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If you’re on the hunt for a Christmas appetizer that looks fancy, tastes incredible, and doesn’t turn your kitchen into a disaster zone, then these Cranberry Brie Tartlets with Thyme will feel like a holiday miracle. I swear, every time I make these, someone at the table asks, “Did you buy these from a catering company?” And honestly… I take that as a compliment 🙂
These Puff Pastry Brie Tartlets bring all the holiday flavors together—creamy melted brie, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, buttery puff pastry, and a whisper of fresh thyme that makes everything taste like you spent hours prepping. Ever wondered how some appetizers manage to taste warm, cozy, and festive all at once? This recipe is exactly that.
I’ve made dozens of holiday finger foods over the years—from Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms to mini meatballs to a few experimental disasters I’d rather forget—but these Cranberry Brie Tartlets with Thyme always win. They fit perfectly into a Christmas Charcuterie Board, they work as Easy Christmas Appetizers, and they check every box for Party-Ready Holiday Finger Foods.
If you love Brie and Cranberry Appetizers, Mini Tartlets, or festive puff pastry recipes that don’t demand chef-level skills, this one will become your new holiday go-to. And FYI, these little bites also look amazing in Christmas food photography — Pinterest loves them, and so will your guests.
Ready to make the cutest, tastiest, easiest holiday tartlets ever?
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 wheel of brie (cut into small bite-sized cubes)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: honey for drizzling
- Optional: chopped pecans or pistachios for crunch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- Unroll the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 12–15 squares.
- Press each pastry square gently into a muffin cup to form a little tart shell.
- Place a piece of brie into each pastry cup.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme over each tartlet.
- Brush the edges of puff pastry with egg wash for golden color.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the pastry puffs and turns golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Variations
Want to add your own twist? Try one of these creative ideas:
- Nutty Holiday Crunch: Add chopped pecans or pistachios before baking.
- Balsamic Drizzle: Finish with a light balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.
- Camembert Swap: Replace brie with camembert for a creamier, richer flavor.
Serving & Tips
Serve these tartlets warm so the brie stays melty and luxurious. Place them on a wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs for that dreamy Aesthetic Christmas Appetizer presentation. These also fit wonderfully on a Christmas Charcuterie Board next to cured meats, nuts, and crackers.
To make them ahead, assemble everything and refrigerate for up to 24 hours—then bake right before serving. Yes, they’re absolutely Make Ahead Christmas Appetizers.
For freezing: assemble the tartlets, freeze on a tray, and bake from frozen for an extra 5–7 minutes. Perfect for last-minute party panic situations 😉
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Brie Tartlets with Thyme always feel like tiny bites of Christmas joy. They’re warm, buttery, festive, and just elegant enough to make you look like the host who “has everything together” (even if you’re secretly stressed and running around the kitchen). I love how simple they are, and I promise—they disappear fast. Better make two batches!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Yes! Store-bought works great and saves time. If you want more flavor, mix in orange zest or cinnamon.
Can I make these tartlets gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free puff pastry sheets—they bake beautifully and taste amazing with brie.
How do I keep the brie from melting too much?
Use chilled brie and avoid overfilling. The pastry will hold everything in place.
What other cheeses work for this recipe?
Camembert, soft goat cheese, or even a creamy bleu cheese variation tastes great for bolder flavor lovers.
Follow me on Pinterest for more Cranberry Brie Tartlets with Thyme recipes!
