Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Tart – Easy 20-Minute Holiday Appetizer
A golden, flaky puff pastry topped with creamy brie, warm cranberries, toasted nuts, and fresh herbs. A simple yet impressive holiday appetizer ready in minutes.
Ingredients
For the Tart (Base):
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 1 wheel of brie or camembert
- 1 tbsp melted butter for brushing the pastry
For the Cranberry Filling:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet and fold the edges to create a border.
- Add the Cheese: Place the brie or camembert in the center of the pastry.
- Add Cranberries: Toss the cranberries with maple syrup (or honey), nuts, thyme, and salt. Spoon the mixture over the cheese.
- Brush & Bake: Brush the pastry edges with melted butter. Bake for 18–20 minutes until puffed, golden, and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with extra thyme and serve warm.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Use camembert for a deeper, earthier flavor.
- Add caramelized onions for extra richness.
- Swap cranberries for raspberries, pomegranate, or fig jam.
- Add nuts after baking if you prefer maximum crunch.
- Make individual mini tarts using small puff pastry squares.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as puff pastry softens and loses its crisp texture.