There’s something truly irresistible about the way creamy Brie melts into the sweetness of ripe pears, especially when tucked into delicate, flaky tartlets. I first whipped up these Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets on a whim for a cozy weekend gathering, and they quickly stole the spotlight—everyone loved how the buttery crust perfectly framed the rich cheese and juicy fruit. What makes these tartlets so special is how effortlessly elegant they feel despite being surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re planning a holiday appetizer or just want to treat yourself to a homemade snack that feels fancy but takes no time, this recipe is a game-changer. Let me walk you through how to bring this charming combination to life in your own kitchen—you might just find your new favorite bite!
Why choose Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets?
Delightful Flavor Fusion: Creamy Brie meets sweet, juicy pears for a taste sensation. Effortless Elegance: These tartlets look fancy but come together quickly with simple steps. Flaky, Buttery Crust: Each bite offers a perfect textural contrast that melts in your mouth. Versatile for Any Occasion: Ideal for holiday parties, casual gatherings, or a special solo treat. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Guests will rave over this sophisticated yet approachable appetizer that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets Ingredients
For the Tart Shells
- All-purpose flour – Choose a soft flour for a tender, flaky crust every time.
- Cold unsalted butter – Chilled and cubed to create those coveted flaky layers.
- Ice water – Adds moisture without warming the butter, keeping crust crisp.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the filling.
For the Filling
- Brie cheese – Use a creamy, soft Brie that melts beautifully in these Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets.
- Ripe pears – Choose firm yet juicy varieties like Bartlett or Anjou for the perfect balance of sweet and tender.
- Honey – Drizzle lightly to add a natural sweetness that complements both cheese and fruit.
- Fresh thyme leaves – A sprinkle brings a subtle herbal note that elevates the flavor complexity.
For Garnish (optional)
- Chopped toasted walnuts – Add a satisfying crunch and nutty richness.
- Fresh arugula – For a peppery bite that contrasts the tartlets’ creaminess.
How to Make Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets
- Combine flour and butter: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and salt, then add chilled butter cubes and toss with a pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form.
- Add ice water and mix: Drizzle 2–3 tablespoons ice water over the flour-butter mixture, stirring gently until dough clumps together without becoming sticky.
- Chill dough: Gather dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill at least 30 minutes so the butter firms up for extra flakiness.
- Roll and cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness, then use a 3-inch cutter to create nine neat tart shells.
Assembly & Baking:
- Preheat oven: Heat to 375°F with a rack in the center, ensuring even heat for a golden crust and melty cheese.
- Fill shells: Place a small Brie slice in each shell, then top with a thin pear slice fanned out for vibrant color and tender texture.
- Drizzle honey and thyme: Lightly coat each tart with honey and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves for a bright, herbal note.
- Bake until golden: Arrange tartlets on a parchment-lined sheet and bake 18–20 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Cool slightly: Let tartlets rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, allowing the filling to set while keeping that melty center.
Optional: Garnish with chopped toasted walnuts for a nutty crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets are a fantastic choice for meal prep, making your entertaining or weeknight dinners a breeze! You can prepare the tart shells up to 3 days in advance; simply roll out the dough and cut into shapes, then refrigerate them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. If you’d like, you can also slice the Brie and pears ahead of time—just remember to keep the pear slices in a bit of lemon water to prevent browning. When you’re ready to serve, fill the shells with the cheese and pears, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with thyme before baking them fresh for about 18-20 minutes. This way, your guests will enjoy warm, just-baked tartlets that taste just as delightful as if they were made right before serving!
What to Serve with Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets?
Transform your delightful Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets into a full sensory feast with these enticing pairings.
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Mixed Greens Salad: Fresh greens add a crunchy texture and bright flavor, perfect for balancing the creamy tartlets. A light vinaigrette brings it all together beautifully.
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Honey Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots with a sweet glaze mirror the honey in your tartlets, creating harmony in your meal. The vibrant color also adds an appealing visual contrast.
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Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: Earthy beets and tangy goat cheese complement the sweet pears while elevating the overall taste profile with a touch of richness. The colors make for an eye-catching presentation too!
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Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp, refreshing white wine pairs perfectly with the delicate flavors of Brie and pear, enhancing your tasting experience. It’s a delightful choice for your gatherings.
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Herbed Cream Cheese Spread: Create a simple spread with cream cheese and fresh herbs for a light appetizer that enhances the tartlets’ flavors. Serve it with crispy crackers for added crunch.
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Chocolate Fondue: End the evening on a decadent note with a rich chocolate fondue. The luscious chocolate dip makes for a delightful contrast to the savory tartlets—a perfect finish to the meal!
Indulge in these pairings and elevate your tasting journey with every bite!
Storage Tips for Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets
- Room Temperature: Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets can be left out for up to 2 hours during gatherings. After that, they should be refrigerated to maintain freshness.
- Fridge: Store leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the crust from becoming soggy and preserves the flavors.
- Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual tartlets tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months before losing quality.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat frozen tartlets directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Enjoy your delicious Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets!
Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by personalizing these delightful tartlets to match your taste and dietary needs!
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make the crust tender and just as flaky.
- Nut-Free: Omit walnuts and replace them with pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch without the nuts.
- Fruity Twist: Experiment with different fruits like apples or figs for a unique spin on flavor and sweetness!
- Sweet Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the honey for a delightful spicy kick.
- Savory Spin: Incorporate caramelized onions into the filling for an extra layer of richness and flavor complexity.
- Herb-infused: Try rosemary or sage in place of thyme to bring a fragrant, earthy note that complements the tartlets well.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious treat.
- Savory Cheese Options: Swap Brie for goat cheese or blue cheese for a bold, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet pears.
Your kitchen is your canvas—play around and make these Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets uniquely yours!
Expert Tips for Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets
- Use Cold Ingredients: Keep butter and ice water chilled to ensure a flaky, tender crust that perfectly complements the creamy Brie filling.
- Don’t Overwork Dough: Mix just until combined; over-kneading warms the butter and toughens the crust. Light hands make all the difference!
- Slice Pears Thinly: Thin, even slices cook evenly, soften nicely, and blend beautifully with melted Brie without overpowering it.
- Watch Baking Time: Bake until crust is golden and cheese bubbles to avoid soggy bottoms or overcooked filling in these Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets.
- Chill Dough Properly: Don’t skip the chilling step; it firms the butter, helps dough relax, and keeps tartlets crisp after baking.
Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best pears for Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets?
Choose firm yet ripe pears like Bartlett or Anjou. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but have no dark spots all over. This ripeness ensures your tartlets are juicy without being mushy, giving the perfect sweet balance to the creamy Brie.
What’s the best way to store leftover Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This prevents the crust from getting soggy and keeps the flavors fresh. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently in the oven to bring back the flaky texture.
Can Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets be frozen? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each tartlet tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through and crisp.
My crust sometimes turns out tough—what might I be doing wrong?
This often happens if the butter is warm or the dough is overworked. Always use cold butter and ice water, and mix just until the dough comes together. Chill the dough before rolling to help keep the crust tender and flaky, just like I do when making these tartlets.
Are Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets safe for pets or people with allergies?
While delicious for us, these tartlets contain Brie cheese (dairy) and nuts if garnished, which can be harmful to pets like dogs and cats. Also note, if you or your guests have dairy or nut allergies, consider skipping the cheese and walnut garnish or using suitable alternatives. I recommend always checking ingredient labels and allergen info for safety.
Irresistible Mini Brie and Pear Tartlets You’ll Crave Instantly
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and salt, then add chilled butter cubes and toss with a pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form.
- Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons ice water over the flour-butter mixture, stirring gently until dough clumps together without becoming sticky.
- Gather dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill at least 30 minutes so the butter firms up for extra flakiness.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness, then use a 3-inch cutter to create nine neat tart shells.
- Preheat oven to 375°F with a rack in the center.
- Place a small Brie slice in each shell, then top with a thin pear slice fanned out for vibrant color.
- Lightly coat each tart with honey and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves.
- Arrange tartlets on a parchment-lined sheet and bake 18-20 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Let tartlets rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, allowing the filling to set while keeping that melty center.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped toasted walnuts.
