Pin A festive and elegant appetizer featuring buttery puff pastry, creamy Brie, and tangy cranberry sauce, shaped into delightful mini tartlets arranged as a wreath—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I first served these mini tartlets at a holiday party, and they quickly became the star appetizer everyone requested again.
Ingredients
- Pastry: 1 sheet (about 250 g) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- Cheese & Filling: 120 g Brie cheese, rind removed if desired, cut into 16 cubes, 1/3 cup (80 ml) cranberry sauce (homemade or quality store-bought), 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped, 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Garnish (optional): 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios or walnuts, Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a 25 x 25 cm (10 x 10 inch) square. Cut into 16 equal squares.
- Form shells:
- Place a square of puff pastry into each cup of a mini muffin tin, gently pressing to form a shell.
- Add filling:
- Add a cube of Brie to each shell. Top with 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce and a pinch of chopped rosemary.
- Egg wash:
- Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
- Cool and remove:
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then carefully remove tarts from tin.
- Arrange:
- Arrange the mini tarts in a wreath shape on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped pistachios and fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pin This recipe is a tradition in my family every holiday season, bringing everyone around the table with smiles and full plates.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a touch of orange zest to the cranberry sauce. Serve with sparkling wine or a crisp white.
Required Tools
Rolling pin, mini muffin tin (16 cups or bake in batches), pastry brush, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (Brie), Egg, Wheat (puff pastry), Tree nuts (if using pistachios or walnuts). Always check labels for ingredient changes.
Pin Enjoy these festive tartlets warm or at room temperature for the perfect holiday appetizer that delights every guest.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pastry is ideal for these tartlets?
Frozen puff pastry works best for creating flaky, buttery tart shells that bake evenly and hold fillings well.
- → Can I substitute Brie cheese with other kinds of cheese?
Yes, soft cheeses like Camembert or goat cheese provide similar creamy texture and pair nicely with cranberry.
- → How should the tartlets be served for best flavor?
Serve warm or at room temperature to fully enjoy the creamy cheese and tart cranberry contrast.
- → What is the purpose of the beaten egg in preparation?
Brushing the pastry edges with beaten egg gives a golden, glossy finish and helps seal the pastry.
- → Can I prepare the cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce can be prepared in advance to save time before assembling.