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Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta

Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta

This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta offers a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. Featuring a flaky puff pastry crust, melted creamy brie, tangy sautéed cranberries, and crispy pancetta, this tart is an elegant appetizer ideal for festive gatherings and holiday parties. Easy to prepare yet impressive to serve, it delivers layers of texture and flavor to delight your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry Base

  • 1 sheet pre-made puff pastry

Cheese

  • 8 ounces Brie cheese, sliced thinly

Fruit

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries

Meat

  • 4 ounces pancetta, diced

Sweetener and Herbs

  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus sprigs for garnish

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pancetta and Cranberries: Crisp the diced pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Using the same pan, lightly sauté fresh cranberries for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly but remain juicy.
  2. Prep the Puff Pastry: Roll out the pre-made puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to even out the size and smoothness. Transfer it carefully to a tart pan or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a fork to prick the base to prevent bubbling during baking.
  3. Layer the Brie: Slice the brie into thin, even pieces and arrange them evenly over the pastry base, covering most of it but leaving a small border for folding or decoration.
  4. Add Cranberries and Pancetta: Scatter the sautéed cranberries and crispy pancetta over the brie layer. Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top, then sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Season lightly with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is puffed and golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the tart to cool for a few minutes so the cheese sets slightly, making it easier to slice. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Notes

  • Use room temperature brie for even melting and better flavor integration.
  • Don’t skip the egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
  • Adjust honey/maple syrup and pancetta quantities to balance sweetness and saltiness to your preference.
  • Pre-cook pancetta thoroughly to keep it crispy and prevent sogginess.
  • Let the tart rest briefly before slicing to allow the cheese to firm up for cleaner cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry brie tart, pancetta tart, holiday appetizer, savory tart, festive recipe, easy appetizer