Cranberry Brie Tart With Pancetta Thyme

If you love the combo of sweet, savory, and cheesy, this cranberry brie tart is about to become your new favorite appetizer. It is ridiculously easy to throw together and looks way more impressive than the effort it takes.

Seriously, five ingredients and about 25 minutes is all you need.

The base is store-bought puff pastry, which bakes up into the most buttery, flaky foundation.

Then you layer on sliced brie, a generous spread of cranberry sauce, crispy bits of pancetta, and a scattering of fresh thyme. It is holiday entertaining made simple.

The brie melts into this gorgeous creamy layer that pairs so well with the tart cranberries. And the pancetta adds just the right amount of salty crunch to balance everything out.

Why This Cranberry Brie Tart Works So Well

The flavor combination is unbeatable. Sweet cranberries, creamy brie, salty pancetta, and earthy thyme all come together in one bite.

Every layer brings something different to the table.

The puff pastry gets golden and crispy on the edges while staying tender underneath all that melted cheese. It is the kind of appetizer that people hover around at a party.

You can serve it warm or at room temperature, and it tastes amazing either way. That flexibility is a lifesaver when you are hosting.

It works for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or honestly just a random Tuesday when you want something special without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients You Will Need

Here is what goes into this show-stopping tart:

Puff Pastry – One sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed. This is your quick and easy base that bakes up flaky and golden.

Brie Cheese – About 8 ounces, sliced into thin pieces. Remove the rind or leave it on, your call. It melts beautifully either way.

Cranberry Sauce – Use whole berry cranberry sauce for the best texture. Homemade or canned both work great here.

Pancetta – About 4 ounces, diced. It crisps up in the oven and adds an incredible salty, savory element.

Fresh Thyme – A few sprigs go a long way. The earthy aroma ties all the flavors together.

How To Make Cranberry Brie Tart

Step 1: Prep the pastry. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Unfold the puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a fork to prick the center all over, leaving about a 1-inch border.

Step 2: Layer the brie. Arrange the brie slices evenly over the pricked center of the pastry. Leave that border clear so it can puff up nicely.

Step 3: Add the cranberry sauce. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the brie and spread it around gently. Don’t stress about making it perfect.

Step 4: Top with pancetta. Scatter the diced pancetta over the cranberry layer. It will crisp up as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake. Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle fresh thyme over the top as soon as it comes out.

Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve while it is still warm.

Tips For The Best Results

Keep your puff pastry cold. If it gets too warm before baking, it won’t puff up properly. Work quickly once it is unfolded.

You can pre-cook the pancetta if you want it extra crispy. Just sauté it for a few minutes before adding it to the tart.

For a variation, try adding a drizzle of honey or a handful of candied pecans after baking. It takes this tart to another level.

Leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving is absolutely ideal for this recipe. It is the best kind of repurposing.

Storage And Serving

This tart is best enjoyed the day it is made. The puff pastry will lose its crispness over time.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to re-crisp the pastry.

You can prep everything ahead of time and assemble right before baking. That way it comes out of the oven right when guests arrive.

Print Pin

4.90 from 4 votes

Cranberry Brie Tart With Pancetta Thyme

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed
• 8 oz brie cheese sliced thin, rind removed if preferred
• 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• 4 oz pancetta diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves plus extra sprigs for garnish
• 1 egg beaten, for egg wash

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Unfold the thawed puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to prick the center of the pastry all over, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
• Arrange the brie slices evenly over the pricked center of the pastry, staying within the border.
• Spoon the cranberry sauce over the brie and spread gently with the back of a spoon.
• Scatter the diced pancetta evenly over the cranberry layer.
• Brush the pastry border with the beaten egg wash.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and garnish with thyme sprigs. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use whole berry cranberry sauce for the best texture.

Keep puff pastry cold until ready to assemble for the flakiest results.

For extra crispy pancetta, pre-cook it in a skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to the tart.

This tart is best served warm or at room temperature the same day it is baked.

Final Thoughts

This cranberry brie tart with pancetta and thyme is one of those recipes that never fails to impress. It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but the secret is that it takes almost no effort at all.

The sweet-savory-cheesy combo is absolutely addictive. Do not be surprised when people ask for the recipe.

Whether you are making it for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, this tart delivers every single time.