Cranberry Brie Tarts with Bacon & Red Onion

If you’re looking to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen, these Cranberry Brie Tarts with Bacon & Red Onion are a total game-changer. Perfectly balancing savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, this easy recipe offers bite-sized pastries that are bursting with rich Brie, crispy bacon, and the subtle sweetness of caramelized red onions topped with tart cranberry sauce. Whether it’s for a holiday spread, casual get-together, or a quick indulgent snack, these tarts deliver a gourmet feel without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless elegance: These tarts look fancy but come together in under 30 minutes.
• Flavor harmony: The creamy Brie melts beautifully with smoky bacon and sweet onion.
• Perfectly portable: Bite-sized and easy to serve at any party or family gathering.
• Seasonal star: The tangy cranberry adds a festive pop, great year-round but especially at holidays.
• Customizable: Great foundation for swapping ingredients or adding your favorite twists.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Cranberry Brie Tarts with Bacon & Red Onion are straightforward yet essential in crafting the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Each element—from the buttery pastry to the savory bacon—plays an important role in creating the ultimate bite.

• Puff pastry sheets: Provides a flaky, golden crust that crisps beautifully in the oven.
• Brie cheese: Choose a creamy, ripe Brie for a luscious melt that brings richness.
• Bacon strips: Adds a smoky crunch that contrasts the soft Brie.
• Red onion: Caramelized for sweetness and depth.
• Cranberry sauce: Tart and vibrant, it balances the savory ingredients perfectly.
• Fresh thyme or rosemary: Optional herb for an aromatic touch.
• Salt and pepper: Basics to elevate all the flavors.

Variations for Cranberry Brie Tarts with Bacon & Red Onion

These Cranberry Brie Tarts with Bacon & Red Onion are incredibly versatile and easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own.

• Vegetarian version: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh for a savory depth.
• Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top before baking.
• Fruit swaps: Use fig jam or apple chutney instead of cranberry sauce for a different sweetness.
• Herb swap: Fresh sage or tarragon can complement the brie and bacon flavors beautifully.
• Spiced twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the onions for a subtle kick.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Tarts with Bacon & Red Onion

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon and Onions

Start by cooking your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. In the same pan, add thinly sliced red onions and cook slowly on low heat until they caramelize to a sweet, golden brown, about 15 minutes. This step builds a deep, rich flavor base.

Step 2: Cut and Prep the Puff Pastry

Roll out your puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut them into evenly sized squares or circles, depending on your baking sheet and preference. Each piece will form the base of your tart, so aim for bite-sized portions, usually about 3 inches across works perfectly.

Step 3: Assemble the Tarts

Place the pastry rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Start with a small slice or cube of Brie on each piece, followed by a spoonful of caramelized onions. Crumble a piece of crispy bacon on top and finish with a dollop of cranberry sauce. If using, sprinkle fresh herbs over the tarts for added flavor.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake the tarts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden, and the Brie is melting deliciously. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbrown.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool just slightly before serving. These tarts are best enjoyed warm when the Brie is gooey and every bite is packed with flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Brie Tarts with Bacon & Red Onion

• Use chilled puff pastry: Keeps the dough flaky and prevents it from becoming soggy during assembly.
• Don’t overstuff: Too much filling can make the pastry soggy or difficult to bake evenly.
• Caramelize onions slowly: Low and slow cooking brings out the natural sweetness and depth without burning.
• Drain bacon well: Removing excess grease keeps your tarts crisp and less oily.
• Prep ahead: You can prepare fillings earlier and assemble tarts just before baking for freshness.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Tarts with Bacon & Red Onion

Garnishes

Top your tarts with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or a few cracked black peppercorns to elevate the aroma and give a gorgeous finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these tarts with a simple mixed green salad drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette or a small bowl of cranberry chutney on the side for dipping to enhance the tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

Display the tarts on a wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs or a festive platter surrounded by fresh cranberries to up the wow factor for holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the pastry crisp, avoid covering the tarts with plastic wrap directly.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked assembled tarts on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the puff pastry crisp and the Brie melty without becoming rubbery.

FAQs

Can I make Cranberry Brie Tarts with Bacon & Red Onion ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the fillings and pastry separately, then assemble right before baking, or even freeze assembled tarts and bake later.

What if I don’t like onions?

You can omit the caramelized red onions or substitute with caramelized shallots or even roasted garlic for a different flavor profile.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Absolutely! Swap out the bacon for mushrooms, smoked tofu, or simply add extra herbs and spices to keep the savory kick.

Can I use cream cheese instead of Brie?

While cream cheese works, Brie’s creamy melt and slightly nutty flavor make the tarts uniquely delicious and more luxurious.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Chill the pastry before baking and avoid overloading the tarts with wet fillings. Also, precook onions and bacon thoroughly to reduce moisture.

Final Thoughts

If you want a recipe that is simple, flavorful, and promises rave reviews, these Cranberry Brie Tarts with Bacon & Red Onion are a must-try. Whether for festive occasions or a delightful everyday snack, they bring warmth, comfort, and a delicious harmony of tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give this recipe a go, and get ready to share your new favorite bite!

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