Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme combines creamy brie, tangy cranberry, and crispy pancetta on a flaky puff pastry. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for festive occasions or a special appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 8 ounces brie cheese, sliced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 4 ounces pancetta, diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to fit a tart pan or baking sheet. Trim edges if needed and place pastry in the pan. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced pancetta until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and thyme. Cook over medium heat until cranberries start to burst and mixture thickens slightly, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Step 4: Arrange sliced brie evenly over the puff pastry. Spoon cranberry mixture over the brie, then sprinkle with crispy pancetta. Brush puff pastry edges with beaten egg to promote browning.
5. Step 5: Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until pastry is golden and puffed.
6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available; just rinse before cooking.
• For extra sweetness, drizzle a little honey over the tart before serving.
• Substitute pancetta with prosciutto or crispy bacon for a different flavor profile.
• If you prefer a less tangy tart, reduce balsamic vinegar slightly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the pastry crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this tart in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cranberry mixture and cook the pancetta ahead of time. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.

What type of brie is best for this recipe?

A firm, young brie works best as it melts smoothly without becoming too runny. Avoid overly ripe brie which can be too soft for easy slicing and assembly.

Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 142 reviews

This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme is a delightful savory-sweet pastry perfect for holiday gatherings or elegant appetizers. Featuring a flaky puff pastry crust layered with creamy brie, tangy cranberry compote infused with thyme, and crispy pancetta, this tart combines rich flavors with a beautiful presentation. The balance of savory pancetta and sweet-tart cranberries is complemented by the aromatic freshness of thyme, all baked to golden perfection for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Cheese

• 8 ounces brie cheese, sliced

Cranberry Filling

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pancetta

• 4 ounces pancetta, diced

Additional

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry to fit a tart pan or a baking sheet if using a free-form tart. Trim the edges if needed and place the pastry accordingly. Prick the bottom using a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
2. Cook the Pancetta: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the diced pancetta until it turns crispy and golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
3. Prepare the Cranberry Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and thyme leaves. Cook the mixture until the cranberries burst and the filling thickens slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Tart: Arrange the sliced brie cheese evenly on top of the prepared puff pastry in the tart pan. Spoon the warm cranberry filling evenly over the brie layer. Sprinkle the crispy pancetta over the cranberry topping. Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg wash to ensure a golden and shiny crust when baked.
5. Bake the Tart: Place the tart in the preheated 400°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. The cheese should be melted and bubbly beneath the toppings.
6. Serve: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Notes

• Thaw puff pastry completely before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Use fresh cranberries for best texture, though frozen work well too.
• For a vegetarian version, omit pancetta or substitute with smoked mushrooms.
• The tart is best enjoyed the day it’s made but can be reheated gently.
• Use a tart pan with a removable bottom for easy serving, or bake free-form on a baking sheet.

Keywords: cranberry brie tart, pancetta tart, thyme tart, puff pastry appetizer, holiday appetizer, savory tart, cranberry cheese tart