This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta & Thyme is a delightful blend of creamy Brie cheese, tart cranberry sauce, and crispy pancetta nestled in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for an elegant appetizer or a festive snack, this tart combines savory and sweet flavors enhanced with fresh thyme and a golden egg wash crust.
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
Tart Base
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
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
Finishing
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Transfer the pastry to the prepared baking sheet, shaping as needed.
Cook Pancetta: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta until crispy and browned. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
Assemble Tart: Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Layer the sliced Brie cheese evenly on top of the cranberry sauce. Sprinkle the crispy pancetta and fresh thyme leaves over the cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Form Edges and Egg Wash: Fold the edges of the pastry up and over the filling to create a rustic border. Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to achieve a golden brown finish during baking.
Bake Tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the pastry is golden, flaky, and cooked through.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the tart from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
You can substitute pancetta with prosciutto or bacon for a different but equally delicious flavor.
If Brie rind is too thick, consider removing it before slicing for a creamier texture.
Use store-bought cranberry sauce for convenience or homemade for a fresher taste.
Make sure to keep the puff pastry cold until ready to use to ensure flakiness.
Serve the tart warm for the best combination of gooey cheese and crispy pastry.
