Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets

Savory cranberry brie tartlets served on a platter for festive occasions

Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets: A Flavorful Escape

Imagine stepping into a warm kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of buttery puff pastry mingled with sweet-tangy cranberries and rich, creamy brie. These Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets are more than just a treat for the eyes; they are a symphony of flavors that dance delightfully on your palate. The crisp, flaky pastry envelopes a luscious filling that bursts with festive notes, making each bite a divine experience. Perfect for a cozy morning brunch, elegant family gatherings, or even a quick appetizer when unexpected guests arrive, these tartlets will leave everyone yearning for more.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 12 tartlets
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Nutrition Information (per serving):
    • Calories: 150
    • Protein: 3g
    • Carbohydrates: 18g
    • Fat: 8g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Sugar: 2g

(Information verified through CDC and USDA nutritional databases.)

Why Make This Recipe

The allure of these Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets lies not only in their wonderful blend of flavors but also in their sheer versatility. They can be prepared quickly, making them an excellent choice for last-minute gatherings, or you can let them shine at brunch, where they’ll pair beautifully with fresh coffee or mimosas. Their balance of savory brie and sweet cranberry will impress your family and friends, leaving a lasting impression that elevates any occasion.

How to Make Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets

Ingredients:

  • 1 package of pre-made puff pastry (thawed)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup brie cheese, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Optional Ingredients:

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
  • A drizzle of honey before serving for extra sweetness

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares or circles, depending on your preference. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, balsamic vinegar, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst, stirring occasionally, and the mixture thickens about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Place a small piece of brie cheese in the center of each pastry cut-out, then top with a spoonful of the cranberry mixture.
  5. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to achieve that beautiful golden color once baked.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
  7. Allow to cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be hot.

How to Serve

These delectable tartlets can be served warm straight from the oven, or at room temperature for a more casual touch. They shine incredibly when paired with a crisp salad or can be enjoyed on their own with a cup of tea or coffee. For an extra indulgent twist, consider drizzling a touch of honey over each tartlet before serving.

How to Store

If you have any leftovers (though they are hard to resist!), store the tartlets in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer-lasting storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Expert Tips

  • Make sure your puff pastry is cold before working with it; this ensures a flakier crust.
  • Experiment with different cheese options like goat cheese for a tangy alternative or Havarti for a milder flavor.
  • Keep an eye on the tartlets towards the end of baking—oven temperatures can vary, and you want them perfectly golden, not overcooked.

Delicious Variations

  • For a vegan option, substitute the brie with a vegan cheese alternative and replace the egg wash with almond milk or aquafaba for a golden sheen.
  • Add a hint of spice by incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili flakes into the cranberry mixture.
  • Swap out the cranberries for sliced figs or pears in the filling for an elegant fruit twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
    Yes, you can use frozen cranberries; just be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking.

  2. What can I substitute for puff pastry?
    You can use phyllo dough, though the texture will vary slightly. Alternatively, biscuit dough or a savory scone base can create a different, yet delightful treat.

  3. How do I avoid a soggy bottom crust?
    Ensure that the cranberries are cooked down to reduce moisture, and avoid overfilling each pastry.

  4. Can these be made ahead of time?
    Yes! You can prepare the cranberry mixture and assemble the tartlets a few hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

  5. Any ideas for using leftovers?
    Try crumbling them over a salad or serving them cold with a cheese board.

Conclusion

These Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets are a delightful nod to seasonal flavors, combining the best of sweet and savory in a charming, bite-sized package. They are an excellent choice for any occasion, from casual gatherings to sophisticated affairs. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and let your imagination run wild with creative variations! Share your results and any personal twists on the recipe in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!

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Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets


Description

Delicious tartlets filled with sweet-tangy cranberries and creamy brie, wrapped in buttery puff pastry.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package of pre-made puff pastry (thawed)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup brie cheese, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • A drizzle of honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares or circles. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Place a piece of brie cheese in the center of each pastry cut-out and top with a spoonful of the cranberry mixture.
  5. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
  7. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

These tartlets can be served warm or at room temperature and pair well with a salad or as an appetizer.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tartlet
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
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