Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta and Fresh Thyme
The Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta and Fresh Thyme is a savory, sweet, and tangy appetizer featuring a flaky puff pastry crust filled with creamy Brie, crispy pancetta, tart cranberry mixture, and fragrant fresh thyme. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights, it offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures with an elegant yet simple preparation.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Base
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
Filling
- 8 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 4 oz pancetta, diced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw the frozen puff pastry according to package instructions. Roll it out gently on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases, then transfer to a tart pan or baking sheet. Use a fork to prick the base to prevent puffing during baking.
- Cook the Pancetta: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until crisp and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and drain excess fat on paper towels.
- Prepare the Cranberry Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine fresh cranberries with honey. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries soften and release juices, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Tart: Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the puff pastry base, leaving a small border around the edges. Layer slices of Brie on top of the cranberries, then sprinkle the cooked pancetta evenly. Finally, scatter fresh thyme leaves over the tart.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the tart for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the Brie is melted and bubbly. Monitor to avoid burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and easier slicing.
Notes
- Use high-quality Brie for a creamier and more flavorful tart.
- Cook pancetta thoroughly for a crispy texture that contrasts with the Brie and cranberries.
- Use honey sparingly to maintain a balanced tartness in the cranberry layer.
- Chill puff pastry before baking to improve puff and flakiness.
- Fresh thyme provides a bright herbal flavor that dried thyme cannot match.
- A tart pan with a removable bottom makes serving easier and helps keep the crust intact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8th of tart)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cranberry Brie Tart, Pancetta Tart, Festive Appetizer, Puff Pastry Tart, Holiday Tart, Savory Tart, Brie Cheese Recipe