Cranberry and Brie Tartlets

These Cranberry and Brie Tartlets are the kind of elegant appetizers that make any holiday table sparkle. The buttery puff pastry turns golden and flaky, the melted Brie turns creamy and rich, and the cranberry topping adds the perfect sweet-tart touch. They come together in minutes but look (and taste) like something straight from a cozy café in wintertime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• They’re easy to make but look impressive, perfect for a holiday party spread.
• The combination of sweet cranberry and creamy Brie is simply irresistible.
• You can prep them ahead of time and bake when guests arrive.
• Each bite feels like a warm, festive hug in puff pastry form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Puff Pastry Sheets: The base for these tartlets. Store-bought works beautifully and keeps things simple for these puff pastry appetizers.
• Brie Cheese: Soft, creamy, and mild. It melts perfectly and creates that gooey texture in every bite. Think of it as a mini baked brie wrapped in pastry.
• Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade or canned. The tart flavor balances the rich cheese beautifully, turning it into a festive cranberry appetizer.
• Fresh Rosemary: Just a sprinkle adds a pop of color and a hint of woodsy aroma.
• Egg Wash: Beaten egg brushed on the pastry edges gives that golden, glossy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly flour your counter and roll out the puff pastry sheet. Cut into 12 small squares to fit into a mini muffin tin for adorable brie bites.

Step 2: Add the Brie

Place a small cube of Brie in each pastry square. Don’t overfill; it melts generously as it bakes, creating that signature brie appetizer creaminess.

Step 3: Spoon on the Cranberry Sauce

Add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce over each Brie piece. The color contrast alone will make your kitchen feel festive.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Brush the edges with egg wash and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling. The scent that fills your home will make you smile.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let them cool slightly, then top with a small sprig of rosemary. Serve warm for that cozy toast aperitif moment before dinner.

Helpful Tips & Variations

• Use fig jam or apricot preserves instead of cranberry for a sweeter spin.
• Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch.
• If you prefer a more savory pastry appetizer, add a touch of caramelized onion under the Brie.
• Want a gluten-free option? Try making them in phyllo shells for a lighter version.

Serving & Storage

Serving: Serve these Brie puff pastry bites warm on a platter, maybe alongside some sparkling cider or champagne. They’re perfect as part of a holiday appetizer board or for cozy gatherings at home.

Cranberry and Brie Tartlets

These Cranberry and Brie Tartlets are elegant, bite-sized holiday appetizers made with flaky puff pastry, creamy Brie cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce. Perfectly golden and festive, they're easy to make yet impressively delicious.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Holiday

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry thawed if frozen
• 4 oz Brie cheese cut into small cubes
• 1/3 cup cranberry sauce homemade or canned
• 1 egg beaten, for egg wash
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary finely chopped or small sprigs

Equipment

• Mini Muffin Tin

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry. Cut into 12 squares.
2. Press each square into a mini muffin tin well to form small tartlet shells.
3. Add a cube of Brie into each pastry shell.
4. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the Brie.
5. Brush pastry edges with egg wash for a glossy finish.
6. Bake for 13–15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly, then garnish with rosemary.

Notes

• You can prepare these tartlets ahead of time and bake just before serving.
• Try variations like fig jam or goat cheese for a unique twist.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to crisp the pastry again. Avoid the microwave; it softens the puff pastry too much.

FAQs

Can I make these cranberry and brie tartlets ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the puff pastry appetizers up to 24 hours ahead and keep them in the fridge. Just bake them right before serving for the best flaky texture and gooey center.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of canned?

Absolutely. Homemade sauce adds a fresh, slightly tart flavor. It’s especially lovely if you enjoy making cranberry appetizers from scratch around the holidays.

What other cheese can I use if I don’t have Brie?

Camembert is a great substitute. For a twist, try goat cheese for a tangy finish. But Brie’s mild flavor and meltiness make it ideal for these brie puff pastry tartlets.

Can I freeze baked tartlets?

Yes, these pastry appetizers freeze beautifully. Once baked and cooled, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a bag. Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes.

What can I serve with these tartlets for a full appetizer spread?

Pair them with savory bites like my hot dog pretzel bites or some spinach pinwheels. Together, they make a delicious spread of elegant appetizers that guests will adore.

Final Thoughts from Ama

When I pull these Cranberry and Brie Tartlets out of the oven, the kids usually wander in just to sneak one. The smell of warm pastry and melted cheese feels like the start of the holidays every time. Remember, you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a special moment. These little bites prove that simple food made with care can bring the biggest smiles.

Simple food, big heart.