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Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme – Elegant, Savory & Sweet

Impress your guests with this Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme! Flaky pastry is layered with creamy brie, salty pancetta, tart cranberries, and fragrant thyme for the perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or a cozy appetizer, this tart is festive, elegant, and incredibly easy to make. A show-stopping recipe everyone will love!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Holiday Dish, Snack
Cuisine brie cheese recipe, cranberry brie tart, festive tart, holiday appetizer, puff pastry tart
Servings 8 slices (as an appetizer)
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet or tart pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Skillet (for pancetta)
  • Pastry brush
  • Cooling rack (optional, for crispier base)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
  • 8 oz (225 g) Brie cheese, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (or ½ cup dried cranberries rehydrated)
  • ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp orange zest (optional, for brightness)
  • 4 oz pancetta, diced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (plus sprigs for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp honey or balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or tart pan with parchment paper.
  • Prepare pastry: Roll out puff pastry and place on lined pan. Use a knife to score a ½-inch border around the edges (don’t cut all the way through).
  • Crisp pancetta: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced pancetta until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towel.
  • Make cranberry mixture: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange zest. Cook 5–7 minutes until cranberries soften and sauce thickens slightly. Let cool.
  • Assemble tart: Layer Brie slices evenly inside pastry border. Spoon cranberry mixture over cheese. Sprinkle pancetta and thyme leaves on top.
  • Egg wash edges: Brush pastry border with beaten egg for golden shine.
  • Bake: Transfer to oven and bake 20–25 minutes, until pastry is golden and cheese bubbly.
  • Finish & serve: Let rest 5 minutes. Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze, garnish with thyme sprigs, and slice into squares or wedges.

Notes

  • Brie rind adds flavor—no need to remove it fully.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit pancetta or replace with caramelized onions.
  • Substitute figs, apricots, or pear preserves for a fruity twist.
  • Tart can be baked ahead and reheated in the oven (avoid microwave to prevent sogginess).
  • Freeze unbaked assembled tart for up to 1 month; bake directly from frozen with 5–7 extra minutes.
Keyword Baking sheet or tart pan, Cooling rack (optional, for crispier base), Parchment paper, Pastry brush, Sharp knife, Skillet (for pancetta)