Cranberry Brie Tartlets with Thyme: Festive Christmas Appetizers to Impress Everyone

Looking for show-stopping christmas appetizers that your guests will rave about? I’ve got you covered with these Cranberry Brie Tartlets with Thyme—perfect for any Christmas Party Food Appetizers lineup or quick Holiday Party Appetizers solution. Seriously, who doesn’t love buttery pastry cups filled with melty brie and tangy cranberry jam? Ever wondered why these little bites become the first to disappear at any gathering? It’s that combo of sweet, savory, and herb-kissed goodness—plus they look downright adorable on a Christmas Charcuterie Board.
I whipped these up last year for my family’s Christmas Eve Appetizers spread, and my cousin literally inhaled six in under a minute—no joke 🙂 If you need easy Holiday Appetizers Easy enough for a last-minute get-together, these tartlets fit the bill. FYI, they aren’t just for fancy sit-down dinners; they make fantastic Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties or casual Christmas Snacks For Party moments when people graze around the tree.
In this article, I’ll walk you through every step—ingredients, detailed instructions, fun variations, and insider tips to keep these tartlets tasting as fresh as they look. Ready to level up your Xmas Appetizers game? Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
• 4 ounces of brie cheese, rind removed and cubed
• ½ cup of cranberry sauce or jam
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional drizzle)
• A pinch of salt and pepper
• Non-stick cooking spray or butter (for greasing)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a standard 12-cup mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or lightly butter each cup. This helps the tartlets release cleanly—no ruined edges here!
2. Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll the thawed puff pastry into a 12×12-inch square. Keep it cool—too warm and it’ll get sticky. Cut it into 12 equal squares (about 3×3 inches each).
3. Line the Cups: Gently press each pastry square into the muffin tin, creating little cups. Use your fingers to smooth the bottom so the base cooks evenly. I always stash the scraps, re-roll them, and make extra tartlets—because why waste flaky dough?
4. Add the Brie: Place a cube of brie in each tartlet shell. The cheese will melt gorgeously, so don’t overfill—keep a little room for the cranberry jam on top.
5. Spoon on Cranberry Jam: Add about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce over each brie cube. Feel free to swirl it with a toothpick for a marbled effect. It’s stunning and totally Instagram-worthy—IMO.
6. Season and Thyme: Sprinkle each cup with fresh thyme leaves, plus a tiny pinch of salt and pepper. The thyme adds that earthy twist that makes these stand out from other Christmas Dinner Appetizers.
7. Egg Wash Magic: Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with beaten egg. This step gives your tartlets a glossy, golden finish that screams “I nailed this.”
8. Bake to Perfection: Place the tin in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry puffs up and turns golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like a holiday bakery—embrace it!
9. Cool Briefly: Let the tartlets rest in the tin for 2–3 minutes. They’ll firm up enough to handle without collapsing, but stay warm and melty inside.
10. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove each tartlet and place on a festive platter. Drizzle with honey if you like a touch more sweetness, and finish with a sprig of fresh thyme. Voilà—your perfect Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods are ready!

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few spin-offs that’ll keep everyone guessing:

• Pear & Gorgonzola Twist: Swap cranberry jam for pear chutney and use gorgonzola instead of brie. The sweet-tangy combo feels so gourmet.
• Pecan & Maple Drizzle: Add chopped pecans on top after baking, then drizzle with pure maple syrup for a crunchy, fall-inspired variation.
• Herb Swap: Replace thyme with rosemary or sage for an aromatic kick. Rosemary sprigs look especially festive against the red jam.

Serving & Tips

These tartlets work wonders at any holiday gathering. Here’s how to make them shine:

• Platter Styling: Arrange on a wooden board with fresh cranberries and thyme sprigs for a rustic look. It’s perfect for a chic Christmas Charcuterie Board vibe.
• Make-Ahead Hack: Assemble tartlets up to the egg wash step. Cover, refrigerate, and bake just before guests arrive—easy peasy!
• Storage Tip: Store leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes for that freshly-baked feel.
• Pairing Suggestions: Serve these alongside a crisp Prosecco or a bold mulled wine. The fizz or spices cut through the richness beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made these Cranberry Brie Tartlets with Thyme at a dozen holiday parties, and they never fail to steal the spotlight. They tick every box: easy to prep, super tasty, and totally adorable. Seriously, who knew Xmas Appetizers could look this good and taste this phenomenal? Next time, try swapping the brie for camembert—because why not live dangerously? 😉 Thanks for hanging out, and may your holiday season be as warm and cheesy as these tartlets!

FAQs

Can I use frozen pastry that’s not puff pastry?

You can, but puff pastry gives the best flaky layers. If you opt for shortcrust, expect a denser shell—still tasty, just different.

How do I keep tartlets from getting soggy?

Allow the baked shells to cool for a minute in the tin before removing. Also, don’t overload on wet fillings—measure your jam and cheese carefully.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a certified gluten-free puff pastry. The baking time and process stay the same, though texture might vary slightly.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes on a baking sheet. Skip the microwave—it’ll turn your pastry chewy instead of crisp.

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