Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme

There’s nothing quite like the sweet, savory, and tangy combination that this Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme brings to the table. Perfect for the holiday season or any cozy gathering, this tart combines creamy Brie, tart cranberry sauce, and crispy pancetta, all nestled in a buttery puff pastry crust. Each bite is a delightful balance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a stunning appetizer or treat yourself to a quick and easy indulgence, this tart is sure to be a hit. And the best part? It’s as simple to make as it is beautiful to serve. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Tart

• Perfect Flavor Combination: Creamy Brie, tangy cranberries, savory pancetta, and a hint of thyme make every bite rich, flavorful, and balanced.
• Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of ingredients, many of which you might already have in your kitchen.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is great for both last-minute gatherings and planned feasts.
• Stunning Presentation: This tart’s beautiful golden crust, with hints of red and green, looks festive and is perfect for holiday parties.

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The Taste: Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme

This tart has everything: a flaky, buttery pastry; gooey, melted Brie cheese; sweet and tart cranberry sauce; and crispy pancetta bits that bring a salty bite. Fresh thyme adds a subtle earthiness that ties it all together. The warm, rich Brie mingling with the fruity cranberry and salty pancetta creates an irresistible blend of flavors that’s both decadent and elegant.

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Benefits of Making This Recipe

• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for any occasion, from Thanksgiving to casual get-togethers.
• Versatile: You can switch up the ingredients based on personal preferences or availability.
• Minimal Prep: With puff pastry and cranberry sauce on hand, this tart comes together effortlessly.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 8 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 4 ounces pancetta, diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

this Recipe

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Tools Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Skillet
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush

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Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

1. Cranberry Sauce: Use a homemade cranberry sauce for extra flavor, or swap with fig or apricot preserves for a different taste profile.
2. Pancetta: Substitute with bacon if you prefer. For a vegetarian version, skip the pancetta or add toasted nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for crunch.
3. Herbs: Try rosemary instead of thyme for a woodsy flavor that complements Brie.
4. Brie Cheese: Camembert makes a great substitute if you prefer a similar, but slightly more intense, flavor.

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How to Make Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the tart from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface just to smooth out any creases. Transfer the pastry onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space around the edges for folding later.

Step 3: Cook the Pancetta

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta until it’s crispy. This will take about 3-5 minutes. Transfer the cooked pancetta to a paper towel to drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

1. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. This border will become the crust.
2. Layer the Brie slices over the cranberry sauce, distributing them evenly.
3. Sprinkle the crispy pancetta over the Brie and cranberry layer.
4. Scatter fresh thyme leaves over the top for an herby aroma and flavor.
5. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Fold and Brush the Pastry

Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling, pinching to create a rustic border. This gives the tart a beautiful, hand-made look and keeps the fillings in place. Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg to ensure a golden, shiny crust.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the tart for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky. The Brie will melt and blend beautifully with the cranberry sauce, and the pancetta will add little bursts of salty flavor.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a final pop of color and flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Brie Tart is a perfect appetizer and pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette
• A sparkling or dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc
• Roasted vegetables or nuts for added texture on the table

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Tips for Making the Best Cranberry Brie Tart

1. Thaw the Puff Pastry: Make sure the pastry is fully thawed before rolling it out. This helps prevent cracking.
2. Don’t Overfill: Stick to the recommended amounts to keep the pastry from becoming soggy.
3. Watch the Edges: Check for golden brown edges to ensure the pastry is fully cooked and flaky.
4. Cool Slightly Before Slicing: Brie is wonderfully melty when hot, but cooling the tart slightly helps hold the shape when slicing.

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How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To reheat, pop it in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore the crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the pastry soggy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this tart in advance?

Yes! Assemble the tart and keep it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 hours before baking. This way, you can pop it in the oven right before guests arrive.

What can I use if I don’t have cranberry sauce?

Fig or apricot preserves make excellent substitutes, adding a slightly different flavor profile that still complements the Brie and pancetta.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the pancetta. You could also add toasted nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended, as puff pastry can lose its flaky texture after thawing. It’s best to enjoy this tart fresh or reheated within a few days.

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Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g

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More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you loved this tart, you’re sure to enjoy these other festive, Brie-centered recipes:

• Puff Pastry Brie Bites – Perfectly bite-sized and packed with creamy Brie.
• Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl: The Perfect Festive Appetizer – A cozy, shareable appetizer ideal for gatherings.
• Roasted Cranberry and Goat Cheese Flatbread – A beautiful, festive flatbread with creamy goat cheese and cranberry topping.

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If you try this recipe, don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest and let me know how it turned out. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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