Crispy, buttery puff pastry. Creamy melted Brie. Sweet cranberry sauce. And a touch of salty pancetta on top. This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta has everything you dream about in a holiday appetizer: easy to assemble, stunning to present, and unbelievably delicious with every bite.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas brunch, New Year’s Eve cocktails, or a cozy winter dinner at home, this tart will be the recipe your guests remember. In just minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a show-stopping appetizer that tastes gourmet.

It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast—so make two!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta

There are appetizers that are good, and then there are appetizers that make people ask for the recipe. This tart falls into the second category.

Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot on your holiday menu:

• Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday staples.

• No complicated steps: The tart takes just minutes to assemble.

• Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet, creamy, salty, buttery, tangy.

• Baked in under 20 minutes: Quick enough for last-minute hosting.

• Elegant presentation: Guests will think you bought it from a bakery.

And the biggest perk?
This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta is highly customizable. You can swap out herbs, use different cheese, or add festive toppings.

Ingredients for the Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta

This recipe is extremely simple, but each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect flavor profile.

⭐ Main Ingredients

Optional Add-Ons

These aren’t required, but they take your tart to another level:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts

• Orange zest

• Hot honey drizzle

• Caramelized onions

• Sea salt flakes

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

No fancy equipment required! Just a few basics:

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Small knife or pizza cutter

• Spoon or spatula

• Pastry brush (for egg wash)

• Cooling rack (optional, but keeps the crust crisp)

If you don’t have a pastry brush, you can use a spoon or clean fingers—no problem.

How to Make the Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta (Step-by-Step)

This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly. Even if you’ve never baked a tart before, you’ll succeed on the first try.

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto the baking sheet.

4. Use a knife to score a border ½ inch from the edge (do not cut all the way through).

This helps the edges puff up like a tart crust.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

1. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly inside the scored border.

2. Leave the edges uncovered.

You can use:

• homemade cranberry sauce,

• canned whole berry sauce,

• or leftover holiday cranberry relish.

Sweet or tart—both work.

Step 3: Add the Brie

Slice the Brie into thin rectangles or small chunks.

Layout the Brie pieces on top of the cranberry layer. Don’t worry if it melts into the sauce—this is exactly what makes the tart creamy and irresistible.

Step 4: Add the Pancetta

Sprinkle cooked pancetta evenly over the top.

If you don’t have pancetta, substitutes work well:

• bacon bits

• soppressata

• prosciutto

• sausage crumbles

The salty meat balances the sweetness of the cranberry.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

1. Beat the egg and brush the border of the crust.

2. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.

The Brie will bubble slightly and the edges will become flaky and shiny.

Step 6: The Final Touch

Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary leaves over the tart and drizzle lightly with honey or maple syrup.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting.

The result? A perfect holiday appetizer that looks straight out of a gourmet magazine.

Pro Tips to Make the Perfect Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta

Here are helpful tricks that guarantee amazing results every single time:

✔ Use chilled puff pastry

Warm pastry doesn’t puff properly. If it gets too warm while assembling, pop it into the fridge for 5 minutes.

✔ Don’t skimp on the cranberry

More is better! The cranberry helps prevent dryness.

✔ Bake on parchment paper

Puff pastry can stick to baking sheets—parchment eliminates that problem.

✔ Garnish after baking

Fresh herbs keep their beautiful color and aroma when added at the end.

✔ Make ahead for parties

Assemble the tart up to 24 hours in advance.
Just bake when ready to serve.

✔ For extra flavor

Brush the crust with honey butter or maple syrup after baking.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch it up? This recipe is extremely flexible.

Cheese Substitutes

Try any of these:

• Camembert

• Goat cheese

• Cream cheese

• Gruyère

• Fontina

Meat Alternatives

If you don’t like pancetta, try:

• smoked bacon

• turkey bacon

• dried cranberries + nuts for a vegetarian version

Flavor Boosters

Add:

• balsamic glaze

• pecans or pistachios

• hot honey

• roasted garlic

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What to Serve with the Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta

This appetizer pairs beautifully with:

• Champagne or sparkling drinks

• Holiday cocktails

• Red or white wine

• Turkey, ham, or roast beef dinners

• Cheese boards

• Party buffets

It’s also great with:

• salads

• soup

• brunch

This tart truly fits every occasion—especially winter gatherings.

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Storage and Reheating

Storing leftovers

(If there are any!)

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Avoid the microwave—it softens the crust.

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Can You Freeze This Tart?

Yes!

To freeze:

1. Bake as normal.

2. Allow to cool completely.

3. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

To re-heat: place in a 350°F oven until warm and crisp.

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Approximate Nutrition Facts

(per serving – based on 8 servings)

These numbers will vary based on the exact brands used.

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Why This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta is the Best Holiday Appetizer

There are many appetizers you could make for your holiday parties, but this tart stands out for several reasons:

✔ It’s beautiful

The bright jewel-toned cranberry and golden pastry look festive and elegant.

✔ It’s extremely fast

Just assemble, bake, and serve. No preparation stress during hosting.

✔ It feeds a crowd

Cut into squares for a shareable finger food.

✔ It has restaurant-quality flavor

Guests will think you ordered catering.

✔ It’s guaranteed to impress

People always ask for the recipe!

This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta brings together the perfect combination of textures and flavors—and it succeeds whether you’re serving a large Christmas dinner or a simple holiday brunch.

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Make This Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta for Every Celebration

Whether you’re making it as a Thanksgiving side dish, a Christmas appetizer, or a cozy winter snack by the fireplace, the blend of creamy Brie, sweet cranberry, and crispy pastry just works.

It’s effortless. It’s flavorful. And it’s the kind of recipe that gets passed around the table again and again.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an impressive but simple appetizer to serve your guests, this Cranberry Brie Tart with Pancetta is guaranteed to become one of your signature dishes.

It’s:

• quick to prepare

• made with simple ingredients

• incredibly delicious

• customizable

• and visually stunning

Don’t wait for a holiday—make it anytime you want something warm, cheesy, and special.

Try it once, and it will become a yearly tradition!

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to save it, share it, and try variations. Your guests—and taste buds—will thank you.