These Cranberry Brie Tartlets are a perfect bite-sized treat! With creamy brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce wrapped in flaky pastry, they are both tasty and elegant.
Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in! I love how easy it is to have these ready in no time. Plus, watching people go for seconds is always a win! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the tartlets! You can find it in the frozen section. If you’re short on time, opt for pre-made pastry. For a gluten-free option, check out gluten-free puff pastry brands.
Brie Cheese: The creamy texture of brie pairs wonderfully with cranberries. If you’re in a pinch, Camembert is a great alternative, offering a similar texture and flavor.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are fantastic, but you could use thawed frozen ones too. If cranberries aren’t available, consider using cherry or raspberry preserves for a different twist.
Fresh Thyme: It adds a lovely herbal note. If you don’t have thyme, rosemary can add a nice flavor. Dried herbs works too; just use less since they’re more potent.
How Do You Ensure Perfect Puff Pastry Tartlets?
Baking puff pastry can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll nail it! Make sure it’s thawed properly before using; otherwise, it won’t puff up nicely.
- Roll out the pastry gently. Cut into squares and place in the muffin tin, pressing lightly to fit.
- Pre-bake the shells until golden. This locks in the flakiness, preventing sogginess when the filling is added.
- Fill while warm! The brie will melt perfectly into the pastry, making it delicious.
These steps will help you create delightful tartlets that look and taste fantastic. Enjoy making and serving them!
Cranberry Brie Tartlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 6 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Optional: honey for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus around 10-12 minutes for baking. After that, you’ll have tiny, tasty tartlets ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Muffin Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a mini muffin pan or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
2. Making the Tartlet Shells:
Next, take your thawed puff pastry and cut it into 12 equal squares. Gently press each square into the muffin pan cups, making sure to create small edges so they can hold the filling later on.
3. Baking the Shells:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pastry shells are golden and puffed up. Once done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly.
4. Preparing the Cranberry Topping:
While the shells are baking, prepare your cranberry topping. In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, water, thyme, and lemon juice. Cook these over medium heat until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens, which should take around 10 minutes. Once ready, remove from heat and let it cool.
5. Filling the Tartlets:
Once your tartlet shells have cooled a bit, spoon a piece of brie cheese into each shell while they are still warm to let it soften properly.
6. Adding the Cranberry Mixture:
Next, top the brie with a generous spoonful of the cranberry mixture prepared earlier. It should look vibrant and inviting!
7. Garnishing:
For a touch of elegance, garnish each tartlet with fresh thyme leaves. If you like a bit of sweetness, feel free to drizzle a little honey over the top.
8. Serving:
Your beautiful tartlets are now ready to enjoy! They can be served warm right out of the oven or at room temperature, perfect for any gathering or special occasion.
Enjoy these flaky puff pastry tartlets filled with melty brie and vibrant cranberry compote—perfect for holiday gatherings or elegant appetizers!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. You may want to drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery topping.
How Do I Store Leftover Tartlets?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at low temperature to maintain the pastry’s flakiness.
Can I Prepare the Filling in Advance?
Yes, you can make the cranberry mixture a day ahead! Just store it in the refrigerator and assemble the tartlets when you’re ready to bake.
What Can I Substitute for Brie Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of brie, Camembert works wonderfully as a substitute, or you can use a cream cheese alternative for a different texture and flavor.
