Cranberry Brie Tart Recipe – Easy Holiday Appetizer Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Brie Tart is a delightful blend of creamy cheese and tangy cranberry, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. With a flaky puff pastry base and simple ingredients, it comes together quickly for an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (or tart shell)
- 8 oz brie cheese, sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce or compote (homemade or canned)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary leaves
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out puff pastry or prepare your tart shell, then chill the pastry for 10 minutes to firm it up.
- Step 2: Slice the brie cheese and arrange it evenly over the chilled pastry base.
- Step 3: Spoon the cranberry sauce over the brie in a thin, even layer to balance flavors.
- Step 4: Bake the tart for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is golden and the brie has melted beautifully.
- Step 5: Once out of the oven, drizzle honey or maple syrup, sprinkle fresh herbs, and add coarse sugar if you like a touch of sweetness and crunch.
- Step 6: Slice and serve warm for a gooey texture, or at room temperature for easier handling.
Tips & Variations
- For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free tart shell or puff pastry.
- Try substituting fresh cranberries cooked down with sugar if you want a homemade compote.
- Fresh herbs like sage or marjoram can add interesting flavor variations instead of thyme or rosemary.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven to warm through without drying out the pastry. This tart is best enjoyed fresh or reheated shortly after baking for the best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the tart a few hours ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just bring it to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
What can I use instead of puff pastry?
You can use a pre-made tart shell or even a pie crust as an alternative, though puff pastry provides the best flaky, light texture.
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Cranberry Brie Tart Recipe – Easy Holiday Appetizer Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A delightful Cranberry Brie Tart perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring flaky puff pastry topped with creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and a touch of sweetness for a festive and elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (or tart shell)
Filling
- 8 oz brie cheese, sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce or compote (homemade or canned)
Garnish
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary leaves
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface or prepare your tart shell if using. Place the pastry on a baking sheet and chill it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to prevent shrinking during baking.
- Layer Brie: Slice the brie cheese evenly and arrange the slices over the chilled pastry base, covering it uniformly to ensure every bite has creamy cheese.
- Add Cranberries: Spoon the cranberry sauce or compote in a thin, even layer over the brie, distributing it carefully to balance sweetness and tartness throughout the tart.
- Bake: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry turns golden brown and the brie becomes melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: After baking, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the tart if desired for extra sweetness. Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary leaves on top, and add coarse sugar for a subtle crunch and festive look.
- Serve: Slice the tart and serve it warm for a gooey, melty texture or at room temperature for easier handling without losing flavor.
Notes
- If using a tart shell instead of puff pastry, adjust baking time as needed and watch for browning.
- For a vegan version, substitute brie with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Homemade cranberry sauce adds freshness and allows control over sweetness.
- Coarse sugar adds a sparkling crunch but can be omitted for less sweetness.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens for a complete appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry brie tart, holiday appetizer, puff pastry tart, brie cheese recipe, cranberry sauce appetizer, festive tart
