This Cranberry Brie Tart is the ultimate holiday showstopper. Imagine a flaky, buttery puff pastry crust, filled with warm, gooey Brie cheese and topped with sweet and tangy cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of toasted pecans. It’s an incredibly elegant appetizer that requires minimal effort to prepare, making it perfect for your next Christmas party, Thanksgiving gathering, or any festive celebration. This recipe is designed to impress your guests with its sophisticated flavors and beautiful presentation, while being secretly simple to create.
Why This Cranberry Brie Tart is a Holiday Must-Have
When it comes to holiday entertaining, you need recipes that deliver big on flavor without keeping you in the kitchen for hours. This Cranberry Brie Tart is the answer.
- Effortlessly Elegant: It looks like it came from a gourmet bakery, but it’s assembled in just minutes.
- Perfect Flavor Combination: The creamy, mild brie cheese perfectly balances the tartness of the cranberries and the richness of the pastry.
- Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: This appetizer is always the first to disappear from the table. It’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends.
Key Ingredients For The Perfect Tart
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of high-quality ingredients to create this masterpiece.
- Puff Pastry: A store-bought, all-butter puff pastry sheet is your secret weapon for a flaky, golden crust.
- Brie Cheese: A whole wheel of Brie cheese provides that irresistible gooey, melted center. No need to remove the rind; it adds texture and holds the cheese together as it bakes.
- Cranberry Sauce: You can use whole berry cranberry sauce from a can or make your own. The tartness is essential to cut through the richness of the cheese.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting them beforehand enhances their taste.
- Egg: An egg wash is the key to achieving that deep golden-brown, shiny finish on the pastry.
How to Make a Flawless Cranberry Brie Tart
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect tart every time. We’re aiming for a golden-brown crust and a perfectly melted center.
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Pastry: Gently unfold your puff pastry sheet on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a 1-inch border around the edges of the pastry. This helps the edges rise beautifully. Then, gently prick the center area with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much.
- Add the Brie: Place the wheel of Brie in the center of the scored rectangle.
- Top with Cranberry Sauce: Spoon the cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the Brie, spreading it slightly.
- Add Pecans and Seasoning: Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the cranberry sauce. If you like, add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
- Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over the scored pastry border. This will give it a beautiful shine and golden color.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden-brown, and the cheese is soft and beginning to ooze.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Want to ensure your Cranberry Brie Tart is absolutely perfect? Here are a few expert tips.
- Keep the Pastry Cold: Work with the puff pastry while it’s still cold. A warm pastry can become sticky and won’t puff up as well in the oven.
- Don’t Skip the Scoring: Scoring the border is crucial for creating that defined, raised crust that holds all the delicious toppings in.
- Let It Rest: Allow the tart to cool for about 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring it to a serving platter. This lets the cheese set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. For another delightful appetizer, try these festive cranberry brie bites.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is a winner, you can easily customize this tart to your liking.
- Add a Drizzle of Honey: For extra sweetness, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the tart before serving.
- Try Different Nuts: Walnuts or sliced almonds work wonderfully as a substitute for pecans.
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary on top before baking adds a lovely, savory aroma. If you enjoy unique flavor combinations, you might also like this whipped brie with honey.
Serving and Storing Your Tart
This tart is best served warm, while the brie is perfectly melted and gooey. Serve it with crackers, apple slices, or toasted baguette for dipping. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through, to restore the flaky crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
This tart is best served fresh and warm from the oven. However, you can assemble it up to 4 hours in advance. Prepare it on the baking sheet, cover it loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake it just before your guests arrive.
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce is a wonderful choice. Just ensure it’s not too watery, as excess liquid can make the puff pastry soggy. A thicker, jellied or whole-berry sauce works best.
No, you do not need to remove the rind. The rind is completely edible and helps the cheese hold its shape while it bakes, preventing it from melting out completely.
To prevent a soggy bottom, make sure your puff pastry is cold when you start. Also, pricking the center of the pastry with a fork before adding the toppings helps release steam and allows the bottom to cook through and become crisp.
This Cranberry Brie Tart is delicious on its own, but it’s also wonderful when served with sturdy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp apple and pear slices for dipping into the warm brie.
More Sweet and Savory Recipes
If you loved this easy yet elegant recipe, you’ll enjoy exploring other delightful treats. For a sweet and nutty dessert, these easy pecan pie bars are a must-try. They offer all the classic flavor in a simple, shareable format.
Ready to impress your guests with the most delicious and easy holiday appetizer? This Cranberry Brie Tart is your ticket to success. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on Pinterest! We love to see how you make our recipes your own.
Cranberry Brie Tart Recipe
Cranberry Brie Tart: The Easiest Holiday Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unfold the puff pastry on the baking sheet. Lightly score a 1-inch border around the edges and prick the center with a fork.
- Place the wheel of Brie in the center of the pastry. Top evenly with cranberry sauce and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Brush the beaten egg wash over the 1-inch pastry border.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden-brown and the cheese is melted.
- Let the tart cool for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary or thyme if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't skip the egg wash—it's essential for that beautiful, shiny golden crust.
Tip 3: Let the tart rest before slicing so the cheese can set slightly.
