Brie and Pear Puff Pastry Tart Recipe

A Fall Favorite That’s Elegant, Easy, and Irresistible

When the crisp air of autumn arrives and golden leaves start to fall, we naturally lean into cozy, heartwarming foods. And when it comes to seasonal entertaining, nothing hits the spot like a beautifully baked Brie and Pear Puff Pastry Tart. This elegant, flaky tart is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, creamy and crisp—making it one of the most delicious and visually stunning fall appetizer ideas you’ll ever make.

This dish not only looks gourmet, but it’s also one of the most easy brie tart recipes you can prepare—thanks to store-bought puff pastry and minimal prep. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving appetizer spread, planning holiday party snack ideas, or need something simple but impressive for a fall brunch, this tart delivers.

🍂 Why This Recipe Works

This recipe brings together three flavor and texture powerhouses:

Creamy Brie: Mild, buttery, and melts like a dream.
Juicy Pears: Naturally sweet, slightly floral, and pair beautifully with cheese.
Buttery Puff Pastry: Light, flaky, and golden brown when baked.

Together, they create an irresistible tart that’s simple enough for weeknights and special enough for guests.

🧀 Ingredient Breakdown (and Expert Tips)

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this tart so special and how you can adapt them to suit your pantry or taste.

✔️ Puff Pastry (1 sheet)

Tip: Use all-butter puff pastry if available for the flakiest, richest result. Brands like Dufour offer amazing texture.
Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or on the counter for about 40 minutes before rolling out.

✔️ Brie Cheese (8 oz wheel)

Keep the rind on or remove it depending on your texture preference. The rind is edible and adds flavor, but you can slice it off for a smoother bite.
Brie melts perfectly into a luscious, gooey layer beneath the pears.

✔️ Pears (2 ripe but firm)

Best varieties: Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc. Choose pears that are ripe but not mushy—they should hold their shape when sliced and cooked.
Slice thinly and evenly for elegant layering.

✔️ Butter + Brown Sugar (for caramelization)

These two ingredients transform the pears into caramelized perfection. You could substitute honey or maple syrup for a refined sugar alternative.

✔️ Fresh Thyme

Adds a subtle earthiness that balances the sweet notes.
Optional but recommended. You could also use rosemary or sage for a festive flavor twist.

✔️ Egg Wash (1 egg)

This ensures that golden, bakery-style edge we love.
You could substitute with milk or plant-based milk for a vegetarian alternative.

✔️ Optional Enhancements

Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: Add texture and a nutty contrast.
Honey or Balsamic Glaze: A finishing drizzle adds flavor complexity and visual shine.
Sea Salt Flakes: A pinch over the top takes it to gourmet status.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step: How To Make Brie Tart with Pears

This Brie and Pear Puff Pastry Tart is easier than it looks. Let’s walk through each step in detail.

✅ Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a rectangle, about 10×12 inches.
Score a 1-inch border around the edge with a sharp knife (don’t cut all the way through). This will puff up like a frame.
Prick the inner rectangle with a fork to prevent it from puffing too much.

✅ Step 2: Caramelize the Pears

In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add thinly sliced pears and sprinkle with 1 tbsp brown sugar and fresh thyme leaves.
Sauté gently for about 4–6 minutes, until pears are slightly tender and glossy.
Remove from heat and let cool for a couple of minutes.

✅ Step 3: Assemble the Tart

Arrange the brie slices evenly within the inner rectangle of the pastry.
Top with the caramelized pears, fanning or layering for an elegant look.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and optional nuts.
Brush the outer edge of the tart with beaten egg for shine and golden color.

✅ Step 4: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
The pastry should be golden and puffed, and the cheese should be melted and bubbling.

✅ Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let the tart cool for about 5–10 minutes.
Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze, and sprinkle with more fresh thyme or chopped nuts.
Slice into squares or elegant strips and serve warm or at room temperature.

🧺 Perfect For Every Occasion

Whether you’re putting together an elegant appetizer board or simply craving a cozy seasonal treat, this tart fits the bill. Here are a few ways to showcase it:

🎉 Holiday Party Snack Ideas

Cut into small squares for cocktail party servings.
Serve alongside champagne, prosecco, or a crisp white wine.

🧺 Fall Picnic or Brunch

Pack it warm in foil and enjoy under the trees with cider or chai.
Add roasted squash soup or an apple spinach salad for a full meal.

🧊 Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips

Storing:

Wrap leftover slices in foil or place in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Best reheated in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
Avoid microwaving, which makes the pastry soggy.

Freezing:

Freeze after baking, wrapped tightly.
To reheat, bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 15–18 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

🌟 Pro Tips for the Perfect Tart

Don’t overload the tart: Too much cheese or fruit can cause sogginess.
Use ripe but firm pears: They should hold their shape during cooking.
Let it cool slightly before slicing: This helps the cheese firm up a bit for cleaner cuts.
Experiment with flavor pairings: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer spice note.

🌿 Delicious Variations

Looking to customize your tart? Here are some popular flavor twists:

➤ Apple & Brie Tart

Swap pears for thinly sliced apples. Add a pinch of cinnamon for a classic fall profile.

➤ Fig Jam & Brie Tart

Spread a thin layer of fig jam under the brie for a touch of sweetness and deep flavor.

➤ Savory Brie and Onion Tart

Add caramelized onions under the pears for a more savory profile—great with rosemary.

➤ Mini Tartlets

Cut pastry into 4×4-inch squares and assemble individual tartlets for easy serving at events.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use Camembert instead of Brie?

Yes! Camembert is very similar to brie and melts just as well. Feel free to substitute.

Q: Can I prepare the tart ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the tart and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 4 hours. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

Q: How do I make this tart vegetarian?

It already is! Just make sure your puff pastry is made without animal fats (most store-bought versions are vegetarian).

Q: Can I make it vegan?

Yes, by using plant-based puff pastry, vegan brie (or cream cheese), and caramelizing the pears in plant-based butter.

📋 Full Recipe Recap

Brie and Pear Puff Pastry Tart

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6–8 appetizer portions

Ingredients:

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
8 oz brie cheese, sliced (rind optional)
2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
1 egg, beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts, honey, or balsamic glaze

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment.
Roll puff pastry to 10×12 inches. Score a 1-inch border. Prick center.
Sauté pears in butter, sugar, and thyme for 4–6 mins. Cool slightly.
Layer brie and pears on tart. Season with salt, pepper, and nuts.
Brush border with egg wash. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
Cool slightly. Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze. Garnish and serve.

📌 Final Thoughts

This Brie and Pear Puff Pastry Tart is everything a seasonal recipe should be: flavorful, festive, and fuss-free. Whether you’re brainstorming new fall appetizer ideas or want a chic twist on holiday party snack ideas, this tart rises to the occasion—literally and figuratively.

The sweetness of pears, the richness of brie, and the crisp, golden puff pastry make this one of the best easy brie tart recipes you’ll return to again and again. It’s not just a dish—it’s a centerpiece.

So pour a glass of wine, preheat your oven, and let this tart become your go-to recipe for making fall delicious.