Description

This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme combines creamy Brie, crispy pancetta, and tangy cranberries in a buttery puff pastry shell. It’s a simple yet stunning dish perfect for the holidays or any cozy occasion. The blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors makes it a guaranteed crowd favorite that looks fancy but comes together in less than an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
8 oz Brie cheese, sliced
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup diced pancetta (or substitute with bacon or prosciutto)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: drizzle of honey for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook the cranberries: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the cranberries burst and form a thick sauce. Set aside to cool slightly.
Crisp the pancetta: In a skillet over medium heat, cook pancetta for about 5 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface. Transfer to the baking sheet. Score a 1-inch border around the edges without cutting through and prick the center with a fork.
Assemble the tart: Spread half the cranberry mixture over the center of the pastry. Layer Brie slices on top, followed by pancetta and thyme. Spoon remaining cranberries over the top.
Brush and bake: Brush the pastry border with beaten egg. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and puffed.
Cool and serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with extra thyme if desired.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the pancetta and add caramelized onions or roasted squash. This tart can be made ahead—just assemble and chill before baking. To reheat, place leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Holiday-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of tart)
Calories: 310
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 390mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg