Save 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.
This recipe always impresses my guests and is surprisingly easy to prepare during busy holiday seasons.
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:
- 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.
Save This delightful appetizer always brings our family together and kicks off the holidays on a delicious note.
Notes
Serve with sparkling wine or a crisp white for a perfect pairing.
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/walnuts) Always check labels for possible cross-contamination or ingredient changes.
Save Enjoy these festive tarts warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → What type of pastry works best?
Frozen puff pastry works well for flaky, buttery shells that puff up nicely during baking.
- → Can I substitute Brie with another cheese?
Yes, soft cheeses like Camembert or goat cheese provide a similar creamy texture and flavor.
- → How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Using a mini muffin tin helps shape the pastry and keeps it crisp while baking. Avoid overfilling with cranberry sauce.
- → What garnishes enhance flavor and presentation?
Chopped pistachios or walnuts add crunch, and fresh rosemary sprigs impart a fragrant herbal note.
- → Is there a way to add citrus flavor?
Adding a bit of orange zest to the cranberry sauce brightens the tartness and adds complexity.