The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
When it comes to Thanksgiving, there’s one thing every host looks forward to almost as much as the turkey—the appetizers. The first bites set the tone for the whole celebration, and nothing feels more festive, elegant, and irresistibly delicious than these Thanksgiving Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers. Made with buttery layers of filo dough, creamy brie cheese, and a bright burst of cranberry sauce, these golden, flaky bites deliver everything you want in a holiday snack: crunch, sweetness, richness, and a gorgeous presentation.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between easy and impressive. If you love appetizers that look fancy but require minimal effort, this is the holiday recipe you’ll make again and again.
Why This Recipe Works
- The perfect texture: Crispy, shattering filo meets silky, melted brie and sweet-tart cranberries.
- Minimal ingredients: You only need filo, brie, cranberry sauce, butter, and optional herbs.
- Quick to assemble: Each cracker takes seconds to fold and seal.
- Great make-ahead option: Assembled crackers freeze beautifully and bake straight from frozen.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all winter celebrations.
These crackers are the kind of appetizer your guests will devour in minutes. The brie melts into a luscious center, the cranberry adds a festive pop, and the filo bakes into golden, irresistible layers. Whether you’re hosting a huge Thanksgiving dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, these crackers are guaranteed to earn instant compliments.
Ingredients
(Use dashes exactly)
For the Crackers
- Filo dough sheets, thawed
- Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- Cranberry sauce (homemade or canned whole-berry)
- Melted unsalted butter
- Fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- Flaky salt (optional but amazing)
Instructions
(Use numbers exactly)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the filo dough and keep it covered with a slightly damp towel to prevent drying.
- Lay out one sheet of filo and brush lightly with melted butter.
- Add another sheet of filo on top, brush again, and repeat until you have 3 layers.
- Cut the layered filo into rectangles approximately 3×4 inches.
- Place one small cube of brie near the edge of each rectangle.
- Add ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie.
- Roll the filo tightly into cracker-shaped cylinders, folding the sides in as you go.
- Brush each assembled cracker with more butter to help crisp and brown.
- Place the crackers seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden, crisp, and sizzling.
- Let them cool for 3 minutes before serving—the filling will be hot!
- Optional: Sprinkle with flaky salt and rosemary while warm.
Thanksgiving Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers
Crispy filo crackers filled with creamy brie and festive cranberry sauce—perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Keep filo dough covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
- Layer three sheets of filo, brushing each with melted butter.
- Cut layered sheets into 3×4 inch rectangles.
- Place a cube of brie and 1/2 tsp cranberry sauce at one end of each rectangle.
- Roll into cracker shapes, folding in the sides.
- Brush the tops with more melted butter.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool 3 minutes before serving. Sprinkle flaky salt and rosemary if desired.
Notes
Great make-ahead appetizer; freeze before baking and cook from frozen.
Tips for the Best Filo Crackers
1. Keep the filo covered
Filo dough dries in seconds. Keep it under a damp towel while working or it will crack.
2. Use cold brie
Cold cheese melts slower and stays inside the wrappers better.
3. Don’t overfill
A tiny amount goes a long way. Too much cranberry or brie = leaks.
4. Brush generously with butter
The butter creates all those beautiful crisp, flaky layers.
5. Serve warm
They are delicious at room temperature, but warm is next-level.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions
Assemble the crackers but do not bake.
Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag.
Bake from frozen:
375°F for 15–18 minutes until crisp and golden.
This makes them perfect for prepping before Thanksgiving!
Flavor Variations
1. Orange Cranberry Brie
Mix a spoonful of orange zest into the cranberry sauce.
2. Savory Herb Brie
Skip the cranberry and instead tuck in caramelized onions or garlic-herb cheese.
3. Honey Walnut Brie
Add a drop of honey and a tiny piece of crushed walnut.
4. Spicy Cranberry
Mix the cranberry sauce with chili crisp—it’s incredible.
Serving Suggestions
These crackers pair beautifully with:
- A cheese board or charcuterie spread
- Mulled wine, hot cider, or sparkling wine
- A colorful Thanksgiving appetizer table
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Serve them on a platter lined with parchment or a wooden board for a rustic autumn look.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is all about bold flavors, sharing dishes, and bringing warmth to the table. These filo crackers fit seamlessly into that theme:
- They highlight cranberries, one of the holiday’s signature ingredients.
- The brie adds richness that pairs well with turkey and stuffing.
- The crisp filo adds a texture contrast to an otherwise soft Thanksgiving meal.
- They’re simple, quick, and guarantee rave reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use puff pastry instead of filo?
Yes, but the texture will be more like a mini turnover—not a cracker.
What kind of cranberry sauce works best?
Whole-berry cranberry sauce gives the best texture and flavor.
Can I use a different cheese?
Creamy cheeses like camembert, goat cheese, or mascarpone work too.
How long do leftovers last?
Up to 3 days in the fridge; reheat in the oven for crispiness.
Conclusion
These Thanksgiving Cranberry Brie Filo Crackers embody everything wonderful about the holidays. They’re elegant, festive, addictive, and surprisingly easy to make. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, they deliver a perfect appetizer that will make your Thanksgiving table sparkle.
Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding family, or planning a cozy holiday night, these crackers are the kind of recipe you’ll come back to year after year.
