Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta and Fresh Thyme Recipe
A delightful Cranberry Brie Tart featuring a flaky puff pastry base topped with creamy brie cheese, tart fresh cranberries, crispy pancetta, and fragrant thyme. Finished with a touch of honey or maple syrup for subtle sweetness, this tart balances savory and sweet flavors perfectly, making it a great appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet pre-made puff pastry
Filling
- 7 oz brie cheese, sliced or chunked
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 4 oz pancetta, diced
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry Base: Thaw the pre-made puff pastry according to package directions. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the pastry slightly to fit your tart pan or baking sheet. Transfer the pastry and trim edges if necessary. Use a fork to prick the base lightly to prevent excessive puffing during baking.
- Cook the Pancetta: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. Once done, remove the pancetta and place it on paper towels to drain excess fat, ensuring a crunchy texture.
- Assemble the Tart: Evenly layer slices or chunks of brie over the puff pastry base. Scatter the fresh cranberries and crispy pancetta pieces evenly atop the cheese. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the entire filling. If you like a touch of sweetness, lightly drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup on top.
- Brush with Egg Wash and Bake: Lightly brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg to promote a golden-brown finish. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the tart for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the tart to cool for a few minutes, letting the cheese set and the flavors meld together. Garnish with additional sprigs of fresh thyme or extra cranberries before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed before rolling to avoid tearing.
- Use ripe, fresh cranberries for the best tartness contrast.
- Pancetta can be substituted with prosciutto or bacon for variation.
- Drizzling honey or maple syrup is optional but adds a lovely balance to the tart flavors.
- Cool slightly before slicing to maintain tart structure.
Keywords: cranberry brie tart, puff pastry tart, pancetta tart, holiday appetizer, savory tart, brie cheese recipe
