Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe
This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme combines flaky puff pastry with creamy Brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crispy pancetta, all accented by fresh thyme. It’s a perfect appetizer or elegant snack ideal for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 ounces pancetta, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases, then transfer it to the lined baking sheet.
- Cook Pancetta: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta until it becomes crispy. Remove from heat and drain excess fat by placing on paper towels.
- Assemble Tart: Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Layer the sliced Brie over the cranberry sauce, then sprinkle the crispy pancetta and fresh thyme leaves on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Create Rustic Border: Fold the edges of the puff pastry up and over the filling to form a rustic border. Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake Tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and flaky.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the tart from the oven, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold for best handling and flakiness.
- You can substitute pancetta with bacon if desired, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the tart for cleaner cuts and better presentation.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- Reheat in a low oven to retain pastry crispiness instead of microwaving.
Keywords: Cranberry Brie Tart, Puff Pastry Tart, Cranberry Appetizer, Holiday Appetizer, Brie Cheese Tart, Pancetta Tart, Thyme Tart
