Cranberry Brie Tartlets with Thyme – Irresistible Christmas Appetizers to Wow Your Guests!

Ever wondered why tiny bites make the best Christmas Appetizers? I sure did, until I discovered these Cranberry Brie Tartlets with Thyme. They pack a festive punch—sweet, savory, and oh-so-charming. Whether you’re hunting down the ultimate Christmas Party Food Appetizers or brainstorming Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties, these tartlets steal the show every single time. FYI, I tested this recipe at three different holiday gatherings last year, and nobody could stop raving about them! 🙂

I first whipped these up on a snowy Christmas Eve, juggling kids and carols, and somehow, they turned out perfect (no small feat, trust me!). The flaky puff pastry, gooey Brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and earthy thyme blend into a magical bite that screams “holiday cheer.” Plus, they look gorgeous on a platter—you’ll score major presentation points without breaking a sweat. If you’ve been on the lookout for Easy Holiday Appetizers or Puff Pastry Christmas Appetizers that are both elegant and quick, this is it.

These Cranberry Brie Tartlets Recipe are more than finger food—they’re festive little edible gifts. Serve them warm, with a drizzle of honey if you’re feeling fancy, and watch them vanish before your eyes. Ready to impress your guests (and secretly outshine that one friend who brings store-bought cookies)? Let’s bake!

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 6 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing muffin tin
• Pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin pan lightly with butter or cooking spray. You’ll want that golden crust to slide out effortlessly.
2. Prepare the pastry. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 2-inch squares (or circles if you prefer round tartlets). Place each square into a mini muffin tin cavity, gently pressing it down to form a little cup.
3. Add the filling. Place one cube of Brie into each pastry cup, then spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top. Sprinkle each with a few thyme leaves for that earthy, festive aroma.
4. Brush with egg wash. Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg. This step gives your tartlets that irresistible golden shine.
5. Bake for 15–18 minutes until the pastry puffs up and turns golden brown. The Brie will be perfectly melted, and the cranberry sauce will bubble slightly—pure perfection!
6. Cool slightly and serve. Let them rest for 2–3 minutes before removing from the pan. Drizzle lightly with honey, sprinkle extra thyme if desired, and serve warm.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few ways to switch things up:

• Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups: Use crispy phyllo shells instead of puff pastry for extra crunch and a lighter texture. Perfect for Mini Christmas Appetizers.
• Walnut Crunch: Add chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top of each tartlet before baking for extra texture and a nutty kick.
• Rosemary Swap: Replace thyme with rosemary for a more robust, piney aroma—ideal for Holiday Party Appetizers that match the scent of your Christmas tree.
• Spicy Twist: Add a touch of chili jam under the Brie for a sweet-spicy version. Great for guests who like a little kick!

Serving & Tips

These Cranberry Brie Bites shine best when served warm, but they’re also fantastic at room temperature—making them the perfect Make Ahead Christmas Appetizers. Arrange them on a wooden board with sprigs of thyme and rosemary for that rustic, Instagram-worthy holiday look.

• Pairing Tip: Serve alongside mulled wine, sparkling cider, or even champagne for a truly elegant spread.
• Storage: Store leftovers (if any!) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5–6 minutes before serving.
• Serving Suggestion: Add these to your Christmas Charcuterie Board Ideas lineup—nestled between cheese, crackers, and fruit, they elevate your platter instantly.

Want to make your guests swoon? Try serving these Cranberry Brie Pastry Cups in little paper liners with gold toothpicks. Aesthetics matter, especially when you’re showing off your Festive Party Appetizers on Instagram. 😉

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Brie Tartlets with Thyme are proof that impressive doesn’t have to mean complicated. Every bite delivers a delightful mix of textures—flaky, gooey, tangy, and aromatic. It’s basically Christmas in a mouthful! Whether you’re hosting a dinner, bringing a dish to a potluck, or planning your Xmas Appetizers menu, this recipe will earn you compliments all night long.

I still remember the first time I pulled a tray of these out of the oven. The kitchen smelled like butter, thyme, and holiday magic. Guests hovered like moths to a flame, and by the time I grabbed my camera for a photo—poof—they were gone. Lesson learned: make a double batch. 😉

So next time you’re scrolling Pinterest for Quick Holiday Appetizers or Elegant Christmas Appetizers, stop right there and bookmark this one. You’ll thank yourself when everyone’s asking, “Who made these little miracles?”

FAQs

Can I make Cranberry Brie Tartlets ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them a day ahead—assemble everything, cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake them fresh right before serving for that perfect puff and gooey cheese texture.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of store-bought?

Yes, and it’s even better! Homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresher flavor. Just make sure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t run all over the pastry.

What type of Brie works best for these tartlets?

Use a creamy, mild Brie (rind on or off—it’s your call). A triple-cream Brie melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the tart cranberry sauce.

Can I freeze these Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites?

Definitely. Bake them first, let them cool, and then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. They’ll taste freshly made—no one will know the difference!

Any ideas to make them look extra festive?

Top each tartlet with a tiny thyme sprig or a sugared cranberry for that elegant holiday touch. It’s all about those little details that make your Christmas Dinner Appetizers pop!