This Apple Butter and Melted Brie Tart is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors. A deliciously flaky puff pastry base is topped with apple butter, creamy brie, fresh apples, crispy bacon, and thyme, making it a stunning appetizer for holiday feasts or intimate gatherings. The tart is easy to make and packs a flavorful punch, making it an impressive addition to your meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Tart:

• 1 (14 oz) sheet puff pastry, thawed

• 1 cup apple butter (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/2 lb wedge of brie, halved crosswise and sliced

• 2 small apples, cored and thinly sliced

• Olive oil, for drizzling

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp fresh thyme

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 6 oz bacon, diced

• Honey, for drizzling

• Flaky sea salt, for garnish

For the Homemade Apple Butter (optional):

• 4 lbs honeycrisp apples, cored and cut into ¾” chunks

• 2 cups apple cider

• 2 cups water

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 ½ cups brown sugar

Directions

For the Tart:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unfold the puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out slightly. Transfer it to the sheet pan.

3. Assemble the Tart: Spread the apple butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Layer the brie and apple slices on top. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with fresh thyme.

4. Fold the Edges: Fold the edges of the dough over the apples and pinch the corners together. Brush the edges with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

5. Bake the Tart: Bake for 30 minutes or until the tart is golden and cooked through.

6. Cook the Bacon: While the tart bakes, cook the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Reduce heat and cook until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel to drain.

7. Finish the Tart: After the tart bakes, let it sit for a few minutes. Transfer it to a cutting board, then slice into 12 pieces. Garnish with crispy bacon, a drizzle of honey, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.

For Homemade Apple Butter:

1. Cook the Apples: Add the apples, apple cider, water, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon sticks to a large Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Blend the Mixture: Remove the cinnamon sticks, blend the apple mixture until smooth, then return it to the pot. Continue cooking for another hour over medium-low heat until the mixture thickens.

3. Cool and Store: Allow the apple butter to cool before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 months.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 230 kcal

• Fat: 14 g

  • Saturated Fat: 6 g

• Carbohydrates: 22 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

  • Sugars: 13 g

• Protein: 6 g

• Sodium: 370 mg

This tart is a delightful mix of sweet apple butter, creamy brie, and savory bacon, perfect for any festive occasion!

A Perfect Balance of Flavors

The beauty of this tart lies in the balance of sweet, savory, and creamy elements that work together to create an unforgettable flavor profile. The apple butter serves as the base, offering a smooth, sweet, and slightly spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy brie. The thinly sliced apples provide a crisp, refreshing texture that contrasts with the softness of the brie and the sweetness of the apple butter. Fresh thyme adds a touch of earthy aroma, while crispy bacon introduces a salty, crunchy element that ties the whole dish together.

Drizzling honey over the finished tart adds a final layer of sweetness, while the flaky sea salt garnish brings a burst of savory flavor to balance the sweetness of the apples and honey. The result is a tart that offers a perfect mix of textures and flavors—crispy, creamy, savory, and sweet—all in one bite.

The Puff Pastry: A Light and Flaky Base

Puff pastry is the ideal base for this tart because it is light, flaky, and buttery, providing a crisp contrast to the soft, creamy toppings. The layers of the puff pastry expand during baking, creating a beautiful golden crust that is crisp and tender at the same time. The pastry also acts as a perfect vessel for the apple butter and other toppings, ensuring that each bite has a satisfying crunch and a flavorful filling.

Layering the Tart: Building Flavor

1. Preparing the Puff Pastry: Begin by rolling out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Once you have the right shape, transfer it to a parchment-lined sheet pan to ensure it doesn’t stick. The pastry should be rolled out just slightly to fit the pan and to create a nice, even border for folding.

2. Spreading the Apple Butter: Spread the apple butter evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. The apple butter adds a rich, smooth sweetness that will infuse the tart with flavor.

3. Layering Brie and Apple Slices: Next, layer the brie slices and fresh apple slices on top of the apple butter. The brie will melt beautifully while baking, creating a creamy, decadent texture, while the apples will soften slightly, adding a subtle sweetness and crunch.

4. Seasoning and Folding: Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the apples and brie to enhance the flavor, and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle fresh thyme over the tart for a fragrant herbal note. Then, fold the edges of the puff pastry over the apples and brie, creating a rustic, slightly crimped look. Brush the edges with a beaten egg to give the crust a golden finish.

Baking the Tart: Golden and Crispy

Bake the tart at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted, and the apples should be tender, yet still holding their shape. Baking the tart at a high temperature ensures a crispy, golden crust while allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. The combination of the apple butter and melted brie creates a luscious, creamy filling that’s balanced by the crispy pastry.

Finishing Touches: Bacon and Garnishes

While the tart bakes, cook the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Once crispy, drain it on paper towels to remove excess fat. Once the tart is out of the oven and slightly cooled, garnish it with the crispy bacon, a drizzle of honey, and a pinch of flaky sea salt for added flavor. The crispy bacon adds a savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the apple butter and apples, while the honey brings an extra layer of sweetness. The flaky sea salt adds the perfect finishing touch, making each bite even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Butter and Melted Brie Tart can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion:

• As an Appetizer: Serve the tart as an appetizer at holiday feasts or dinner parties. Its unique combination of flavors will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

• As a Side Dish: Pair it with a light salad or a main dish like roasted chicken or pork for a complete meal. The rich, savory flavors of the tart complement the richness of meats and add an elegant touch to the meal.

• As a Snack: If you’re craving something savory and sweet, this tart makes a fantastic snack. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or a glass of wine for a delightful treat.

Homemade Apple Butter (Optional)

If you want to take the flavors of this tart to the next level, you can make your own apple butter. Homemade apple butter adds an extra layer of richness and depth to the tart, but store-bought apple butter works just as well for convenience.

To make homemade apple butter, cook down chunks of honeycrisp apples with apple cider, water, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon sticks, and brown sugar. After cooking and blending the mixture, you’ll have a smooth, spreadable apple butter that’s perfect for this tart.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Apple Butter and Melted Brie Tart (approximately one slice) contains around 230 calories, with 14 grams of fat, including 6 grams of saturated fat. It provides 22 grams of carbohydrates, with 2 grams of fiber, and 13 grams of sugar. The tart also offers 6 grams of protein per serving, making it a satisfying and delicious addition to your meal. While it’s a rich and indulgent treat, it’s packed with flavor and perfect for special occasions.

Conclusion

Apple Butter and Melted Brie Tart is a beautifully balanced dish that combines the sweetness of apple butter, the richness of brie, the crispness of apples, and the savory crunch of bacon. The flaky puff pastry adds a delicious contrast, making each bite an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re preparing it as a starter, a side dish, or a snack, this tart will impress your guests and leave them craving more. With its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and cheesy elements, this tart is sure to become a favorite at your next gathering.