Easy Cranberry Brie Tart – The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer Everyone Loves

If you’re searching for a show-stopping appetizer that feels elegant yet is surprisingly simple to prepare, this Easy Cranberry Brie Tart is exactly what you need. With a flaky puff pastry crust, creamy melted brie, and tangy-sweet cranberry topping, this tart delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe that looks like it came from a gourmet bakery, yet comes together in under an hour—making it perfect for holidays, parties, and last-minute gatherings.

This cranberry brie tart recipe is a favorite during fall and winter, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it’s versatile enough to serve year-round. The contrast between buttery pastry, rich cheese, and bright cranberry notes makes it universally appealing, even to guests who claim they “don’t like cheese.” Best of all, it requires only a handful of ingredients, most of which you can find at any grocery store.

Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner, contributing to a potluck, or simply want an elevated snack for a cozy night in, this baked brie tart checks every box: easy, beautiful, comforting, and absolutely delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Cranberry Brie Tart

There are countless appetizer recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

• Minimal prep, maximum impact: Puff pastry does most of the work for you.
• Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet, tangy, creamy, and buttery in every bite.
• Crowd-pleasing: Even picky eaters tend to come back for seconds.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble in advance and bake just before serving.
• Versatile: Easy to customize with herbs, nuts, or different fruit spreads.

This tart is especially popular during the holidays, making it a go-to cranberry brie appetizer that never fails to impress.

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Ingredients for Easy Cranberry Brie Tart

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 wheel brie cheese (8–12 oz)
• ¾ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water
• Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)
• Optional toppings: chopped pecans or walnuts, honey drizzle, orange zest

Each ingredient plays an important role. Puff pastry provides a crisp, flaky base. Brie melts into a luscious layer without overpowering the dish. Cranberry sauce adds brightness and color, while herbs and nuts bring aroma and texture.

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
3. Create the border: Using a sharp knife, lightly score a 1-inch border around the edges of the pastry without cutting all the way through. This helps the edges puff up while baking.
4. Add the brie: Slice the brie into wedges or strips and arrange them evenly inside the scored border.
5. Top with cranberry sauce: Spoon the cranberry sauce over the brie, spreading gently to cover most of the cheese.
6. Egg wash: Whisk the egg with water and brush it along the pastry edges for a golden finish.
7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh herbs or nuts if desired, and let cool slightly before slicing.

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Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Brie Tart

• Keep puff pastry cold: Cold pastry puffs better. If it becomes too soft, chill it briefly before baking.
• Don’t overfill: Too much cranberry sauce can cause sogginess. A thin, even layer works best.
• Leave the rind on the brie: It’s completely edible and helps the cheese hold its shape.
• Bake on the middle rack: This ensures even browning without burning the bottom.

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Delicious Variations to Try

One of the joys of this puff pastry brie tart is how customizable it is:

• Cranberry Orange Brie Tart: Add fresh orange zest to the cranberry sauce.
• Nutty Holiday Tart: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cranberry layer.
• Savory-Sweet Twist: Add caramelized onions under the brie.
• Herb-Forward Version: Use thyme, rosemary, or sage for a more savory profile.

Each variation keeps the spirit of the recipe while offering a new flavor experience.

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Serving Suggestions

This holiday appetizer tart pairs beautifully with:

• Crackers or crostini
• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Sparkling cider or white wine
• Fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes

Serve it warm for the best texture and flavor. As the brie cools, it firms slightly but remains creamy and delicious.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-ahead: Assemble the tart (without egg wash) up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator.
• Bake fresh: Add egg wash and bake just before serving.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.

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Fun Food Fact: Why Brie and Cranberries Work So Well

Brie is known for its mild, buttery flavor, which acts as a perfect canvas for bold toppings. Cranberries, with their natural acidity and sweetness, cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced bite. This contrast is why baked brie and cranberry combinations have become a staple in American autumn and winter cuisine.

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Final Thoughts

This Easy Cranberry Brie Tart proves that impressive food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a stunning appetizer that feels festive, comforting, and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it as a cozy weekend treat, this tart is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.