Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets

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Flaky, golden puff pastry meets creamy brie and a burst of tart cranberries in these irresistible Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets. Each bite is a beautiful balance of textures and flavors — the richness of melted cheese offset by the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, all nestled in a buttery shell. A hint of rosemary finishes each tartlet with a savory, aromatic twist that takes them to the next level.

Perfect for festive gatherings or as an elegant appetizer, these tartlets are as visually appealing as they are delicious. They’re easy to assemble but look like they came straight out of a high-end patisserie. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for an easy dinner party starter, these tartlets are bound to impress your guests and satisfy every palate.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets Recipe

• They require minimal ingredients and effort but deliver maximum flavor.
• A stunning appetizer that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
• The perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and flaky.
• Great for holidays, brunches, or wine nights.
• Easily customizable with add-ons like nuts or herbs.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the perfect tartlets, start with these essential tools:

• Mini Muffin Tin: Shapes the tartlets and ensures they bake evenly into a perfect bite-sized form.
• Pastry Cutter or Sharp Knife: Needed to cut your puff pastry into even squares.
• Small Spoon or Cookie Scoop: Helps you add the brie and cranberry mixture neatly without overfilling.
• Baking Sheet (optional): If you’re making freeform tartlets instead of using a muffin tin.
• Cooling Rack: Prevents sogginess by allowing airflow underneath once baked.

Each tool plays a role in maintaining structure, preventing mess, and achieving that golden crispness you’re aiming for.

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Preparation Tips

Keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it — this helps it puff up beautifully in the oven. When cutting your pastry, ensure your squares are large enough to fold slightly up the sides of each muffin cup, creating a perfect well for the brie and cranberries. Use rindless brie or remove most of the rind for a smoother melt. For the cranberry topping, homemade or store-bought sauce both work, but a whole berry variety provides the best texture. Garnish with fresh rosemary just before serving for a festive and fragrant finish.

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Ingredients for this Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets Recipe

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 6 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for drizzling)
• Flour, for dusting
• Cooking spray or butter (to grease muffin tin)

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Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet until it’s smooth and slightly thinner. Cut the sheet into 12 even squares. If the pastry becomes too soft while working, place it back in the fridge for 5-10 minutes.

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Step 2: Grease and Line the Muffin Tin

Lightly spray or butter a mini muffin tin. Press each puff pastry square into the cups, gently forming them into a tart shell. Let the corners rise slightly above the rim to create a rustic look.

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Step 3: Add the Brie

Place a cube of brie into the center of each pastry shell. You can use rindless brie or remove most of the rind for a creamier melt. The cheese should fill about half the cup.

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Step 4: Spoon in the Cranberry Sauce

Top the brie with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce. Avoid overfilling, as the sauce will bubble during baking. A teaspoon is just right.

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Step 5: Add Flavor Enhancements

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of finely chopped rosemary onto each tartlet. This adds a woodsy, aromatic element that balances the richness of the cheese and the tartness of the cranberries. If you like, drizzle a drop of honey over each for a touch of sweetness.

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Step 6: Egg Wash the Pastry (Optional)

Beat the egg and brush it lightly over the exposed pastry edges. This helps give the tartlets a golden, glossy finish once baked.

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Step 7: Bake the Tartlets

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the tartlets for 15–18 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is melted.

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Step 8: Cool and Garnish

Let the tartlets cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Garnish with a small sprig of rosemary or a drizzle of honey before serving.

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Notes

These tartlets are incredibly versatile. You can swap the cranberry sauce with fig jam, raspberry preserves, or even a savory onion chutney for a different flavor profile. Brie can be substituted with camembert or goat cheese if you prefer a tangier bite. For added texture, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the top before baking. If making these ahead of time, assemble and refrigerate them unbaked, then bake fresh before serving for the best texture.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overfilling the tartlets: Too much cranberry sauce can overflow and make the pastry soggy.
• Using warm puff pastry: Always keep your puff pastry cold until ready to use to ensure proper puff and flakiness.
• Skipping the egg wash: While optional, it adds a beautiful golden finish that enhances presentation.
• Not removing the brie rind (if desired): The rind can become chewy; removing it results in a smoother melt.
• Baking too long: Overbaking can make the cheese rubbery and the cranberry topping overly dry.

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Storage Instructions

Once baked and cooled, store leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. These tartlets are best enjoyed fresh but do reheat well if done properly.

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Estimated Nutrition (per tartlet)

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fiber: 0.5g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?

Yes, but the texture will be flakier and more delicate. Be sure to layer multiple sheets with butter in between.

Can these tartlets be made ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them ahead and refrigerate unbaked. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze the tartlets?

It’s best to freeze them unbaked. Flash freeze on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

What other cheeses can I use?

Camembert, goat cheese, or even sharp white cheddar can work well with cranberry.

Is homemade cranberry sauce better than store-bought?

Homemade gives you more control over sweetness and texture, but whole berry store-bought works great in a pinch.

How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?

Avoid overfilling and ensure your cranberry sauce isn’t too runny. Cooling on a rack also helps prevent sogginess.

Can I make these in regular muffin tins?

Yes, but they’ll be larger and require more filling and a slightly longer baking time.

Are these tartlets vegetarian?

Yes, as long as you use a vegetarian-friendly brie and puff pastry.

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Conclusion

Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets are the perfect combination of easy preparation and gourmet flavor. They’re festive, versatile, and can elevate any gathering from average to exceptional. Whether served warm at a cozy brunch or passed around at a holiday party, these tartlets deliver impressive flavor with minimal effort. With flaky pastry, creamy brie, and vibrant cranberries, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for entertaining or indulgent snacking.

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