Description
These Cranberry Brie Tarts are a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or festive snack, they combine fresh cranberries, melted Brie cheese, and fig preserves with a hint of cinnamon, baked to golden perfection and topped with fresh thyme for a savory finish.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup fig preserves
- 2 (8 ounce) wheels Brie cheese, each cut into 12 slices (with rind)
Pastry
- 2 sheets (1 box) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
Garnish
- Fresh thyme, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Cranberry Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, fresh cranberries, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to coat the berries evenly.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Slice each thawed sheet of puff pastry into 6 equal rectangles, creating 12 rectangles total for your tarts.
- Assemble Tarts: Spread about 1 teaspoon of fig preserves on each puff pastry rectangle, leaving a 1/4 inch border around the edges. Place two Brie slices on top of the preserves, keeping the rind on. Mound the cranberry mixture over the Brie, gently pressing the berries into the cheese to help them adhere.
- Fold and Seal Pastry: Fold the edges of the puff pastry inward to partially enclose the Brie and cranberry topping. Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg to help seal and create a glossy finish. Sprinkle the edges with coarse sugar for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake Tarts: Arrange the assembled tarts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the Brie has melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the tarts from the oven and top each with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve warm and enjoy the melty, flavorful tarts.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on how tart or sweet you prefer your cranberry mixture.
- Keeping the Brie rind on helps the cheese hold its shape while baking and adds flavor.
- Thaw puff pastry sheets completely before cutting to prevent cracking or breaking.
- Serve these tarts warm to fully enjoy the melted Brie texture.
- Fresh thyme not only adds visual appeal but also complements the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.