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 cranberry brie tart wreaths at our family Christmas party and they disappeared within minutes. They always get compliments for their festive look and delicious taste.
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
- Cheese & Filling: 1/3 cup (80 ml) cranberry sauce (homemade or quality store-bought)
- Cheese & Filling: 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Cheese & Filling: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Garnish (optional): 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios or walnuts
- Garnish (optional): Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- Place a square of puff pastry into each cup of a mini muffin tin, gently pressing to form a shell.
- Step 4:
- Add a cube of Brie to each shell. Top with 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce and a pinch of chopped rosemary.
- Step 5:
- Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
- Step 7:
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then carefully remove tarts from tin.
- Step 8:
- 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 These mini tarts have become a holiday tradition in our family, bringing everyone together to enjoy the festive flavors and beautiful presentation.
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)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories 175 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 14 g Protein 4 g
Pin This recipe adds a delightful touch of elegance to any holiday spread with minimal effort.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pastry works best?
Frozen puff pastry provides a buttery, flaky base that crisps beautifully in the oven, creating sturdy tart shells.
- → Can I substitute Brie cheese?
Yes, soft cheeses like Camembert or goat cheese offer delicious alternatives with similar creamy textures.
- → How should the cranberry sauce be prepared?
A homemade or quality store-bought cranberry sauce adds a tangy contrast to the rich cheese; adding orange zest can enhance flavor.
- → What is the best way to assemble the tartlets?
Cut puff pastry into squares, press into mini muffin cups, then layer Brie cubes, cranberry sauce, and rosemary before baking.
- → Are there garnish suggestions for serving?
Chopped pistachios or walnuts and fresh rosemary sprigs add texture and aromatic appeal to the wreath presentation.
- → Can these be served warm or cold?
These tartlets are delicious served warm to enjoy melty cheese or at room temperature for easy finger food.