Introduction

Savory cranberry and Brie tartlets are a delightful appetizer that perfectly balances the rich creaminess of Brie with the tangy sweetness of cranberries, all nestled in a flaky pastry shell. These bite-sized treats are simple to prepare and make a stunning addition to holiday parties or elegant dinners.

A close-up of a small tart with three distinct layers: the bottom layer is a golden, flaky, and slightly crispy pastry shell forming the base and sides; the middle layer is creamy white, smooth, and slightly shiny, filling the shell; the top layer consists of glossy, dark red whole cranberries mixed with a red sauce, garnished with small green thyme leaves scattered on top and around the tart, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed, or 24 pre-made tartlet shells
Flour, for dusting (if using puff pastry)
8 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small cubes or slices
½ cup cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought
¼ cup walnuts or pecans, finely chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped, for garnish
2 tablespoons honey (optional), for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases. Use a 3-inch round cutter or a glass to cut out circles. Press the circles into a greased mini muffin tin to form tartlet shells. Prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent puffing.
Step 2: Place a small piece of Brie into each tartlet shell. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
Step 3: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the muffin tin.
Step 4: Garnish each tartlet with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme. Drizzle with honey for added sweetness, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use a creamy, mild Brie cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Add orange zest or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the cranberry sauce for extra depth.
Grease your muffin tin well or use non-stick spray to ensure easy removal.
Keep puff pastry cold while working to maintain its flakiness.
For a savory twist, add caramelized onions or garlic confit under the Brie.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the cranberry sauce for a sweet and spicy contrast.
Substitute Brie with blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
Try replacing cranberry sauce with thinly sliced apples or apple butter for a fruity variation.

Storage

Store leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To freeze unbaked tartlets, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag; bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time. Reheat baked tartlets in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.

How to Serve

A close-up of a small round tart with three visible layers: the base is a golden-brown flaky pastry crust with a crispy texture and slightly uneven edges, the middle layer is smooth, creamy, and pale yellow filling, and the top layer is a glossy, deep red cherry topping with whole cherries covered in syrup, crowned with a fresh green sprig of rosemary standing upright in the center; the tart rests on a white marbled surface with blurred similar tarts in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made tartlet shells?

Yes, pre-made shells save time and work perfectly for this recipe.

What if I don’t have cranberry sauce?

You can substitute raspberry jam, fig preserves, or apricot jelly for a similar sweet-tart flavor.

How do I keep the tartlets crisp?

Serve immediately after baking to maintain the crispiness of the pastry.

Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?

Yes, phyllo dough works well but requires layering with melted butter to achieve a flaky texture.

Can I omit the nuts?

Absolutely! The tartlets are still delicious without the nuts.

How do I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free puff pastry or pre-made gluten-free tartlet shells.

Can I substitute Brie with another cheese?

Yes, Camembert or triple-cream cheeses are excellent alternatives.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Use a plant-based Brie alternative or omit the cheese and use caramelized onions instead.

How do I prevent puff pastry from puffing too much?

Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during baking.

Can I serve these cold?

While best served warm, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature as part of a charcuterie spread.