# Holiday Brie and Cranberry Tartlets
## Introduction
Kick off the holiday season by bringing an elegant and festive touch to your table with our Holiday Brie and Cranberry Tartlets recipe. They’re individual servings of delight, bringing together the buttery goodness of flaky crusts, the creamy decadence of Brie cheese, and a pop of tanginess from the cranberry sauce. These cute little tartlets will not just satisfy your guests’ appetites but also add a decorative charm to your holiday meals.
## Why Make this Recipe
There are many reasons why these Holiday Brie and Cranberry Tartlets make the perfect holiday appetizer. They are versatile and can be served at either a formal dinner or a casual get-together, their individual serving size makes them perfect finger food, and the combination of the creamy Brie with the sweet and tart cranberry sauce creates a flavor profile that is utterly irresistible. Plus, they are incredibly easy to put together and make for a stunning visual presentation.
## How to Make Holiday Brie and Cranberry Tartlets
## Ingredients
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 6 oz Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, for garnish
## Directions:
Follow these simple steps to make these delicious Holiday Brie and Cranberry Tartlets.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, then cut into 12 equal squares.
3. Press the puff pastry squares into a greased muffin tin, allowing the corners to protrude for aesthetic appeal.
4. Place a piece of Brie cheese in the center of each pastry square.
5. Top each with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the pastry has puffed up and is golden brown.
7. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin. Garnish with sprigs of rosemary or thyme.
## How to Serve Holiday Brie and Cranberry Tartlets
Serve these tartlets fresh out of the oven for the best taste and texture. Presented on a festive platter, they make an ideal appetizer for your holiday feast. You can also pair it with a sweet wine to complement the tartness of the cranberries.
## How to Store Holiday Brie and Cranberry Tartlets
Holiday Brie and Cranberry tartlets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven until the pastry becomes crispy and the cheese melts again before serving.
## Tips to Make Holiday Brie and Cranberry Tartlets
– If you can’t find Brie, Camembert or Gouda cheese are also good substitutes.
– For a homemade cranberry sauce, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan and simmer until the berries burst and the sauce thickens.
– For an extra special touch, consider brushing the puff pastry edges with beaten egg yolk before baking to achieve a shiny and golden finish.
## Variations
For a festive color and flavor spin, feel free to add a spoonful of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme leaves in the cheese for a more refreshing and aromatic flavor.
## FAQs
#### Can these tartlets be made in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the tartlets a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Pop them in the oven when it’s time to serve.
#### Can I use other types of cheese?
Definitely! While Brie is traditionally used in this recipe because of its creaminess when melted, you can experiment depending on your preference. Wensleydale, Camembert, or Gouda can make for great substitutes.
#### Is there a way to give these tartlets a sweet touch?
You can add a small dash of honey on top of the cranberry sauce before baking for an extra touch of sweetness.