Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the scent of buttery puff pastry fills the kitchen, I can’t help but smile, thinking about all the holiday gatherings to come. This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme is my go-to appetizer for bringing friends and family together. It’s remarkably simple to prepare yet packs a flavorful punch with layers of creamy Brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crispy pancetta nestled in a flaky crust. Not only does this dish impress guests, but it also allows for some creative variations—swap out the pancetta for crispy prosciutto or make it vegetarian with toasted walnuts. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead recipe that lets you enjoy more time with your loved ones during those busy occasions. Ready to elevate your appetizer game? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe! Why is this tart a must-try? Simplicity makes this dish approachable for cooks of all skill levels; even beginners can impress with minimal effort. Savory and sweet flavors collide in a delicious way that tantalizes the taste buds, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. Versatility allows for easy ingredient swaps, whether you prefer crispy bacon or a vegetarian option with nuts. Make-ahead friendly, you can prep this tart in advance, ensuring more quality time with family during busy occasions. Don’t miss out on the chance to serve a crowd-pleaser that packs a gourmet experience into every bite! Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Ingredients For the Tart Puff Pastry – A flaky base that holds everything together; store-bought makes it a breeze! Brie Cheese – Creamy and indulgent; swap it with Camembert for a stronger flavor profile. Cranberry Sauce – Adds a delightful balance of sweet and tart; consider using homemade for an extra zing. For the Savory Element Pancetta – Provides a rich, salty crunch; replace it with bacon or go vegetarian with toasted walnuts for a similar texture. For the Aromatic Touch Fresh Thyme – Infuses the tart with earthy perfume; rosemary can be an enticing alternative for a different twist. For the Finishing Touch Egg (for brushing) – Ensures a beautiful golden-brown crust; opt for milk for a non-egg wash alternative if needed. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven reaches temperature, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze once your Cranberry Brie Tart is golden and bubbling. Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the puff pastry to about ¼ inch thick. Carefully transfer this layered delight onto your prepared baking sheet. As you lay it down, ensure there’s a slight overhang at the edges; this will create a beautiful crust when it’s baked. Step 3: Cook the Pancetta In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the diced pancetta. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s crispy and golden. Once done, drain the pancetta on a paper towel to absorb excess grease, ensuring the savory flavor shines through in your finished tart. Step 4: Assemble the Tart Filling Spread a generous layer of cranberry sauce over the center of the rolled-out puff pastry, leaving the edges free. Next, layer the crispy pancetta evenly on top, followed by generous slices of creamy Brie. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed to melt perfectly as it bakes. Step 5: Create the Tart Border Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling, pinching them together to form a rustic border around the tart. This not only frames the filling beautifully but also helps hold everything in as it bakes. Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash Beat an egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to lightly coat the edges of the pastry. This will give your Cranberry Brie Tart a lovely golden-brown finish as it bakes, enticing your guests with its warm, inviting appearance. Step 7: Bake the Tart Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it in the last few minutes; the visual cue of a golden-brown crust will indicate it’s ready to come out. Step 8: Garnish and Serve Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top for an aromatic touch. This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme is now ready to be enjoyed by all! Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Variations Feel free to play around with this recipe and make it your own—your kitchen adventure awaits! Vegetarian Delight: Skip the pancetta and replace it with toasted walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch. Savory Swap: If you love bacon, use crispy bacon instead of pancetta for a heartier flavor. The salty richness will delight everyone! Aromatic Change: Use rosemary in place of thyme for a more robust herbal note that pairs beautifully with Brie. Flavors of the Orchard: Try different fruit preserves, like fig or apricot, instead of cranberry sauce, for a sweet and savory twist that will surprise your taste buds. Cheese Variation: Swap beloved Brie for creamy Camembert or a tangy goat cheese for a distinctive profile that stands out. Spice it Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce to give a flavorful kick that your guests won’t forget. Gourmet Touch: Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the top right before serving for an elegant finish that perfectly contrasts with the rich tart. Try out these variations to elevate your holiday gatherings even further. If you’re interested in more culinary creations, you might also enjoy my tips on elevating your appetizer game or my ideas for perfect homemade cranberry sauce. Happy cooking! How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain the freshness and flavors of your Cranberry Brie Tart. Freezer: For best results, freeze only the unbaked tart. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months; bake from frozen. Reheating: If you have leftover baked tart, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. Make-Ahead: Assembling the tart ahead of time is excellent; refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before baking, helping you save time on busy occasions. Make Ahead Options This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy effortless entertaining! You can assemble the tart (without baking) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap to preserve its flaky texture. When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven and bake the tart straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through thoroughly. This way, you can spend more time with loved ones during those busy holiday gatherings, without sacrificing any of the delicious taste or quality the tart has to offer! Expert Tips for Cranberry Brie Tart Chill Before Baking: Refrigerate the assembled tart for up to 2 hours before baking to enhance the puff pastry’s flakiness and keep its shape. Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the tart as it bakes. A golden-brown crust indicates it’s done, preventing over-baking and sogginess. Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze the assembled tart. Freezing can ruin the texture of the puff pastry, resulting in less-than-ideal results when baked. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap pancetta for crispy bacon or toasted nuts to customize your Cranberry Brie Tart according to your preferences. Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality Brie and homemade cranberry sauce can significantly elevate the flavor of your tart, making it more memorable for your guests. What to Serve with Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme As you savor the buttery, flaky layers of this festive tart, think about how to enhance your dining experience with delightful accompaniments. Crispy Salad: A fresh arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette adds a peppery bite that contrasts beautifully with the tart’s richness. Garlic Breadsticks: Warm, garlicky breadsticks provide a chewy texture that pairs well with the creamy Brie and tangy cranberries, inviting everyone to linger at the table. Spiced Apple Cider: The hint of cinnamon and apple in this warm drink complements the sweetness of the cranberries, creating a cozy, holiday atmosphere. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies like butternut squash and Brussels sprouts brings a hearty, earthy flavor that balances the tart’s sweetness. Cheese Platter: Elevate the appetizer experience with a variety of cheeses, nuts, and fruits that echo the flavors in the tart while providing contrasting textures. Champagne or Prosecco: The effervescence of these fizzy drinks enhances the flavor of the tart, making for a festive celebration in every bite and sip. Mini Fruit Tarts: As a sweet finish, serve these petite desserts that mimic the tart’s flavors while adding a new, refreshing dimension to your meal. With these pairing ideas, your Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme will shine even brighter on your holiday table! Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe FAQs What type of puff pastry should I use? I recommend using store-bought puff pastry for convenience, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade can enhance the flavor and texture of your tart beautifully. How do I choose ripe Brie cheese? Absolutely! Look for Brie with a slight give when you press it. Fresh Brie should be creamy and free of dark spots all over the rind, which indicates it’s past its prime. How should I store leftover Cranberry Brie Tart? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact and allows you to enjoy it later. Can I freeze the assembled tart? It’s best to freeze only the unbaked tart. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place it in a preheated oven without thawing! What if my puff pastry is soggy after baking? If your tart ends up soggy, it may be due to excess moisture from the filling. To avoid this, be sure to drain your pancetta well and use appropriate amounts of cranberry sauce. Also, a pre-baked pastry shell can help if you want to ensure crispiness! Is this tart suitable for vegetarians? Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the pancetta and substituting it with roasted nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch. Alternatively, a sprinkle of crispy prosciutto can give a similar texture! Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme: A Festive Delight This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme combines puff pastry, creamy Brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crispy pancetta for a delicious holiday appetizer. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Tart1 sheet Puff Pastry store-bought8 ounces Brie Cheese swap with Camembert for stronger flavor1 cup Cranberry Sauce homemade recommendedFor the Savory Element4 ounces Pancetta or substitute with bacon or toasted walnutsFor the Aromatic Touch2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme or use rosemary as an alternativeFor the Finishing Touch1 large Egg for brushing; milk for non-egg wash Equipment ovenbaking sheetMedium skilletparchment paperPastry Brush Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry to about ¼ inch thick and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring some overhang. Cook the diced pancetta in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until crispy. Drain on paper towels. Spread cranberry sauce over the center of the pastry, layer with cooked pancetta, and top with slices of Brie. Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling to create a rustic border. Brush the edges with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown; watch closely in the last few minutes. Let it cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh thyme before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 7gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg NotesRefrigerate the assembled tart for up to 2 hours before baking for flakiness. Avoid freezing the assembled tart to maintain texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
