Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of crispy pancetta wafted through the air, mingling beautifully with the rich scent of melted Brie and fresh thyme. This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme is not just a dish; it’s a delightful experience that elevates any gathering. With its buttery puff pastry enveloping a savory filling, this appetizer is both quick to prepare and impressively elegant, making it perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy nights in. And for those looking for a vegetarian twist, you can easily swap out the pancetta for toasted nuts. Ready to dive into a fusion of creamy and tangy flavors? Let me share this irresistible recipe with you! Why is this tart a must-try? Irresistible Flavor: The Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme combines sweet, tangy cranberries with creamy Brie, creating a mouthwatering balance that tantalizes the taste buds. Easy Preparation: With just six simple steps, you can whip up this stunning tart, even if you’re short on time. Versatile Options: Vegetarian? No problem! Simply omit the pancetta or substitute it with your favorite toasted nuts for a delightful twist. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This dish is never met with a frown at gatherings. It’s a sure-fire way to impress your guests with gourmet flavors without the fuss. Elegant Presentation: The golden, flaky crust and vibrant colors ensure this tart looks as amazing as it tastes, making it an eye-catching centerpiece. Serve Warm: Enjoy it fresh from the oven, paired perfectly with your favorite festive cocktails. You might also enjoy serving it alongside Smashed Potatoes Garlic for a delightful spread! Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta Ingredients For the Tart Puff Pastry – The primary structure for the tart; ensure it’s thawed if using frozen. Brie Cheese – Provides creaminess and rich flavor; Camembert can be used as a substitute for a more intense taste. Cranberry Sauce – Adds sweetness and tartness; homemade sauce enhances the flavor, or swap with fig or apricot preserves for variety. Pancetta – Contributes a salty, savory bite; for a vegetarian option, omit it and consider adding toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans. Fresh Thyme – Adds aromatic earthiness; rosemary can be used as an alternative herb. Egg (for brushing) – Helps achieve a shiny golden crust before baking. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Step 1: Preheat Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to catch any drippings from the tart. This initial preparation sets the stage for a perfect bake of your Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme. Step 2: Prepare Puff Pastry On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer the pastry to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring you leave enough overhang to create a rustic border later. This will hold the delicious filling and create a lovely edge for your tart. Step 3: Cook Pancetta In a skillet over medium heat, add diced pancetta and sauté until crispy, approximately 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove from heat and drain the excess fat on a paper towel. This crispiness provides delightful texture in the Cranberry Brie Tart while adding savory depth. Step 4: Assemble Tart Spread a generous layer of cranberry sauce evenly over the puff pastry base, leaving about an inch border around the edges. Next, layer the cooked pancetta on top, followed by slices of Brie cheese. Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling, pinching together to form a decorative border, creating a beautiful frame for the tart. Step 5: Brush and Prepare for Baking Beat an egg in a small bowl and brush this egg wash over the folded edges of the puff pastry. This will ensure a golden, shiny crust as it bakes. Your Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme is now ready for the oven; this final touch elevates both appearance and flavor. Step 6: Bake Place the assembled tart in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes, aiming for a golden brown, flaky pastry. The Brie should be perfectly melted, creating a luscious filling that’ll invite everyone to the table as the delightful aroma fills your kitchen. Step 7: Cool & Garnish When the Cranberry Brie Tart is golden-brown and bubbly, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Just before serving, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for color and aroma. This step enhances both the visual appeal and flavor complexity of your delightful dish. Storage Tips for Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Fridge: Store any leftover Cranberry Brie Tart in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days. Allow it to cool completely before storing to maintain optimal texture. Freezer: It’s best not to freeze the baked tart, as the puff pastry can lose its flaky texture upon thawing. If you must freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil for up to 1 month. Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the tart on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through and the pastry is again crispy. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the tart ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 2 hours. Bake it just before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience. Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Variations Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful tart and make it truly yours! Vegetarian Twist: Omit the pancetta and substitute with toasted walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch. This swap makes the dish lighter while still keeping the rich flavors intact. Fruit Swap: Replace cranberry sauce with fig or apricot preserves for a sweet surprise. The sweetness will beautifully complement the tart and creamy Brie. Herb Variation: Swap the thyme for rosemary to add a woodsy aroma. This simple change can elevate the overall profile of the tart and give a new dimension to its flavor. Cheese Boost: Get adventurous by combining Brie with goat cheese for a tangy kick. The two cheeses melt beautifully together, creating a creamy texture that’s simply irresistible. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle peppery kick. This little heat boost will add an unexpected yet enjoyable twist to your tart. Nutty Crunch: Mix in some crushed hazelnuts or almonds for extra texture. They bring a nutty flavor and a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the melted cheese. Savory Layers: For an extra layer of flavor, include sautéed spinach or caramelized onions beneath the cheese. Both add depth to the dish, making every bite a savory adventure. And if you want to continue the culinary journey, why not pair this tart with some lovely sides? It goes fantastically well with Smashed Potatoes Garlic for a hearty meal! Expert Tips for Cranberry Brie Tart Puff Pastry Care: Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed and rolled out evenly; this prevents uneven baking and maintains the flaky texture of your Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme. Vegetarian Substitute: For a delicious vegetarian version, swap out the pancetta for toasted walnuts or pecans, adding crunch without losing flavor. Cranberry Sauce Options: Use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste, or get creative with preserves like fig or apricot for a unique twist. Avoid Sogginess: Drain pancetta well to prevent excess grease from making the tart soggy, ensuring every bite is crisp and delightful. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the tart ahead of time, assembling it and refrigerating it for up to 2 hours before baking, making it ideal for entertaining. What to Serve with Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Elevate your culinary experience with delightful accompaniments that enhance every bite, creating a memorable meal. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery texture perfectly contrasts the flaky tart, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Honey Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: These add a sweet and tangy element that beautifully complements the tart’s richness, while their crunch adds texture. Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes bring warmth and earthiness, enhancing the dish’s savory aspects. Fresh Arugula Salad: A simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers bright acidity to cut through the creamy cheese, refreshing your palate. Caramelized Onion and Fig Crostini: Serve these alongside for a luxurious snack, balancing the sweet notes of fig with savory onion. Sparkling White Wine: The bubbles and crispness of a chilled sparkler elevate the tart experience, enhancing the flavors with its effervescence. Warm Apple Crisp: End on a sweet note with this comforting dessert, blending spices that echo the earthy thyme in the tart. This delightful combination will leave everyone smiling and satisfied. Make Ahead Options These Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the entire tart up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate it, wrapped tightly to prevent drying out. To maintain that delightful flaky texture of the pastry, avoid refrigerating for more than this time, as it could become soggy. If you’re looking to prep even further ahead, the cranberry sauce and pancetta can be cooked up to 3 days in advance; just refrigerate them separately. When ready to serve, simply bake straight from the fridge for about 25-30 minutes until beautifully golden. You’ll enjoy gourmet results with minimal last-minute effort! Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe FAQs What type of puff pastry should I use for the tart? Absolutely! You can use either refrigerated or homemade puff pastry for the best results. If you are using frozen puff pastry, make sure it’s completely thawed and easy to roll out. This ensures a flaky and delicate crust for your Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme. How long can I store leftover tart in the fridge? You can store any leftover Cranberry Brie Tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing to maintain the best texture and flavor. Can I freeze the Cranberry Brie Tart? While it’s not recommended to freeze the baked tart due to the potential loss of flakiness in the puff pastry, if you must, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil and store it in the freezer for no longer than a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through. What if my pumpkin turns soggy? To avoid a soggy tart, ensure you drain the pancetta well after cooking to keep excess grease from soaking into the pastry. Additionally, it’s best to avoid overloading the filling and to spread the cranberry sauce evenly, leaving enough of a border around the edges. Can I make this tart vegetarian? Very! Simply omit the pancetta altogether. To enhance the tart’s texture and flavor, consider substituting with toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans sprinkled evenly over the cranberry sauce. This will give your dish a delightful crunch while keeping it deliciously savory. What should I serve with the tart? This Cranberry Brie Tart can be served warm alongside a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to any meal. I often enjoy pairing it with a refreshing salad or alongside festive cocktails at holiday gatherings for an inviting spread that impresses guests! Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme: A Cozy Delight This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme is a delightful experience that combines sweet, tangy flavors with creamy Brie, perfect for gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Tart1 package Puff Pastry thawed if using frozen8 ounces Brie Cheese can substitute with Camembert1 cup Cranberry Sauce homemade or store-bought4 ounces Pancetta omit for vegetarian option2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme rosemary can be used as an alternative1 large Egg for brushing Equipment OvenSkilletBaking sheetParchment paperRolling Pin Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick and transfer to the baking sheet.Cook the diced pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel.Spread cranberry sauce over the pastry, layer the cooked pancetta, and add slices of Brie cheese. Fold edges over the filling for a decorative border.Brush the folded pastry edges with beaten egg for a golden crust.Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and flaky. The Brie should be melted.Cool for a few minutes, then garnish with thyme sprigs before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 7gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg NotesEnsure puff pastry is thawed and rolled evenly to prevent uneven baking. For a vegetarian option, use toasted walnuts or pecans in place of pancetta. Use homemade cranberry sauce for best flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!