Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets
These Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets combine the rich creaminess of melted Brie cheese with the bright, tangy burst of cranberries, all nestled in a flaky, buttery pastry shell. Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, these elegant tartlets make an irresistible appetizer or festive snack for holidays and special occasions. Easy to prepare yet impressive in flavor, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin (if making dough)
- Tartlet pans or muffin tin
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Small saucepan (for cranberry sauce, if homemade)
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 150g (about 5 oz) Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Flour (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth it. Cut into squares (about 3x3 inches).
- Arrange squares on the baking sheet. Using a fork, prick the center of each square lightly to prevent puffing too much in the middle.
- Add fillings: Place a small piece of Brie in the center of each square. Top with 1-2 teaspoons of fresh cranberries or cranberry sauce.
- Optional: Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup and sprinkle fresh herbs on top for extra flavor.
- Brush edges of the pastry with beaten egg to give a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Puff pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is well chilled before rolling for best puff and texture.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a tart burst, while cranberry sauce gives a sweeter, smoother texture—feel free to mix or use whichever you prefer.
- Cheese: Brie can be swapped for Camembert or even a mild goat cheese if you want a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: You can assemble the tartlets ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Serving: These tartlets are best enjoyed warm but still delicious at room temperature, making them great for parties.
- Egg wash: For a vegetarian option, you can skip the egg wash or use a plant-based milk alternative to brush the pastry edges.