Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts – A Perfect Holiday Appetizer!

There’s something undeniably festive about these Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts! They blend the creamy richness of Brie with the tart, slightly sweet cranberry sauce, all wrapped up in a flaky puff pastry shell. Whether you’re planning a cozy get-together or preparing for a holiday feast, these mini tarts are the ideal appetizer to bring a burst of flavor and elegance to your table.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts

These tarts have quickly become a favorite in my household – and I think you’ll adore them just as much. They’re easy to make, delightfully beautiful, and impressively flavorful for such a small treat! Here’s why these mini tarts are worth a spot on your holiday menu:

• Simple Yet Elegant: Despite their simplicity, these tarts look and taste like they took hours to prepare.
• Balanced Flavor: The combination of creamy Brie and tart cranberry sauce is a match made in heaven.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them warm, at room temperature, or even slightly chilled – they’re delicious either way.
• Easy to Customize: Perfect as-is, but you can add herbs, a hint of spice, or even a touch of honey for added flair.

The flavor profile is so inviting – the sweet-tart cranberry sauce adds brightness to the creamy Brie, while the puff pastry brings it all together with a golden, buttery crunch.

Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts

This recipe calls for just a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup sugar (feel free to adjust this to your preferred level of sweetness)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)

this Recipe

Essential Tools

These are the tools you’ll need to prepare these mini tarts:

• Mini muffin tin: Perfect for creating the mini tart shells.
• Small saucepan: For making the cranberry sauce.
• Pastry brush: To apply the egg wash for that golden finish.
• Rolling pin and a sharp knife: For working with the puff pastry.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts

Ready to make these irresistible mini tarts? Let’s walk through the steps:

1. Prepare the Cranberry Filling

Start by preparing a quick cranberry sauce to complement the Brie:

• Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and vanilla extract.
• Cook Until Berries Burst: Let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
• Cool: Once done, remove the saucepan from heat and set the sauce aside to cool.

2. Preheat the Oven

• Set the Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the other ingredients.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry

• Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to even out any creases.
• Cut Into Squares: Slice the pastry into 3×3 inch squares and gently press each square into a mini muffin tin, forming a small crust.

4. Assemble the Tarts

• Add Brie: Place a piece of Brie cheese in the center of each puff pastry shell.
• Top with Cranberry Sauce: Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the Brie, filling each tart about 3/4 full.

5. Apply the Egg Wash

• Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. This step gives the tarts a beautiful golden color when they bake.

6. Bake the Tarts

• Bake Until Golden: Place the mini muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

7. Garnish and Serve

• Add Fresh Herbs: If you’d like, garnish with a small sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a festive touch.
• Serve Warm: Allow the tarts to cool slightly before removing them from the tin, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

What to Serve with Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts

These mini tarts make a great addition to a spread of appetizers. Try pairing them with:

• A fresh fruit platter with grapes, apple slices, and figs.
• Assorted nuts, such as toasted almonds or pecans.
• Wine pairings: A chilled rosé or a light white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors beautifully.

Tips for the Perfect Mini Tarts

• Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Both work well! If using frozen cranberries, you can skip the defrosting – just increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
• Adjust Sugar as Needed: The cranberries can be quite tart, so feel free to add a bit more sugar if you prefer a sweeter filling.
• Work Quickly with Puff Pastry: Keep the pastry cool, as warm puff pastry can become sticky and difficult to work with.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cranberry sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

Storing Leftover Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts

These mini tarts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive the flaky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the cranberry sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble the tarts just before baking to ensure they stay crisp and flaky.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. Camembert or a creamy goat cheese can be great substitutes for Brie.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

No worries! You can place the puff pastry squares on a regular baking sheet – they may spread a little more, but they’ll still taste delicious.

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Yes, if you’re short on time, pre-made cranberry sauce will work. Just keep an eye on the sweetness level as it may vary by brand.

Nutritional Information

Each mini tart has approximately:

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 9g

Wrap-Up: A Festive, Easy-to-Make Appetizer

These Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts are the ideal addition to your holiday entertaining plans. They’re easy to make, look gorgeous on the table, and offer that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and flaky. Whether you’re hosting or attending a holiday gathering, these mini tarts are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

If you enjoyed these, you might love my other Puff Pastry Brie Bites and Roasted Cranberry and Goat Cheese Flatbread for more festive flavors. And for a show-stopping centerpiece, don’t miss my Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl!

If you tried this recipe, please let me know how it went! Feel free to leave a review, share your thoughts, or even tag me in a photo on Pinterest. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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