As I reminisce about the joyous Christmas seasons of my childhood, one delightful memory stands out – the aroma of freshly baked Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers wafting through the air. My grandmother, with her unwavering culinary expertise, would meticulously prepare these flaky, flavor-packed treats, and the entire family would gather around the table, eagerly awaiting the first bite. The combination of tart cranberries, creamy brie, and the buttery crunch of the filo dough was simply divine, and it’s a taste that has become synonymous with the most wonderful time of the year for me.
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Why This Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers
This Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers recipe is truly special, as it combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, all wrapped in a delightfully crisp and flaky filo pastry. The secret lies in the careful layering of the filo sheets, which create an irresistible texture that melts in your mouth. What’s more, this recipe yields a generous 12 servings, ensuring that you’ll have enough to share with family and friends during the holiday season.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers, you’ll need:
- 12 sheets of filo dough
- 8 ounces of brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of butter, melted
Step-by-Step Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers
This recipe takes 35 minutes total – 20 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a baking sheet, a pastry brush, and a sharp knife to make these delectable Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers.
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unfold the 12 sheets of filo dough and lay them out on a flat surface, covering them with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
2- In a small bowl, mix the 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries and the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until the cranberries are evenly coated.
3- Brush a sheet of filo dough with the 1/4 cup of melted butter. Top it with another sheet of filo dough and brush that with butter as well. Repeat this process until you have 4 layers of buttered filo dough.
4- Sprinkle the 8 ounces of brie cheese cubes evenly over the filo layers, then top with the sugared cranberries.
5- Fold the filo dough over the filling, creating a rectangular package. Brush the top with any remaining melted butter.
6- Cut the filo package into 12 equal crackers and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the filo is golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
- Be sure to keep the filo dough covered with a damp towel while you’re working to prevent it from drying out.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the filo package into even crackers for a clean, professional look.
- Keep a close eye on the crackers during the baking process to prevent the filo from burning.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers
These Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are the perfect appetizer for your holiday gatherings. Serve them alongside a festive charcuterie board, a glass of sparkling wine, or a warm cup of mulled cider for a truly memorable experience. Each of the 12 servings is one cracker, so your guests can enjoy this delightful treat with ease.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftover Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy. For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the filo package, cut it into crackers, and freeze them unbaked. When ready to serve, simply bake the frozen crackers for an extra 5 minutes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers
Creative Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try some delightful variations on this classic Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers recipe. For a festive twist, you can add a sprinkle of chopped rosemary or thyme to the cranberry mixture. Or, for a touch of warmth, try adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or sharp cheddar, to create new and exciting flavor combinations.
Making Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers Diet-Friendly
To make these Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers more diet-friendly, you can substitute the filo dough with gluten-free phyllo sheets or use a vegan brie cheese alternative. For a low-carb version, try replacing the cranberries with chopped walnuts or pecans, and use a low-carb sweetener instead of granulated sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them before mixing with the sugar.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 12 servings, with each serving being 1 cracker.
Q: Can I make the filo package in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the filo package in advance and freeze it unbaked. When ready to serve, simply bake the frozen crackers for an additional 5 minutes.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftover crackers?
A: Leftover Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy.
Q: My filo dough is tearing. What can I do?
A: If your filo dough is tearing, make sure to keep it covered with a damp towel while you’re working to prevent it from drying out. Also, be gentle when handling the delicate sheets to avoid rips or tears.
Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
These Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are a delightful and easy-to-make holiday appetizer. Flaky filo dough cups are filled with creamy brie and tart cranberries for a flavor-packed bite that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
– 12 sheets filo dough, thawed if frozen
– 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. 2. Unroll the filo dough and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.
3. 3. Working with one sheet at a time, brush lightly with melted butter. Layer 4 buttered sheets in the muffin cups, pressing gently into the sides and bottom to form a cup.
4. 4. Place a cube of brie in the center of each filo cup. Top with a teaspoon of chopped cranberries.
5. 5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the filo is golden brown. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin.
6. 6. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried thyme and serve warm.
Notes
For a variation, try using different types of cheese like goat cheese or cheddar. You can also experiment with different fruit fillings like apple or pear.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers are the ultimate holiday treat, combining the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. This recipe is sure to become a new family tradition, as it’s easy to prepare, yields 12 delectable servings, and is sure to impress your guests. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible Christmas Cranberry and Brie Filo Crackers. I can’t wait to hear how your crackers turn out, so be sure to share your feedback in the comments below!
