Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
