Name: Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 8 ounces Brie cheese, sliced; 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought); 4 ounces pancetta, diced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

If you're looking for a show-stopping appetizer or a cozy snack that brings together sweet, savory, and herbal notes, this Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe is the answer. Perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or anytime you want to impress without fuss, it balances melty Brie and tangy cranberry sauce with crispy pancetta and fragrant thyme all nestled in a flaky puff pastry shell.

Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe - Recipe Image — Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme, holiday appetizer recipes, easy savory tart, festive brunch ideas, puff pastry tart with cranberry and Brie

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In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

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In the Kitchen

I love how this Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe brings together contrasting flavors and textures with so little effort. The bright cranberry pairs beautifully with creamy Brie, while the pancetta adds just the right amount of savory crunch. Plus, fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal touch that lifts the whole tart. You'll find it’s a breeze to make but delivers on wow factor every time.

Juicy and Tender Every Time: The Brie melts perfectly into the cranberry sauce, making each bite lush and indulgent.
Golden, Satisfying Finish: Brushing the puff pastry edges with egg wash gives you that irresistible golden crisp.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: With just a handful of quality pantry staples, the tart tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Whether it’s a casual snack or part of a festive spread, it adapts to any occasion with style.

Ingredients at a Glance

For the best Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe, focus on quality and freshness. Choose a Brie that’s creamy but firm enough to slice, fresh thyme for that bright flavor, and a crisp puff pastry to give you that impressive flaky finish. Whether you make your own cranberry sauce or use store-bought, opt for one with a nice balance of sweet and tart.

Puff Pastry Sheet: Look for all-butter varieties for superior flakiness and flavor.
Brie Cheese: Pick a creamy wheel that’s not overly ripe to prevent too much oozing.
Cranberry Sauce: Homemade works wonders, but quality store-bought is a great shortcut.
Pancetta: Diced and rendered crisp, this adds irresistible saltiness and crunch.
Fresh Thyme: Use fresh leaves to get that vibrant herby note rather than dried.
Egg (for wash): This helps get that gorgeous golden color and shine on the pastry border.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe

Step 1 — Get Your Oven Primed and Puff Pastry Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures your puff pastry bakes up crisp and golden. While it warms up, lightly flour your work surface and gently roll out the thawed puff pastry to smooth out any creases. You want it smooth but not stretched too thin. Carefully transfer it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet—this gives you an easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

Step 2 — Crisp Up the Pancetta

Place diced pancetta into a skillet over medium heat. Cook it until it's beautifully crispy and golden, releasing its rich fat. You'll notice the aroma immediately—it’s that wonderful savory scent that signals deliciousness is on the way. Once crisp, remove it from heat and let it drain on paper towels so it stays crunchy without greasy residue.

Step 3 — Layer the Delicious Filling

Spread your cranberry sauce evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges to fold later. The tart, slightly glossy sauce adds vibrant color and a juicy tang beneath the creamy cheese. Next, arrange the Brie slices in an even layer on top of the cranberry. The cheese will melt beautifully, so aim for full coverage but don’t crowd the edges. Sprinkle your crispy pancetta and fresh thyme leaves over the cheese, then season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4 — Fold, Brush, and Bake to Perfection

Fold the puff pastry edges over the filling to create a rustic, charming border—it keeps the goodness from spilling out and adds a sturdy crust for picking up slices. Use a pastry brush to paint the edges with the beaten egg; this little step transforms the pastry into a toasty, golden masterpiece. Pop your tart in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust is puffed, flaky, and a deep golden color. The Brie should be melted and luscious underneath.

Step 5 — Garnish and Serve

Once baked, carefully remove the tart from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This brief cooling period makes slicing cleaner and helps the flavors meld. Garnish with a few fresh thyme sprigs to brighten the presentation and add a burst of herbal fragrance. Serve warm or at room temperature—you'll enjoy how those layers of flavor meld beautifully.

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Things to Remember

From my experience, keeping an eye on the pastry's color and making sure pancetta is crisp before layering will set you up for success. It’s a straightforward recipe but benefits from a few kitchen tricks to nail the perfect balance of textures and flavors every time.

Doneness Cue: Look for puff pastry edges that are deep golden and puffed, signaling a flaky finish.
Temperature Trick: Make sure your oven is fully preheated—toasty heat is key to crisp pastry and melted cheese.
Make-Ahead Move: You can crisp the pancetta and prepare the tart assembly up to an hour ahead, then bake just before serving.
Common Pitfall: Avoid soggy crust by not overloading cranberry sauce too close to edges and draining pancetta well.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

A drizzle of local honey or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving takes this tart from great to unforgettable. I sometimes add a quick crack of fresh black pepper for a subtle spice contrast that makes the Brie shine even more. These little accents invite your palate to savor each layer with delight.

Plays Well With

This tart pairs beautifully with fresh greens dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette, or a crisp apple and fennel salad to complement the savory notes. When serving at a party, a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry sparkling rosé balance the richness perfectly. Trust me, these combinations elevate the whole experience.

Simple Plating Upgrades

For easy elegance, slice the tart into neat squares or rustic wedges and arrange on a wooden board with sprigs of thyme scattered around. Add little bowls of extra cranberry sauce or mustard on the side for dipping. This makes casual entertaining feel effortless and inviting—just like sharing with friends in your kitchen.

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tart in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature if eating the same day, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind puff pastry softens when chilled, so reheat gently to recover some crispness. The Brie stays creamy and the pancetta maintains its crunch best when eaten within this timeframe.

Freezing Tips

This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe freezes well before baking. Assemble fully, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time and watch for that golden finish. Freezing post-bake isn’t ideal, as the pastry loses flakiness.

Reheating Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe Without Drying Out

Warm leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to crisp the crust without drying out the cheese. I find that microwaving softens the pastry too much, but if you’re in a pinch, cover loosely with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. An air fryer is also excellent for a quick re-crisp—just watch closely to avoid over-browning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it fully according to package instructions before rolling and assembling. This ensures even baking and a golden, flaky crust.

Is it possible to substitute pancetta in the recipe?

Yes, you can swap pancetta for bacon or prosciutto. Bacon needs to be cooked crisp and drained well just like pancetta, while prosciutto can be added after baking for a delicate salty bite.

Can this Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe be made gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free puff pastry. These are available at some specialty stores or online. Just double-check the thawing and baking instructions as they can vary.

How do I know when the tart is perfectly cooked?

You’ll want to see puffed, golden brown pastry edges and melted, bubbly Brie underneath. The pancetta should be crisp and the filling warm and fragrant. If you have an oven thermometer, maintaining 400°F will deliver consistent results.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme Recipe is one of those delightful kitchen creations that you come back to again and again. It’s approachable, impressive, and combines luxurious flavors without complexity. Whether you’re hosting friends, surprising family, or just treating yourself, it’s a reliably delicious way to make any moment special. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!

Full Printable Recipe