Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets: A Must-Have Holiday Appetizer That Steals the Spotlight

The holiday season is full of traditions, and for me, it always starts in the kitchen. One of the first appetizers I ever made for a Friendsgiving was a batch of these savory cranberry and brie tartlets—a recipe I scribbled on a notepad after seeing something similar at a local market. They had buttery, flaky pastry shells, melted brie, and a tart cranberry topping that sparkled like ruby jam under the kitchen lights. That night, they vanished in minutes. I didn’t even get a second one.

Ever since, these tartlets have become a staple. Whether it’s a full holiday spread or a casual cocktail night, savory cranberry and brie tartlets never fail to impress without the fuss. And the best part? You can prep most of it ahead. This article walks you through their story, simple steps to make them, creative tweaks, and of course, how to serve them like a pro.

The Story Behind Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets

A Holiday Tradition Worth Keeping

Savory cranberry and brie tartlets first made their debut in my kitchen when I was experimenting with cheese boards and bite-sized appetizers for Thanksgiving. They were an instant hit—beautiful, rich, and unexpectedly easy to throw together. I knew I had found my go-to recipe.

Now, they stand proudly beside other holiday hits like the cranberry pecan goat cheese ball or mini bacon ranch cheeseballs. There’s something deeply satisfying about buttery pastry, warm gooey brie, and a tangy cranberry pop. It’s that contrast that hooks you from the first bite.

Why It’s Everyone’s Favorite Bite

What makes savory cranberry and brie tartlets so unforgettable is how they balance complexity with simplicity. There’s creamy richness from the brie, a bright zing from cranberry sauce, and a flaky crunch from golden pastry. You get all that magic in a two-bite tartlet.

Best of all, they’re flexible. Whether you’re making them for a fancy gathering or a casual family night, they rise to the occasion. They’re just as welcome next to a pear brie salad skewer as they are beside a Christmas antipasto wreath.

Simple Yet Sensational: How to Make Them

Just a Handful of Ingredients

You only need a few ingredients to get started with savory cranberry and brie tartlets—puff pastry, brie cheese, cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade), and some optional rosemary or chopped nuts for garnish. I prefer puff pastry over phyllo for its flaky bite and buttery finish.

I like to keep a stash of puff pastry in my freezer just for this reason. The combination of sweet and savory makes them the perfect bite-size upgrade to your goat cheese fig jam appetizers.

Step-by-Step, Easy as Pie

Start by cutting your puff pastry into squares and placing them in mini muffin tins. Add a chunk of brie in each, top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and bake until golden and bubbly. They’re ready in just 15 minutes and smell divine while baking.

Serve warm for best flavor. I usually add a sprinkle of chopped rosemary or candied pecans right before serving, especially if I’m pairing them with cheesy pull-apart bread on the same board.

Variations Worth Trying

Spice It Up or Sweeten the Deal

The beauty of savory cranberry and brie tartlets is how customizable they are. Swap cranberry with fig jam or pepper jelly for a spicy twist. Add walnuts or pistachios for texture. Want to take it even further? Add a dash of hot honey or a smear of balsamic glaze post-bake.

They’re fantastic paired with holiday mains like cranberry meatballs or served alongside crowd-pleasers like corn dip.

Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly

You can assemble your tartlets ahead of time, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving. They also freeze well. I like to make double batches and store them unbaked, ready to pop into the oven whenever surprise guests drop by.

It’s a helpful trick that also works great with sweet cherry crumble bars for dessert or Strawberry Santas for kid-friendly cheer.

How to Serve Them Like a Pro

On the Board or as the Star

You can serve savory cranberry and brie tartlets as part of a larger appetizer spread or let them steal the show on their own. I love arranging them on a rustic wooden tray surrounded by rosemary sprigs and dried oranges. It’s an instant centerpiece.

Pair with a light red like Pinot Noir or even a chilled rosé. And if you’re mixing appetizers, they balance beautifully with a buffalo chicken dip or salted caramel apple bars.

Great for Gifting or Potlucks

These tartlets aren’t just for your table. Pack them in festive boxes and give them as edible gifts. They reheat easily in the oven and taste just as amazing after transport. Perfect for potlucks, office parties, or even teacher appreciation baskets.

Bonus: tuck them between some chex mix and Christmas deviled eggs in your holiday spread for maximum wow.

Serving Up the Final Words

Savory cranberry and brie tartlets are the kind of recipe you keep on repeat. They’re beautiful, bite-sized, and bring that unbeatable combo of sweet, savory, and flaky. Whether you’re serving two or twenty, they fit every table and season.

From holiday gatherings to casual wine nights, these tartlets are always a welcome guest—right next to a tray of cheesy ranch chex mix or spinach dip breadsticks.

Bake a batch this weekend—you’ll be hooked.

FAQs About Savory Cranberry and Brie Tartlets