Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is elegant yet easy, visually stunning, and always crowd-pleasing. It balances sweet and savory flavors beautifully and comes together with minimal prep using simple, familiar ingredients.
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Cranberry Brie Tart: A Festive, Elegant Appetizer with the Perfect Sweet-Savory Balance
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and elegant cranberry brie tart featuring a flaky crust, creamy brie cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, perfect for holidays and entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry slightly and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Score a 1-inch border around the edges of the pastry without cutting all the way through.
- Arrange the brie slices evenly inside the scored border.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce over the brie.
- Drizzle honey evenly over the tart and sprinkle with chopped rosemary.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, cool slightly, and dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- You can add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat briefly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Puff pastry or pie crust
Creates a flaky, buttery base that crisps beautifully in the oven.
Brie cheese
Adds creamy richness and melts smoothly into the tart.
Fresh or frozen cranberries
Provide bright tartness and vibrant color.
Sugar
Balances the natural acidity of the cranberries.
Orange zest or orange juice
Enhances the cranberry flavor with subtle citrus brightness.
Butter
Adds richness and smoothness to the cranberry filling.
Vanilla extract (optional)
Rounds out the cranberry flavor with gentle warmth.
Salt
Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and preparing a tart pan or baking sheet. Roll out the puff pastry or pie crust and gently press it into the pan, trimming excess dough. Lightly prick the base with a fork and pre-bake briefly to prevent sogginess.
While the crust bakes, prepare the cranberry topping. Combine cranberries, sugar, butter, orange zest or juice, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a glossy sauce. Stir in vanilla if using, then remove from heat.
Slice the Brie and arrange it evenly over the partially baked crust. Spoon the cranberry mixture on top, spreading gently. Return the tart to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and the pastry is golden. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: about 50 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to restore flakiness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the pastry. The tart can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Variations and Customizations
Cranberry Apple Brie Tart
Add thinly sliced apples for extra sweetness and texture.
Rosemary Cranberry Brie Tart
Stir fresh rosemary into the cranberry sauce for herbal depth.
Pecan Cranberry Tart
Top with toasted pecans for nutty crunch.
Maple Cranberry Brie Tart
Replace sugar with maple syrup for warmer sweetness.
Fig and Brie Tart
Swap cranberries for fig jam for a fall-inspired version.
Mini Cranberry Brie Tartlets
Use a muffin tin to make individual servings.
Goat Cheese Blend Tart
Mix goat cheese with Brie for tangier flavor.
Spiced Holiday Tart
Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry sauce.
Low-Sugar Version
Reduce sugar or use a sugar substitute if preferred.
Savory Herb Crust
Add thyme or sage to the crust for extra aroma.
FAQs
Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
Yes, but homemade cranberry filling offers better texture and flavor.
Should I remove the rind from the Brie?
No, the rind melts nicely and adds flavor.
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, but bake shortly before serving for best texture.
Does puff pastry work better than pie crust?
Both work well; puff pastry is flakier, pie crust is sturdier.
Can I freeze this tart?
Freezing is possible, but the cheese texture may change slightly.
Is this served hot or cold?
It’s best served warm or at room temperature.
Can I add nuts?
Yes, walnuts or pecans pair beautifully with cranberries.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Pre-bake the crust lightly before adding fillings.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free pastry crust.
Is this sweet or savory?
It’s perfectly balanced between sweet and savory.
Conclusion
Cranberry Brie Tart is a timeless, elegant dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The creamy Brie, tangy cranberries, and flaky crust create a beautiful harmony that works for holidays, gatherings, or special meals at home. Simple yet sophisticated, this tart is guaranteed to impress while remaining wonderfully approachable for any cook.
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