Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets Recipe

If you’re hunting for the ultimate appetizer that’s equal parts elegant and effortless, look no further than these Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets. Flaky golden pastry, creamy Brie, tangy-sweet cranberry sauce, and a scatter of nuts create a flavor combination that dances on your tongue. Whether you’re hosting friends for a cozy winter gathering or need a show-stopping starter for your next holiday spread, these little tartlets are bound to spark instant joy. There’s nothing quite like that first warm, gooey bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets lies in their simplicity—just a handful of ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen for maximum impact. From the buttery puff pastry to the rich Brie and the pop of cranberry, every element brings its own piece of deliciousness to the party.

• Puff Pastry: This buttery, flaky base forms the perfect shell—use thawed store-bought pastry or pre-made tartlet shells for convenience.
• Flour: Just for dusting your work surface to keep the pastry from sticking as you roll and cut.
• Brie Cheese: Creamy and decadent, Brie melts dreamily into the tartlets for that signature gooey interior.
• Cranberry Sauce: Homemade or store-bought works perfectly, bringing tartness and a beautiful ruby color.
• Walnuts or Pecans (Optional): Finely chopped for a delicate crunch and nutty flavor, elevating each bite.
• Fresh Rosemary or Thyme: Just a sprinkle for garnish—herbs add a hint of earthiness and a pretty finish.
• Honey (Optional): A drizzle of honey offers a lovely, floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with Brie and cranberry.

How to Make Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Shells

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using puff pastry, gently roll out the sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Use a 3-inch round cutter—or a glass, if that’s what you have handy—to stamp out your pastry circles. These get pressed into a greased mini muffin tin, forming beautiful little shells just waiting to be filled. Don’t forget to prick the bottoms with a fork, which prevents the pastry from puffing up too much as it bakes.

Step 2: Assemble the Tartlets

Now for the fun part! Tuck a cube or thin slice of Brie into each shell, followed by a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce. If you love a bit of nutty crunch, sprinkle on some finely chopped walnuts or pecans. Layering these flavors means every mouthful of your Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets bursts with sweet, gooey, creamy, and crispy perfection.

Step 3: Bake the Tartlets

Slide your assembled tartlets into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for that golden pastry glow and irresistibly melty cheese. When they’re done, let the tartlets rest for about 5 minutes—this helps them firm up just enough to remove from the tin without falling apart (and saves your tongue from a molten cheese burn).

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Time to make your Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets shine! Top each with a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for a pop of green and a subtle herbal aroma. Drizzle a touch of honey over the top if you enjoy a whisper of sweetness. Serve these beauties warm for ultimate gooeyness, or at room temperature if that’s easier for your party plans.

How to Serve Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets

Garnishes

A simple garnish can transform Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets from tasty to unforgettable. I love to crown each tartlet with a little sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme—herbs bring a woodland aroma that pairs so well with the creamy cheese and tart berries. If you’re feeling fancy, a light drizzle of golden honey not only adds shine but also a soft floral note that elegantly balances the savory and sweet elements.

Side Dishes

These tartlets play well with a crisp green salad tossed with a zippy vinaigrette or a platter of roasted root vegetables for cozy fall or winter vibes. If you’re building a cocktail party spread, consider paring them with marinated olives, smoked salmon, or even a charcuterie board—the flavors all complement each other beautifully while letting Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets take center stage.

Creative Ways to Present

Arranging your Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets on a wooden board surrounded by additional herbs, pomegranate seeds, or toasted nuts makes for an eye-catching display. For a more elegant touch, individual tartlets can be served in mini cupcake papers on a tiered tray. You can even nestle them atop a bed of baby greens for a whimsical, garden-like effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep surprisingly well! Allow any remaining Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully as they sit, though the crust may soften slightly—still delicious for snacking or a quick appetizer reprise.

Freezing

If you’d like to get ahead, these tartlets freeze beautifully before baking. Assemble them completely in your mini muffin tin, then freeze until solid. Transfer frozen tartlets to a sealed container or freezer bag, and they’ll keep for up to a month. Bake directly from frozen, adding just a few extra minutes to the bake time, and you’ll have fresh, flaky tartlets on demand.

Reheating

To revive leftover (already baked) Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets, simply pop them onto a baking sheet and warm them in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes. This brings back the crispiness to the pastry and gently remelts the Brie. A quick reheat in the oven is much better than the microwave, which can make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Brie?

Absolutely! While Brie’s melty, creamy character is hard to beat, Camembert or a soft goat cheese would also work beautifully in Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets. Feel free to experiment with your favorites or whatever you have on hand.

Is it okay to use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Definitely! Store-bought cranberry sauce is a fantastic time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe. If you’d like to make your own, simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with a bit of sugar and orange zest for even more flavor.

Can I make Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets ahead of time?

Yes, these tartlets are super make-ahead friendly. Assemble them in advance (up to the point before baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or freeze as described above. This way, you can have fresh-baked appetizers in a flash.

What’s the best way to cut the Brie so it doesn’t get too sticky?

Brie can be tricky to cut because of its soft, creamy texture. Try popping it in the freezer for 15 minutes before slicing; this firms up the cheese and makes it much easier to cube or slice cleanly for your tartlets.

How can I make these tartlets nut-free?

Just skip the walnuts or pecans! The Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets are every bit as delicious without nuts. For a little crunch, you could sprinkle on some toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead, or simply enjoy as is.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope these Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets find their way to your next gathering—there’s something utterly delightful about watching guests discover the melting cheese, tangy berries, and buttery pastry all in one bite. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised when you’re asked for the recipe. Enjoy every last morsel!