The Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme is the kind of dish that turns a simple gathering into a celebration. Creamy brie, crispy pancetta, and sweet-tart cranberries all nestled in buttery puff pastry create the perfect bite—savory, sweet, flaky, and aromatic with fresh thyme. Whether served as an appetizer, brunch highlight, or festive holiday treat, this tart is effortlessly elegant.
What sets this tart apart is its balance of bold flavors with minimal fuss. It’s one of those recipes that looks sophisticated but is incredibly approachable. With a short ingredient list and easy prep, it proves that great taste doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen.
What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?
Look for all-butter puff pastry if possible—it offers superior flavor and flakiness. You can find it in the freezer aisle of most grocery stores. Just be sure to thaw it according to package directions before use. Avoid overworking the dough, and keep it cool while assembling.
Ingredients for the Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 5 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
- 1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1/4 cup diced pancetta
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp honey (optional drizzle)
How To Make the Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the thawed puff pastry onto the baking sheet and lightly score a border 1 inch from the edge. Prick the center with a fork to prevent puffing.
Step 2: Layer the Brie and Cranberry Sauce
Arrange the sliced brie evenly within the scored border. Spoon cranberry sauce over the cheese, spreading gently without going over the edge.
Step 3: Add Pancetta and Thyme
Sprinkle diced pancetta and thyme leaves on top of the cranberry-brie layer. The pancetta will crisp up beautifully as it bakes.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the outer edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Drizzle with honey if using, and top with a few extra thyme leaves. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing into squares or strips.
Serving and Storing This Tart
Serve the Cranberry Brie Tart warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a light green salad or can be served on a charcuterie board for a beautiful contrast of flavors. For storing, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven to revive the crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the tart up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
What can I use instead of pancetta?
Try diced bacon or even prosciutto. Just make sure it’s cooked until crisp if you’re substituting.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Absolutely. Homemade cranberry sauce often has more depth of flavor and less sweetness than canned.
Is it okay to leave the rind on the brie?
Yes, the rind is edible, but removing it gives you a smoother, creamier melt.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Skip the pancetta and add caramelized onions or walnuts for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Want More Appetizer Ideas?
If you’re into elegant, flavor-packed bites like this tart, check out these other favorites:
- Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites
- Buffalo Chicken Calzone
- Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
- Candied Jalapeños – The Perfect Sweet and Spicy Treat
- One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or holiday board so you can come back to it anytime.
And I’d love to hear from you in the comments: Did you use store-bought or homemade cranberry sauce? Did you drizzle the honey or skip it?
Your twists make this recipe even more fun—feel free to share your variations or questions. Let’s inspire each other in the kitchen!
Want more easy, festive recipes like this? Follow me on Pinterest for daily inspiration: Nina Dishes on Pinterest
Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme is a stunningly simple yet elegant appetizer. Flaky puff pastry holds creamy melted brie, a sweet-tart layer of cranberry sauce, and crispy pancetta, finished with a touch of thyme and optional honey drizzle. Perfect for holiday spreads or cozy brunches.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
5 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
0.5 cup whole cranberry sauce
0.25 cup diced pancetta
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry and place it on the sheet. Score a 1-inch border and prick the center with a fork.
3. Layer sliced brie inside the border.
4. Spread cranberry sauce over the cheese without overflowing.
5. Sprinkle pancetta and thyme evenly on top.
6. Brush edges with beaten egg.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and puffed.
8. Drizzle honey (if using) and garnish with more thyme.
9. Cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
Remove the brie rind for a smoother melt.
Use fresh thyme for best flavor—dried thyme doesn’t pop the same.
Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven for crisp results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cranberry brie tart, puff pastry appetizer, pancetta brie tart
