Cranberry Brie Tartlets with Thyme: Perfect Christmas Appetizers for the Holidays

Looking for show-stopping christmas appetizers that feel fancy but won’t have you chained to the kitchen all day? I got you. These Cranberry Brie Tartlets with Thyme strike the ideal balance between sweet and savory—plus, they’re ridiculously simple. Whether you’re hunting for Christmas Party Food Appetizers or Holiday Party Appetizers, these little beauties check every box. Want to impress your guests at your next Christmas Dinner Appetizers spread? Done. Need easy Holiday Appetizers Easy enough for your last-minute Xmas Appetizers lineup? Yup, these fit the bill.

Seriously, have you ever tried making a Christmas Charcuterie Board only to realize you forgot to add something warm? These tartlets swoop in like a festive superhero, delivering gooey brie, tangy cranberries, and aromatic thyme in one bite. FYI, I tested these at my annual get-together, and they vanished faster than Santa down the chimney. Who doesn’t love Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods that double as Christmas Snacks For Party pleasers? IMHO, they’re the MVP of holiday finger food ideas for parties.

Stick around, friend, because I’m about to walk you through every step—from pastry to plate—so you can bask in the glow of your guests’ “oohs” and “ahhs,” not the oven light. Ready to make your holiday spread unforgettable? Let’s dive into the magic.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)
• 6 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• Flour, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your tartlets don’t stick—trust me, you don’t want to fish out melted cheese later. 😊
2. Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and roll it into a 12×12-inch square. The goal is even thickness, about 1/8 inch, so each tartlet bakes uniformly.
3. Using a 3-inch round cutter (or a glass), cut out 12 circles from the pastry. Gently press each circle into a mini muffin tin—this forms the base and walls of your tartlets.
4. Slice the Brie into 12 small cubes (roughly 1/2 inch each). Place one piece of Brie in the center of each pastry cup. The cheese will ooze out prettily as it bakes.
5. In a small bowl, combine cranberries, honey, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until cranberries get a nice glossy coat of sweetness and seasoning.
6. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cranberry mixture over each Brie cube. Don’t go overboard—leave room for thyme and egg wash.
7. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves evenly across the tartlets. That herbaceous pop is what takes these tartlets from “cute” to “OMG, what’s in this?”
8. Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg. This gives your tartlets a gorgeous golden brown finish—no one wants pale holiday food.
9. Bake on the middle rack for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry puffs up and the edges turn golden. Keep an eye on them; ovens vary and you don’t want charred thyme pieces.
10. Remove from the oven and let the tartlets rest in the tin for 3 minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly so you don’t lose half the filling when you pop them out.
11. Carefully transfer tartlets to a serving platter. If you’re feeling extra, garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
12. Serve warm! These tartlets shine best right out of the oven when the Brie is still melty and the pastry crisp.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these creative twists:

• Pecan & Maple Twist: Swap cranberries for chopped pecans and drizzle maple syrup instead of honey.
• Spiced Orange: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the cranberry mix, and swap lemon zest for orange zest.
• Savory Herb: Replace thyme with fresh rosemary and add a tiny dollop of fig jam under the Brie.

Serving & Tips

These tartlets pair beautifully with a charcuterie board loaded with cured meats, olives, and crusty bread—because who doesn’t love a Christmas Charcuterie Board to up the wow factor? If you need Holiday Appetizers Easy ideas, just add a bowl of mixed nuts and a cheese platter for a no-fuss spread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes to refresh that crisp. Hosting on Christmas Eve? Whip these up in the afternoon, warm them just before guests arrive, and voilà—instant crowd-pleaser at your Christmas Eve Appetizers lineup. Pro tip: serve with mulled wine or a crisp Prosecco to balance the richness.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—Cranberry Brie Tartlets with Thyme that bring holiday cheer in every bite. From first crisp to final gooey stretch, these tartlets earn their spot on your Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties list. I still remember my first attempt: I almost ate them all before the guests arrived (no regrets). So next time you need the ultimate Xmas Appetizers, give these a whirl. Your guests will be asking for the recipe—and you can totally take the credit. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I prepare these tartlets ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the tartlets a few hours before your party and keep them in the fridge, covered. Pop them in the oven 20 minutes before serving—they’ll taste fresh and flaky.

Can I freeze the tartlets?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked tartlets layered between parchment in an airtight container. When you need them, bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 20–22 minutes.

What’s a good Brie alternative?

If Brie isn’t your jam, Camembert works beautifully. It offers a similar creaminess and mild flavor but at a slightly lower price point—perfect for feeding a crowd on a budget.

How long do they last at room temperature?

Once baked, these tartlets are safe at room temperature for about 2 hours. After that, refrigerate any leftovers to keep the cheese fresh and the pastry crisp.

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