Brie and Cranberry Tart Recipe | Elegant Holiday Appetizer
I have to tell you, this Brie and Cranberry Tart Recipe became an instant favorite the first time I made it. Picture this: crumbly puff pastry, creamy melted brie, and a burst of tangy-sweet cranberry goodness baked into a golden appetizer.
Honestly, it’s the kind of recipe that makes people gush, “What’s in this?!” And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. You can also enjoy similar festive treats like this Apple and White Cheddar Tart Recipe for another delicious pastry idea.
I whipped these up for a holiday gathering, and they were gone within minutes. The combination of flavors and textures is nothing short of divine, and the festive vibe of cranberries makes it ideal for any celebration. Trust me, once you try it, this will be your go-to for entertaining or even indulging yourself on a cozy weekend at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
It’s a sweet and savory tart that’s effortlessly elegant and perfect for any gathering.
It’s Simple and Quick
There’s absolutely no stress with this recipe. Using store-bought puff pastry keeps the prep effortless, so you can focus on assembling and baking in just 30 minutes. It’s proof that sometimes, simplicity really is best.
Perfect for Entertaining
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or serving snacks for the holidays, these tarts are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. They’re beautifully bite-sized and look so elegant on the table. Everyone will think you spent hours on them!
Customizable Flavors
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use fig preserves, honey, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze to tweak the sweetness. Plus, you can swap cranberries for other fruits like raspberries or apricots for a delightful twist.
Holiday-Perfect
There’s something so festive about the cranberry-brie combo. The vibrant colors and seasonal flavors make this tart a star for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even New Year’s parties.
Suitable for Everyone
Need a vegetarian option, or aiming to cater to various diets? With just a couple of ingredient tweaks, you can customize these tarts for almost anyone.
Cooking Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- Puff pastry
- Brie (keep the rind on)
- Fresh cranberries
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Fig preserves or honey
- Egg (beaten)
- Coarse sugar
- Fresh thyme
Variations
- For sweetness: Use maple syrup or honey instead of fig preserves.
- Fruit options: Swap cranberries for raspberries, blueberries, or dried apricots.
- Cheese variations: Substitute Brie with Camembert or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Dietary tweaks: Opt for vegan puff pastry and dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
If you love decadent desserts with a creamy twist, you’ll also enjoy making these Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe — they’re the perfect blend of rich, nutty, and sweet flavors.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet: To bake the tarts evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Knife: For cutting pastry and slicing cheese.
- Pastry brush: Helpful for brushing the beaten egg onto the pastry.
- Mixing bowl: To combine cranberries with sugar and cinnamon.
How to Make Brie and Cranberry Tart?
Follow this step-by-step recipe to create a delicious Brie and Cranberry Tart that’s both simple and impressive.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This gives you a non-stick surface and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Cranberries
Toss the fresh cranberries in a bowl with brown sugar and cinnamon. This gives them just enough sweetness and a cozy hint of spice. Adjust the sugar to your taste if you prefer sweeter tarts.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry sheets to smooth out any creases. Then, slice each sheet into six neat rectangles. You’ll have enough for a crowd or an extra stash for yourself.
Step 4: Layer the Goodness
Spread a dollop of fig preserves on each rectangle, leaving a thin border. Top it with two slices of Brie, then mound a generous spoonful of the sweetened cranberries over the cheese. The colors already look so inviting!
Step 5: Fold and Bake
Fold the edges inward slightly, brush the borders with beaten egg, and sprinkle with coarse sugar for that perfect golden crunch. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden, and the Brie is irresistibly melty.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over your tarts for a pop of green and a savory balance. Serve warm and watch them disappear in moments!
Tips for Making the Recipe
Don’t oversweeten: Cranberries are naturally tart, but too much sugar can overwhelm their flavor. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.
Keep the brie cold: Chilled brie is easier to slice evenly, so pop it in the fridge while prepping other ingredients.
Use parchment paper: This prevents the puff pastry from sticking to the baking sheet and saves you from scrubbing afterward!
Watch the bake time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye after the 15-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
How to Serve Brie and Cranberry Tart?
These tarts are best served warm to highlight the creamy, melty brie. Arrange them on a serving platter, garnish with some sprigs of thyme, and maybe even a drizzle of honey for extra shine! For added wow factor, pair with a glass of sparkling wine or holiday mocktails. They also shine on festive charcuterie boards with nuts and dried fruits.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per serving (approximation):
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 12g
Make Ahead and Storage
These tarts can be prepped ahead to make your hosting stress-free!
- Refrigeration: Assemble and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Just bake fresh when needed.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked tarts on a tray, then transfer them to a storage bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Leftover storage: Store baked tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warm and crispy.
With these simple tips and such a flexible, delicious recipe, you’re all set to impress guests or treat yourself whenever you crave that perfect balance of sweet and savory. Give it a try, and get ready for the rave reviews!
Brie and Cranberry Tart Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This gives you a non-stick surface and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Toss the fresh cranberries in a bowl with brown sugar and cinnamon. This gives them just enough sweetness and a cozy hint of spice. Adjust the sugar to your taste if you prefer sweeter tarts.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets to smooth out any creases. Then, slice each sheet into six neat rectangles. You’ll have enough for a crowd or an extra stash for yourself.
- Spread a dollop of fig preserves on each rectangle, leaving a thin border. Top it with two slices of Brie, then mound a generous spoonful of the sweetened cranberries over the cheese. The colors already look so inviting!
- Fold the edges inward slightly, brush the borders with beaten egg, and sprinkle with coarse sugar for that perfect golden crunch. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden, and the Brie is irresistibly melty.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over your tarts for a pop of green and a savory balance. Serve warm and watch them disappear in moments!
