Cranberry Brie Tartlets are a tasty treat that’s super easy to whip up! With flaky pastry and creamy Brie cheese topped with tangy cranberry sauce, they make a perfect party snack!
These little bites are always a hit at gatherings. I could eat a whole platter myself—hopefully, no one notices! 😄 They’re great with a warm drink during fall gatherings too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the tartlets, providing a flaky base that everyone loves. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made pastry cups instead. They save time without compromising flavor!
Brie Cheese: The creamy texture of Brie makes it perfect for these tartlets. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a tasty alternative. Both have similar flavors that pair wonderfully with cranberries.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a delightful tartness. If out of season, you can opt for canned cranberry sauce. Just reduce the sugar in the recipe since the sauce is sweetened!
Onion or Shallot: I recommend using shallots for a milder flavor, but onions are just fine! If you’re looking for a stronger flavor, try using a little garlic for a different twist.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch. If you have nut allergies, consider using sunflower seeds or simply omitting them altogether—still delish!
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Puff Pastry Tartlets?
Getting your puff pastry just right is crucial! Here’s how to make sure it puffs and browns beautifully:
- Thaw your puff pastry in the fridge, not at room temperature. This keeps it cold and puffs better during baking.
- When you cut the squares, avoid cutting all the way through. Lightly scoring the edges allows the pastry to rise without separating entirely.
- Be sure to brush the edges with egg wash—this not only adds shine but also helps them brown nicely.
- Bake until they’re golden; this is key for that flaky texture. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes!
These tips will help you create gorgeous tartlets that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
Cranberry Brie Tartlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tartlets:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
For the Cranberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion or shallot
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing onions)
- 1 tbsp orange juice (optional, for cranberry topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30-35 minutes from start to finish, including around 15 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for baking. It’s a quick and easy appetizer that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Puff Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 8 equal squares, about 3 inches in size.
2. Shape the Tartlet Bases:
Place your puff pastry squares onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, gently score a smaller square inside each puff pastry square to create a border, but be careful not to cut all the way through. This will help create that nice puffed edge we all love!
3. Brush with Egg Wash:
Brush the edges of the puff pastry squares with the beaten egg. This gives them a beautiful golden color when baked!
4. Bake the Puff Pastry Squares:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they have puffed up and are golden brown. While the pastry is baking, you can prepare your cranberry topping.
5. Make the Cranberry Topping:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil or butter. Add the chopped onion or shallot and sauté until they are soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. Then, add the fresh cranberries, brown sugar, chopped nuts (if using), thyme leaves, and orange juice. Cook this mixture for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Assemble the Tartlets:
Once the puff pastry squares are baked and golden, take them out of the oven and place a slice of Brie cheese in the center of each tartlet.
7. Final Bake with Brie:
Return the tartlets to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the Brie starts to soften but does not melt completely.
8. Top and Serve:
Remove from the oven and spoon a generous amount of the cranberry topping onto each Brie-topped tartlet. Garnish with additional fresh thyme sprigs.
Serve the tartlets warm and enjoy this delicious combination of flavors as a festive appetizer or elegant snack!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce Instead of Fresh Cranberries?
Yes, you can! If time is short, using canned cranberry sauce is a great shortcut. Just reduce the amount of brown sugar you add to the topping since the sauce is often sweetened. Stir it in after sautéing the onions for a quick mix!
How Do I Store Leftover Tartlets?
Leftover tartlets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to help restore that flaky crust.
Can I Freeze These Tartlets?
Absolutely! You can freeze assembled, uncooked tartlets before baking. Just arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time!
What Can I Use Instead of Puff Pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry on hand, you can use phyllo dough for a different texture, but the bakery will be crispier. Alternatively, consider using pie crust or even biscuit dough as a base for your tartlets!
