Ever wondered why tiny bites make the best christmas appetizers? I sure did, until I discovered these Cranberry Brie Tartlets with Thyme. They pack a festive punch—sweet, savory, and oh-so-charming. Whether you’re hunting down the ultimate Christmas Party Food Appetizers or brainstorming Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties, these tartlets steal the show every single time. FYI, I tested this recipe at three different holiday gatherings last year, and nobody could stop raving about them! 😊
I first whipped these up on a snowy Christmas Eve, juggling kids and carols, and magically they turned out perfect (no small feat, trust me!). Their flaky pastry crust, gooey Brie, tangy cranberry compote, and a whisper of fresh thyme—seriously, it’s like a mini Christmas miracle in every bite. Plus, they look gorgeous on a platter, so you’ll score major style points without breaking a sweat.
Got 30 minutes? You’ve got time for these Holiday Party Appetizers. Short on ingredients? No problem—I’ve got easy swaps lined up. And if you love a good Christmas Charcuterie Board, these tartlets slide right in alongside cheeses and cured meats. Ready to level up your Xmas Appetizers game?
Let’s dive into the magic (not the cliché “dive into” kind, I promise) and get you set up for the easiest, most drool-worthy tartlets of the season.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for a light sparkle)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—no sticking, no stressing.
- Cut the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into twelve 3-inch squares. Pro tip: keep ’em uniform for even baking.
- Assemble Tartlets: Place a cube of Brie in the center of each square. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Seal & Shape: Fold two opposite corners over the filling and press gently to seal. You’ll get a cute envelope shape—minimal effort, maximum charm.
- Egg Wash & Sparkle: Brush every tartlet with beaten egg. If you want extra holiday glam, dust lightly with sugar.
- Bake: Arrange tartlets on the baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until puff pastry puffs up and turns golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Let them rest for 2–3 minutes. This keeps the filling from oozing everywhere—FYI, piping hot Brie can be dangerous!
- Garnish & Serve: Top each tartlet with a small thyme sprig. Serve warm and watch them disappear.
Variations
Want to spice things up? Here are two easy twists to make these tartlets uniquely yours:
1. Savory-Sweet Bourbon Cranberry
Add 1 teaspoon of bourbon to your cranberry sauce and a pinch of cinnamon. The boozy warmth mellows the tartness and adds depth, making these tartlets perfect for adults-only gatherings. IMO, the bourbon hello makes them feel extra luxe.
2. Goat Cheese & Orange Zest
Swap Brie for creamy goat cheese and stir in a teaspoon of orange zest into your cranberry sauce. This version delivers a tangy kick that pairs brilliantly with citrusy notes. It’s a fresh take on Holiday Appetizers Easy that’ll have guests asking for the recipe.
3. Savory Herb Blend
Mix fresh rosemary and sage (finely chopped) with your thyme to create an herbaceous trifecta. This subtle herb swap turns these tartlets into an elegant Christmas Dinner Appetizers bite, ideal for those who love that woodsy, piney holiday vibe.
Serving & Tips
Serving Ideas
These tartlets mingle well on any holiday spread. Pair them with:
- A Christmas Charcuterie Board featuring cured meats, olives, and nuts.
- A bowl of spiced mulled wine or crisp champagne flutes for a festive contrast.
- Complementary Christmas Snacks For Party like spiced nuts or mini sausage rolls.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (big if), store tartlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to revive that crisp pastry. Avoid the microwave—it turns them into sad, soggy excuses for appetizers.
Seasonal Touch
Sprinkle with pomegranate arils and a tiny basil leaf for a pop of color. You can even thread thyme sprigs onto cocktail picks to keep them upright and add a rustic-chic flair. These little details transform simple Xmas Appetizers into Instagram-worthy delights.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, these Cranberry Brie Tartlets with Thyme balance sweet, tangy, and savory notes in every bite. They satisfy the soul-warming comfort of Holiday Party Appetizers while looking like you’ve been to culinary school—when really, you just followed twelve easy steps.
I still chuckle remembering my first batch: they deflated mid-bake, looking more like sad pillows than puffed pastries. Fast-forward to a few tweaks later, and now they’re my go-to for family gatherings, office parties, and impromptu Christmas Eve Appetizers emergencies.
So go ahead, give these a try. I bet they’ll become your signature dish faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!”
Cranberry Brie Tartlets with Thyme
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into twelve 3-inch squares.
- Place a cube of Brie in the center of each square. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Fold two opposite corners of each square over the filling and press gently to seal.
- Brush each tartlet with beaten egg. Optionally, sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, until puffed and golden.
- Let cool slightly before garnishing with thyme sprigs and serving warm.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
Can I prepare these tartlets ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble tartlets on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. When you’re ready, just brush with egg wash and bake as directed.
Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Absolutely. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Don’t rush it on the counter—too warm, and it’ll get sticky and hard to work with.
What’s the best alternative if I don’t have Brie?
Goat cheese or Camembert make fantastic substitutes. Both melt beautifully and pair wonderfully with cranberry’s sweetness.
How do I make my cranberry sauce from scratch?
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh cranberries, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ cup water. Simmer until cranberries burst and sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Optional: stir in orange zest for extra zing.
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