When the holidays roll around, nothing says cozy celebration quite like a table filled with warm, flavorful bites. These Brie & Cranberry Sourdough Tartlets combine the rich creaminess of brie with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, all nestled in a buttery, golden sourdough crust. Perfect as Savory Christmas Party Snacks or Good Thanksgiving Appetizers, they bring together the best of both festive worlds—elegance and simplicity. Easy to make ahead and even easier to enjoy, these tartlets add a touch of artisan charm and seasonal flavor to your gatherings, ensuring every guest reaches for seconds.
The Joy of Sharing Savory Christmas Party Snacks
There’s something magical about Christmas evenings filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the scent of something delicious wafting from the kitchen. One year, as the snow fell softly outside, a tray of freshly baked Brie & Cranberry Sourdough Tartlets stole the spotlight at our family gathering. The crisp sourdough crust paired perfectly with creamy, melting brie, while the cranberry added that festive burst of flavor everyone loves this time of year. These little bites quickly became a staple among our Christmas Savory Recipes, offering comfort, elegance, and a hint of nostalgia with every bite. They’re the kind of Savory Christmas Party Snacks that draw people in—warming hearts as much as hands.
Thanksgiving has always been about sharing, gratitude, and plates brimming with tradition. Yet, amidst the turkey and stuffing, these tartlets have carved out their own place as Good Thanksgiving Appetizers. The balance of tangy cranberry and smooth brie celebrates the familiar flavors of the season while adding a touch of modern creativity. Drawing inspiration from beloved Thanksgiving Recipes With Cranberries, they fit seamlessly into the holiday spread—bridging old-fashioned charm with fresh flair. Whether guests enjoy them before the main feast or as a side alongside savory dishes, these Brie & Cranberry Sourdough Tartlets capture the heart of the holiday: family, flavor, and the joy of easy, heartfelt cooking.
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Brie & Cranberry Sourdough Tartlets
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 tartlets 1x
Description
These bite-sized tartlets combine a flaky sourdough crust with creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce for a festive appetizer perfect for Christmas and Thanksgiving gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Combine flour, salt, and cold butter and rub until mixture is crumbly.
2. Add sourdough starter and cold water, mixing gently until dough forms.
3. Shape dough into a disc, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut circles slightly larger than tart pans.
6. Press dough circles into tart pans and prick bases with a fork.
7. Fill each cup with a piece of brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce, then sprinkle with thyme.
8. Chill assembled tartlets for 10 minutes.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until crust is golden and filling bubbles.
10. Cool on a wire rack and garnish with rosemary sprigs, black pepper, and sea salt flakes.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: appetizer
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tartlet
Keywords: brie & cranberry sourdough tartlets, savory christmas party snacks, good thanksgiving appetizers, thanksgiving side appetizers, bread ideas for thanksgiving, thanksgiving recipes with cranberries, christmas savory recipes
Ingredients, Tools, and Prep for Perfect Tartlets
Gathering Ingredients for the Best Sourdough Tartlets
The secret to truly irresistible Brie & Cranberry Sourdough Tartlets begins with quality ingredients. Each component adds depth—flaky sourdough pastry for structure, creamy brie for richness, and tangy cranberry sauce for festive brightness. Below is an easy-to-follow table to help you organize your shopping list and prepare every element flawlessly, whether you’re planning Savory Christmas Party Snacks or exploring new Bread Ideas for Thanksgiving.
| Component | Ingredients | Purpose & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Tartlet Shell (Sourdough Crust) | 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ cup active sourdough starter (unfed or discard) ¼ cup cold butter, cubed ½ tsp salt 2–3 tbsp cold water | The sourdough starter gives the crust a subtle tang and crisp texture, adding artisanal flavor that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory fillings. Cold butter ensures flakiness. |
| Filling | 6 oz brie, rind on or off (to preference) ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped | Creamy brie melts into the tartlet, while cranberry brightens every bite. Herbs elevate the flavor profile, keeping things fresh and fragrant. |
| Garnish (Optional but Recommended) | Fresh rosemary sprigs Cracked black pepper Sea salt flakes | A simple garnish adds color and enhances presentation—perfect for entertaining guests during holiday gatherings. |
These simple components transform your tartlets into show-stopping Brie & Cranberry Sourdough Tartlets that delight guests at every holiday table. The sourdough crust, in particular, gives a nod to comfort food traditions while adding artisanal character to these Savory Christmas Party Snacks.
Kitchen Tools & Prep Tips for Smooth Holiday Cooking
To turn holiday chaos into calm creativity, gather your tools early. Having everything in reach makes a big difference when baking multiple dishes during Christmas or Thanksgiving prep.
- Essential Tools: Muffin or mini tartlet pan, rolling pin, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, whisk or fork, small knife, and a cooling rack.
Prep Tips:
- Plan ahead: Mix your sourdough dough a few hours or the night before to give flavors time to develop.
- Use leftovers wisely: A wonderful Bread Idea for Thanksgiving, this recipe makes perfect use of sourdough starter discard.
- Make the filling easy: Prepare cranberry sauce in advance and refrigerate until needed.
- Chill to win: Cold butter and dough mean ultra-flaky crusts.
- Serve fresh but flexible: Bake ahead and reheat briefly before serving.
Step-By-Step Recipe – Making Brie & Cranberry Sourdough Tartlets
Crafting the Sourdough Crust and Preparing the Filling
The beauty of these Brie & Cranberry Sourdough Tartlets lies in their simple process and foolproof results. With minimal steps, you’ll create a batch of elegant, golden tartlets worthy of any festive table. Follow these directions for success—whether you’re preparing Thanksgiving Side Appetizers or adding to Christmas Savory Recipes.
- Mix the Sourdough Dough: Combine flour, salt, and cold butter. Rub until crumbly, then add sourdough starter and water until the dough comes together without overmixing.
- Rest the Dough: Wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and deepen flavor.
- Roll and Shape the Tartlet Shells: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough ⅛-inch thick, cut circles, and press into a tart or muffin pan. Prick bases with a fork.
- Prepare the Filling: Cut brie into cubes, and stir cranberry sauce until smooth. Let it cool before using if homemade.
- Assemble the Tartlets: Add a cube of brie, a teaspoon of cranberry, and a sprinkle of herbs to each crust.
- Final Chill (Optional): Chill filled tartlets 10–15 minutes before baking for extra flakiness.
Baking, Serving, and Flavor Pairings
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles. Cool slightly on a wire rack to set.
- Serve with Style: Garnish with rosemary or pepper and serve warm. These Good Thanksgiving Appetizers shine as pre-feast bites or among Thanksgiving Side Appetizers.
- Pair for Perfect Flavor Balance: Pair with sparkling wine, cider, or mulled punch for an ideal match. Serve with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to complete the meal.
- Enjoy and Share: Bring them along to parties or serve at home. Each tartlet is a bite-sized piece of warmth and craftsmanship—the perfect holiday touch.
FAQ
Can I make Brie & Cranberry Sourdough Tartlets ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the tartlets a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Or bake early and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
What type of sourdough starter works best for the crust?
Either active starter for a tangy, light crust or discard for a milder flavor. Both produce delicious Brie & Cranberry Sourdough Tartlets that work well as Savory Christmas Party Snacks.
Can I substitute cranberry sauce with other fruits?
Definitely. Try fig jam, raspberry preserves, or spiced apple chutney for flavor variety that fits both Christmas Savory Recipes and Thanksgiving Recipes With Cranberries themes.
How do I keep the tartlets crisp after baking?
Cool on a wire rack and avoid covering immediately to prevent steam buildup. Reheat briefly before serving for renewed crispness.
Are these suitable for freezing?
Yes. Freeze in a single layer, then store airtight. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes for excellent texture and flavor retention.
Conclusion
Festive entertaining is all about flavors that feel both special and familiar, and Brie & Cranberry Sourdough Tartlets capture that spirit beautifully. The mix of buttery sourdough, creamy brie, and bright cranberry is the essence of comfort and celebration.
Whether you serve them as Savory Christmas Party Snacks or Good Thanksgiving Appetizers, they bring effortless elegance to any event. With make-ahead flexibility and easy pairing options, they’re the host’s secret to stress-free, heartwarming gatherings.
Include these handcrafted tartlets in your next holiday menu—they’re not just appetizers, but bites of joy, warmth, and holiday spirit shared with everyone at the table.
