These Cranberry Brie Tartlets are perfect little bites of joy! With creamy Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce baked in a flaky pastry, they are both sweet and savory.
They’re a hit at parties, and believe me, they disappear fast! I love making these when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. So easy and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky pastry is key for a light and crispy tartlet. If you’re in a pinch, you can use phyllo dough, but it would change the texture. Just be sure to layer and brush with butter for flakiness.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds a creamy richness. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert or even a creamy goat cheese can work well as substitutes. I love the flavor of Brie, but the creamy texture is what makes it special.
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought sauce is convenient, but homemade has a fresher taste. You can also substitute it with other fruit jams, like raspberry or apricot, for a different flavor profile!
Fresh Thyme: Thyme adds a lovely herbal note. If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried thyme, but use less since dried herbs are stronger.
How Do You Get Puff Pastry to Rise Perfectly?
Achieving that light and flaky puff pastry can be tricky, but it’s all about temperature and handling. Here’s how to get it right:
- Keep the pastry cold before baking. Warm pastry won’t puff properly.
- Score the edges lightly, creating a border without cutting all the way through. This helps the center puff up while the edges rise to form a perfect crust.
- Egg wash is essential—it gives that golden color, but it also helps seal in the goodness!
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each tartlet space to rise and brown nicely.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfect tartlets that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside! Enjoy your cooking experience!
Cranberry Brie Tartlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 8 oz), thawed
- 8 oz Brie cheese
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Flour (for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe should take about 25 minutes in total—10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for baking. It’s quick and easy, making it a perfect snack or appetizer without the fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This simple step keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry:
Dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the thawed puff pastry to even it out and slightly expand its size. Cut the pastry into 9 equal squares, with each square measuring about 3×3 inches. These will be the base for our tasty tartlets.
3. Score the Pastry Squares:
Place the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet. Take a sharp knife and carefully score a smaller square about 1/2 inch in from the edge of each square—just don’t cut all the way through! This scoring creates a lovely border that will puff up beautifully while baking.
4. Make the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry square with this mixture, which helps them turn golden brown and adds a beautiful shine.
5. Add Brie Cheese:
Slice the Brie cheese thinly, taking off the rind if you’d like. Place a few slices onto the scored area of each pastry square, right in the center. The melty cheese is going to taste amazing!
6. Spoon on the Cranberry Sauce:
Take your cranberry sauce and spoon about 1 tablespoon onto the Brie of each tartlet. This sweet-tart combination is what makes these bites extra special!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. You want the pastry to rise up nicely and become golden brown, with the Brie gooey and melted inside.
8. Garnish with Thyme:
Once out of the oven, quickly add a fresh thyme sprig on top of each tartlet for a pop of color and flavor. It looks pretty and adds that gourmet touch!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These tasty tartlets can be served warm or at room temperature. They make for a delightful appetizer or snack that everyone will love!
Enjoy these crispy, creamy, sweet-tart bites that combine the flaky puff pastry, soft melted Brie, and bright cranberry topping! Your guests will be asking for seconds!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is classic for this recipe, you can substitute it with Camembert or creamy goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just make sure whatever cheese you choose melts well!
How Should I Store Leftover Tartlets?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to ensure the pastry stays crispy.
Can I Make These Tartlets Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the tartlets in advance by assembling them and covering them with plastic wrap. Refrigerate and bake just before serving for warm, fresh bites!
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to experiment! Adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a dash of balsamic glaze can add a wonderful twist to the tartlets. Get creative with your favorite flavors!