Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets: The Perfect Bite-Sized Holiday Treat

If you’re looking for the ultimate party appetizer or holiday treat, look no further than Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets. These bite-sized wonders feature flaky puff pastry shells filled with creamy, melty Brie and a sweet-tangy cranberry topping. They’re elegant yet incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for entertaining or a cozy gathering at home.

Whether you’re hosting a festive party, celebrating Thanksgiving, or planning an indulgent weekend brunch, these tartlets will be the star of your table. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that’s sure to impress your guests!

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1. Why You’ll Love Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets

Here are a few reasons why these tartlets should be on your appetizer menu:

• Sweet and Savory Perfection: The creamy Brie and tart cranberries create a perfect balance of flavors.
• Easy to Make: With store-bought puff pastry, this recipe comes together in minutes.
• Elegant Presentation: These golden tartlets look sophisticated and festive, ideal for any special occasion.
• Customizable: Switch up the flavors with different toppings or add-ins (more ideas below!).
• Bite-Sized Fun: Their small size makes them the perfect finger food for parties.

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2. Ingredients for Cranberry and Brie Tartlets

This recipe uses just a handful of ingredients, most of which you might already have on hand.

Main Ingredients:

• Puff Pastry Sheets (1 package): Store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen.
• Brie Cheese (8 oz): Cut into small cubes; choose a mild or creamy Brie for best results.
• Cranberry Sauce (1/2 cup): Homemade or store-bought; look for whole berry sauce for extra texture.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1/4 cup): For added crunch.
• Fresh Rosemary or Thyme (1 tsp, finely chopped): Adds a savory, herbaceous note.
• Honey (1 tbsp): Drizzle for a touch of sweetness.
• Orange Zest (1 tsp): Brightens up the cranberry filling with citrusy flavor.

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3. Tools You’ll Need

To make these tartlets, you’ll need the following tools:

Essential Tools:

• Mini Muffin Tin (24 cups): Perfect for shaping and baking the tartlets.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the puff pastry.
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: To cut the pastry into squares.
• Pastry Brush (optional): For brushing the pastry with egg wash.
• Spoon: For adding the cranberry filling.

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4. Step-by-Step Recipe for Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets

Ingredients Recap:

• 1 package puff pastry sheets (thawed)
• 8 oz Brie cheese (cut into small cubes)
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts, 1 tsp fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp orange zest

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Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

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Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to smooth out any creases. If using two sheets, work with one at a time.
2. Cut the pastry into 2.5-inch squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. You should get about 24 squares.

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Step 3: Shape the Tartlets

1. Gently press each puff pastry square into a cup of the mini muffin tin, letting the edges fold up slightly.
2. Use your fingers to ensure the pastry fits snugly into each cup, creating a small shell.

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Step 4: Add the Brie and Cranberry Sauce

1. Place a cube of Brie cheese in the center of each pastry shell.
2. Add a small dollop of cranberry sauce (about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon) on top of the Brie.
3. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts, fresh rosemary, or orange zest over the cranberry sauce.

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Step 5: Bake the Tartlets

1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffy.
2. Check to ensure the Brie is melted and the cranberry sauce is slightly bubbly.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the tartlets from the oven and let them cool slightly in the tin (about 5 minutes).
2. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.
3. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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5. Tips for Perfect Cranberry and Brie Tartlets

Follow these tips to ensure your tartlets turn out perfectly every time:

• Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Work quickly with the puff pastry to prevent it from becoming too soft. If it warms up, place it in the fridge for 10 minutes before shaping.
• Use Ripe Brie: Brie that’s soft and creamy will melt beautifully into the tartlets.
• Avoid Overfilling: A small dollop of cranberry sauce is enough—too much will overflow and make the tartlets messy.
• Line Your Tin: If you’re concerned about sticking, use mini muffin liners or parchment paper rounds.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the tartlets ahead of time and bake them just before serving for maximum freshness.

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6. Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic cranberry and Brie combination, get creative with these fun variations:

1. Apple and Cheddar Tartlets

• Replace Brie with sharp cheddar and cranberry sauce with diced apples sautéed in cinnamon and sugar.

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2. Fig and Prosciutto Tartlets

• Use fig jam instead of cranberry sauce, and top with a small piece of prosciutto before baking.

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3. Savory Spinach and Feta Tartlets

• Replace Brie and cranberry sauce with a mixture of sautéed spinach, crumbled feta, and garlic.

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4. Spicy Pepper Jelly Tartlets

• Swap cranberry sauce for spicy red pepper jelly for a tangy, sweet-heat flavor profile.

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5. Mushroom and Thyme Tartlets

• Use sautéed mushrooms and a sprinkle of thyme instead of the cranberry topping for an earthy, savory twist.

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7. Serving Suggestions

Savory cranberry and Brie tartlets are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here’s how to serve them:

• As an Appetizer: Serve alongside a cheese board or charcuterie platter.
• For Brunch: Pair with a simple arugula salad, mimosas, or a fruit platter.
• Holiday Feast: Include as part of a festive spread with roasted meats, stuffing, and seasonal sides.

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8. Storing and Reheating

Storing:

• Store leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy.

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FAQs About Cranberry and Brie Tartlets

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese can be used as alternatives to Brie.

2. Can I make these tartlets ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the fridge. Bake them fresh before serving.

3. Can I freeze these tartlets?

Yes! Bake the tartlets and let them cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes.

4. Can I make them gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free puff pastry to make the tartlets suitable for gluten-free diets.

5. How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

Keep the cranberry sauce portion small, and ensure the puff pastry is cold when you bake it to achieve a crispy texture.

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Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets are the ultimate combination of elegance and simplicity. With their buttery puff pastry, creamy Brie, and tangy cranberry topping, they’re a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just treating yourself, these tartlets will bring joy to every bite. Enjoy! 🥂✨