heated through. -
Reheating baked crackers:
To re-crisp leftovers, place them on a baking tray and warm in a preheated oven at 160–170°C / 320–340°F for about 8–10 minutes, or until hot and crisp again. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the filo soggy.
With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy these cute little bites beyond the main event — perfect for a quick snack with a cup of tea the next day.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Per cracker (1 serving): about 61 kcal, 4 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein, 4 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 2 g polyunsaturated fat, 11 mg cholesterol, 66 mg sodium, and about 3 g sugar.
It’s a little indulgence that’s just right for the festive season — especially when shared.
Ready to bake your own batch of Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers The Cutest Christmas Bites on the Table? Pop that oven on, unwrap the filo, and let the holiday magic begin!
