Cranberry Brie in Puff Pastry Tart

This Cranberry Brie in Puff Pastry Tart is a unique take on a brie en croute! This gorgeous tart can be served as an appetizer or dessert with your holiday meal. It is sure to impress a crowd.

OVERVIEW

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Components: Orange Cranberry Jam, Quick Puff Pastry

Brie en croute is French for baked brie in a pastry crust. It’s a festive dish that can include a variety of jams, fruits, and nuts. The brie is usually kept whole as a wheel with the pastry crust wrapped around it. For my version, I’ve given it a little twist.

I’m baking my tart in a pan so that you can see the beautiful fillings on top. My version includes homemade cranberry jam, toasted pecans, and thyme to go along with the brie. This gives the dish a sweet and savory element. If you’re someone who enjoys a cheese course for dessert than this recipe is for you!

For the pastry I’m taking a shortcut by using a store-bought frozen puff pastry but by all means, try my quick puff pastry to really impress.

This cranberry brie in puff pastry tart is wonderful served as a festive appetizer or as a dessert for holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Variation Ideas

Swap out the jam for any flavor you’d like! To pair with brie cheese, I recommend raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or fig jam.

Homemade or store-bought works just fine. Either way, you need about 1 ¼ cups (15 ounces) of jam for this recipe.

Ingredient Highlights

Cranberry Jam: I originally wrote this recipe to be used as a side to your holiday turkey. A Thanksgiving meal just wouldn’t be complete without cranberry sauce. My version includes not only cranberries but orange juice, fresh thyme, and pecans. This jam is the perfect component for this tart.

Brie Cheese: Warm, melted brie is essential for this appetizer. It gets gooey in the oven and pairs perfectly with my orange cranberry jam.

Puff Pastry: Technically you can use another type of dough for the tart shell like my traditional all-purpose pie crust. If you do that, you will need to par-bake the crust before adding the toppings and then bake to finish. But personally I prefer an ultra flaky crust you can only get from using puff pastry.

I’m going to be honest in saying I used a store-bought frozen puff pastry sheet for this recipe. Especially around the holidays, I want to keep my prep work simple and in this case the frozen sheet works just as well as homemade.

That said, if you really want to impress your guests – by all means make my puff pastry dough from scratch!

How to make a cranberry brie in puff pastry tart

There are 4 simple steps to prepare this cranberry brie tart.

1. Make the cranberry jam
2. Prepare the puff pastry
3. Assemble the components
4. Bake!

Make the cranberry jam

Of course you could use a store-bought jam but making your own is so impressive and my recipe for orange cranberry jam is easy and delicious!

Place all of the ingredients into a medium saucepan on the stove. If using frozen cranberries, there is no need to thaw them first (use them right from frozen). Turn the heat to medium and give it a good stir. Stir frequently until the mixture achieves a low boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.

Keep stirring until most of the cranberries pop and the jam thickens. Cook for 8-12 minutes until thickened. I like to leave some of the cranberries whole for a pretty visual; however, mash the few remaining whole berries with a potato masher or wooden spoon if you prefer.

Remove the pan from the heat and let the jam cool completely at room temperature. The jam will thicken as it cools.

Roll out the puff pastry

Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle a small amount of flour over the top.

Cut the dough in half and then press the pieces together to form one long piece. Wet your finger to create a seal between the 2 pieces.

Roll out the pastry 1 inch (2.5 cm) wider on all sides than your tart pan. I like to place the pan on top of the dough to measure it out. Trim the excess. Press the pastry onto the tart pan and up the sides.

Assemble and bake

Cut the brie into thin slices and lay them evenly into the tart crust. You can choose to leave the rind on or cut it off. I chose to cut it off. Spread the cooled cranberry jam evenly over the brie.

Place the tart pan directly on top of a preheated pizza stone, if using, or directly on the wire rack. Bake for 15 minutes to start. Next, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the cranberry jam and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will give the pecans a chance to toast in the oven. After baking the pastry shell should be golden brown, the brie should be melted, and the jam bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Remove the edges of the pan and top with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired, and a sprinkle of coarse salt. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Storage

Puff pastry tarts are best served the same day they are baked. If you do have leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.

Puff pastry loses its crispy, flaky texture if refrigerated, however, you can refresh the tart in the oven at 300°F/148°C for a few minutes.

MORE RECIPES FROM BAKER BETTIE!

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might like to try these other delicious cranberry recipes.

• Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies
• Cranberry Apple Pie
• Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake