Save 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 this at a holiday party and everyone couldn't stop raving about the perfect balance of flavors and the beautiful wreath presentation.
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 1/3 cup (80 ml) cranberry sauce (homemade or quality store-bought) 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely chopped 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- Garnish (optional): 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios or walnuts 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.
Save This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays as we assemble the wreath and share stories while baking.
Notes
For extra flavor add a touch of orange zest to the cranberry sauce Try goat cheese or Camembert instead of Brie Serve with sparkling wine or a crisp white
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 walnuts) Always check labels for possible cross-contamination or ingredient changes
Save This tart wreath is a perfect make-ahead appetizer that delights guests with minimal effort.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pastry is best for these tarts?
Frozen puff pastry works well due to its flaky, buttery texture that crisps beautifully when baked, complementing the creamy filling.
- → Can I substitute Brie with another cheese?
Yes, soft cheeses like Camembert or goat cheese provide similar creaminess and pair nicely with cranberry and rosemary flavors.
- → How should the cranberry sauce be prepared?
Use homemade or high-quality store-bought cranberry sauce. Adding a hint of orange zest elevates the sauce’s brightness.
- → What garnishes enhance the flavor and presentation?
Chopped pistachios or walnuts add crunch, while fresh rosemary sprigs bring an aromatic touch to the wreath arrangement.
- → How long should the tarts cool before serving?
Allow the tarts to cool for about five minutes after baking to let the filling set slightly and make handling easier.
- → Can these be served at room temperature?
Yes, these tartlets are delicious served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for various events.