Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme

Name: Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed; 8 oz brie cheese, sliced; 1 cup cranberry sauce; 4 oz pancetta, diced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Highlighted under: Seasonal Cooking Ideas

Elevate your holiday gatherings with this exquisite Cranberry Brie Tart featuring crispy pancetta and fresh thyme. This savory-sweet treat combines the creamy richness of brie cheese with tart cranberry sauce, all nestled in a flaky pastry crust. It's the perfect appetizer to impress your guests with minimal effort, making it a standout addition to your cranberry dip collection.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2025-11-25T05:56:10.397Z

This Cranberry Brie Tart is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for any festive occasion.

The Perfect Holiday Appetizer

This Cranberry Brie Tart is not just a dish; it's a celebration of flavors that perfectly embodies the essence of the holiday season. The combination of creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce makes it an exquisite starter that can wow even the most discerning palates. It's a dish that strikes a balance between savory and sweet, ensuring that it complements a variety of main courses without overwhelming them.

One of the greatest advantages of this tart is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a stunning appetizer that looks gourmet but is surprisingly easy to prepare. This tart is a crowd-pleaser, making it a fantastic addition to your holiday gatherings, whether it's a festive dinner party or a casual get-together.

Flexible and Customizable

While this recipe highlights the delightful combination of cranberries, brie, and pancetta, it also invites creativity. Feel free to experiment by incorporating other seasonal ingredients like walnuts or pecans for added crunch, or swap the cranberries for a different fruit preserve like apricot or fig for a unique twist. The versatility of this tart allows you to personalize it to suit your taste and the preferences of your guests.

Additionally, if you're catering to dietary restrictions, you can easily make modifications. For instance, swapping out the pancetta for a vegetarian substitute or using a dairy-free brie alternative can make this recipe more inclusive without sacrificing flavor. This adaptability ensures that everyone can enjoy a slice of your delicious creation.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, consider pairing your Cranberry Brie Tart with an assortment of crackers or crusty baguette slices. A fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the tart, offering a refreshing contrast. During the holiday season, this dish also pairs well with a range of beverages from sparkling wines to festive cocktails, enhancing the overall dining experience.

For a truly indulgent experience, drizzle a balsamic glaze over the tart right before serving. This will add an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation. By serving it warm, the brie remains gooey and delightful, making every bite a delicious mouthful that your guests will remember long after the gathering has ended.

Ingredients

For the Tart

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
8 oz brie cheese, sliced
1 cup cranberry sauce
4 oz pancetta, diced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

These ingredients come together to create a beautiful and tasty tart!

Instructions

Prepare the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to fit your tart pan.

Assemble the Tart

Place the puff pastry in the tart pan, layer with slices of brie cheese, and spread cranberry sauce evenly over the top.

Add Pancetta and Thyme

In a skillet, cook the pancetta until crispy, then sprinkle it over the cranberry layer along with the fresh thyme.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.

Allow the tart to cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Perfecting Your Tart

To ensure that your puff pastry achieves the perfect golden-brown color, make sure your oven is fully preheated. If you're unsure about the doneness, keep a close eye starting around the 20-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary. A well-cooked tart should be flaky and crisp, providing a delightful texture that complements the creamy brie and tart cranberries.

When assembling the layers, be generous with the cranberry sauce, as this will impart moisture and flavor throughout. If you prefer a less pronounced cranberry taste, you can also opt to reduce the quantity slightly. However, ensure that the brie is sufficiently layered to balance with both the tartness of the cranberries and the savory pancetta.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Allow the tart to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. The tart can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, to maintain the freshness of the pastry, it's best to consume it within a day or two.

To reheat, place the tart in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the pastry soggy. This way, you can enjoy a delicious bite of your Cranberry Brie Tart even after the celebration has ended.

Make It Ahead

One of the standout features of this Cranberry Brie Tart is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare the tart in advance and refrigerate it before baking. To do so, simply assemble it, cover it well, and store it in the fridge for up to a day. This way, you can save time on the day of your event, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company of your guests.

When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven, and you'll have a freshly baked tart that tastes as if you've had all day in the kitchen. Your guests will be none the wiser, and you'll be left with plenty of time to mingle and celebrate the season with loved ones.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can substitute brie with camembert or goat cheese for variations.