These Cranberry Brie Tartlets are a perfect mix of sweet and creamy! Each bite is filled with smooth brie cheese and a zesty cranberry topping, all nestled in a crisp pastry shell.
They’re great for parties or a cozy night in. Trust me, once you pop one in your mouth, you might find it hard to stop at just one! 😄 You can make them quickly, and they look fancy too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your tartlets and gives that wonderful flaky texture. If you’re short on time or can’t find puff pastry, you can use filo dough or traditional shortcrust pastry as alternatives, but the texture will differ slightly.
Brie Cheese: Brie brings that creamy richness. You can substitute it with Camembert or even a creamy goat cheese if you prefer a tangier taste. Both will work nicely; just adjust the thickness of the slices accordingly.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best, but frozen ones work too. If you want a sweeter option, try substituting with cherry or raspberry preserves instead of cooking your own cranberries.
Orange Juice & Zest: These add a refreshing citrus note. If you don’t have an orange, lemon juice and zest can be a good replacement, providing a lighter, brighter flavor.
How Do I Get the Puff Pastry Perfectly Golden and Flaky?
Getting that perfect golden-brown, flaky puff pastry can be tricky, but it’s all about technique! Here’s how to ensure success:
- Thaw your puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight; this keeps it stable and easy to work with.
- Roll it out gently on a lightly floured surface to avoid tearing.
- When placing the pastries on the baking sheet, make sure there’s a bit of space between each square for even heating.
- Brush the edges with an egg wash (beat an egg with a splash of water) for an extra shiny finish.
Lastly, keep an eye on the oven—the last few minutes make a big difference. Once they’re golden, remove them and let them cool a few minutes before serving!
How to Make Cranberry Brie Tartlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tartlets:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz Brie cheese, sliced into 8 pieces
For the Cranberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
For Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and assembling the tartlets, plus 15 minutes for baking. It’s quick and sure to impress your guests or family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the pastry cooks evenly when you pop them in.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to smooth it out. Then, cut the pastry into 8 even squares. These will be the bases for your tartlets.
3. Shape the Pastry Squares:
Place the cut pastry squares onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Gently fold the corners of each square towards the center to create a small border that will hold in the filling.
4. Add the Brie Cheese:
In the center of each pastry square, place a slice of Brie cheese. This will melt beautifully and pair perfectly with the sweet cranberries.
5. Make the Cranberry Topping:
In a small saucepan, combine your cranberries, granulated sugar, water, orange juice, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the cranberries burst and it thickens to a jam-like consistency—this typically takes around 10-15 minutes.
6. Assemble the Tartlets:
Once the cranberry mixture has cooled a bit, spoon it evenly over the Brie slices on each pastry square. If you’re using fresh thyme leaves, sprinkle them on top for an added flavor kick!
7. Sprinkle Some Sweetness (Optional):
If you like, sprinkle a little brown sugar on top to enhance the sweetness and get a nice caramelized finish.
8. Bake and Enjoy:
Bake the tartlets in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the Brie is delightful and melty.
9. Serve and Garnish:
After removing the tartlets from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, garnish with small sprigs of rosemary or thyme for a lovely presentation. Then serve warm and enjoy!
These Cranberry Brie Tartlets are not only delicious but also easy to make. Enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness with all your friends and family!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce Instead of Making My Own?
Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce can save you time. Just spoon it over the Brie instead of cooking the fresh cranberries. It might be a little sweeter, so adjust the sugar in your recipe accordingly if desired.
How Can I Make These Tartlets Vegetarian-Friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian, as it features cheese and no meat. However, if you want to add more veggies, consider topping the Brie with some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor!
Can I Prepare These Tartlets in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cranberry topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Assemble the tartlets just before baking to ensure the pastry stays crisp!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tartlets?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain the pastry’s flakiness!
