Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s elegant, easy, crowd-pleasing, perfect for entertaining, visually stunning, and made with just a handful of simple ingredients. The sweet–tart cranberries pair beautifully with the rich, creamy Brie and buttery pastry.
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Cranberry Brie Tart: A Festive, Elegant Appetizer with Sweet–Savory Perfection
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 6–8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A beautifully festive tart featuring creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and a flaky pastry crust—easy to assemble and perfect for holidays or elegant appetizers.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz brie cheese, sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
- Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll puff pastry and gently roll it to smooth seams.
- Score a 1-inch border around the edges to create a raised crust.
- Prick the center with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Arrange brie slices evenly in the center and spread cranberry sauce over the top.
- Drizzle honey if desired.
- Whisk egg and water together, then brush the edges of the pastry.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden and puffed.
- Top with fresh rosemary and cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- Use whole-berry cranberry sauce for better texture.
- Add toasted pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.
- Replace brie with camembert or goat cheese if preferred.
- Serve warm for the best melty texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- 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 as it bakes.
Brie cheese
Offers creamy richness that melts into the tart and pairs perfectly with cranberry.
Fresh or frozen cranberries
Provide bright tartness and create a jewel-like topping when cooked.
Sugar or sugar substitute
Balances the cranberries’ natural tang and helps form a glossy sauce.
Orange zest or orange juice
Adds aromatic brightness and complements the cranberry’s flavor.
Butter
Enhances the cranberry mixture and adds a smooth finish.
Vanilla or almond extract (optional)
Adds depth and warmth to the cranberry layer.
Salt
Highlights the flavors and balances sweetness.
Directions
Preheat your oven and prepare your tart pan or baking sheet. Roll out the puff pastry or pie crust and gently press it into the pan. Trim excess pastry and prick the bottom lightly with a fork. Bake the empty crust briefly to set it and prevent sogginess.
Meanwhile, prepare the cranberry topping. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest or juice, butter, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the cranberries soften and burst, forming a thick, glossy mixture. Stir in vanilla or almond extract, if using, and allow it to cool slightly.
Slice the Brie and arrange pieces evenly over the partially baked crust. Spoon the cranberry mixture over the cheese, spreading gently to avoid sinking the Brie. Return the tart to the oven and bake until the Brie melts and the pastry turns golden and crisp. Cool slightly before slicing to help the tart set.
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 the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to restore flakiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. Freezing is possible but may slightly change the Brie’s texture.
Variations and Customizations
Cranberry Apple Brie Tart
Add thinly sliced apples under the cranberries for sweetness and texture.
Rosemary Cranberry Brie Tart
Add fresh rosemary to the cranberry mixture for herbal depth.
Pecan Cranberry Tart
Sprinkle toasted pecans on top for nutty crunch.
Maple-Cranberry Brie Tart
Replace sugar with maple syrup for a richer, warmer flavor.
Brie & Fig Tart
Swap cranberries for fig jam for an autumn-inspired version.
Savory Herbed Tart
Add thyme or sage to the pastry or cheese for aromatic complexity.
Mini Brie Tartlets
Make bite-sized versions using muffin tins for party-friendly servings.
Goat Cheese Blend
Combine Brie with goat cheese for tangier flavor.
Spiced Cranberry Version
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a holiday twist.
Low-Sugar Variation
Use a sugar substitute such as allulose to keep it lower-carb.
FAQs
Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
Yes, but homemade cranberry filling provides better texture and flavor.
Do I remove the rind from the Brie?
No, it melts beautifully and adds flavor.
Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Absolutely—just thaw and roll before using.
Should I blind-bake the crust?
A short pre-bake keeps the tart crisp.
Can I make this ahead?
Assemble and bake shortly before serving for best texture.
What can I substitute for Brie?
Camembert, goat cheese, or cream cheese all work well.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pie crust or puff pastry.
How do I prevent soggy pastry?
Partially bake the crust and avoid overloading with cranberry sauce.
Can kids enjoy this dish?
Yes, the sweet–savory flavors are mild and appealing.
Can I add nuts?
Yes—pecans or walnuts add great crunch and warmth.
Conclusion
Cranberry Brie Tart blends creamy, tangy, sweet, and buttery flavors into a stunning dish that’s effortless yet sophisticated. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy evenings in, it offers a delightful balance of textures and bright seasonal ingredients. With its crisp pastry, molten Brie, and glossy cranberries, this tart is both comforting and elegant—sure to become a go-to favorite for entertaining and special meals.
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