Mini Bacon, Cranberry and Cheese Tartlets Recipe

Savory Bacon Cranberry Cheese Tartlets

Savory Bacon Cranberry Cheese Tartlets are an irresistible, gluten-free, low-carb appetizer. These bite-sized tartlets combine a buttery almond crust with salty bacon, tart dried cranberries, and melted Semi-Cured Mahon Menorca cheese, finished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme.

They are easy to prepare and always popular with family and holiday guests. This recipe is sponsored by Mahon Menorca Cheese.

These tartlets use a simple, tender almond flour crust and a savory filling of crisp bacon, sweet-tart dried cranberries, and cubes of Semi-Cured Mahon Menorca Cheese that melt into a rich, nutty center. Fresh thyme lifts the flavors and adds a bright herbal note.

I’m a big cheese lover, and Mahon Menorca quickly became a favorite. It has a unique character that stands up well in cooked dishes and pairs beautifully with bacon and fruit. If you enjoy low-carb and keto-friendly appetizers, these tartlets make a great addition to any party menu.

The History of Mahon Menorca Cheese

Mahon Menorca Cheese is a Protected Geographical Product (P.G.O.), produced on the island of Menorca in the Balearic archipelago of Spain. The island’s climate, pastures, traditional production methods, and aging practices all contribute to the cheese’s aroma and distinctive flavor. Cheesemaking on Menorca dates back many centuries, and many traditional techniques are still used today.

Mahon Menorca cheeses are typically freshly pressed with rounded edges and a parallelepiped shape. They are made from fresh cow’s milk and range from mild and creamy to robust and aged.

Mahon Menorca Cheese is available in three main varieties:

1. Tender: A soft, pale cheese with little crust. Creamy and milky with a buttery flavor and a slight tang. Aged 21–60 days.
2. Semi-Cured: Firm yet easy to cut, ivory in color with an orange rind. Milky and nutty with more developed flavor. Aged 2–5 months.
3. Cured: Firm, mature cheese with a complex, intense flavor and aroma, showing aged notes like old wood or leather. Aged more than five months.

Mahon Menorca is now distributed in the United States and found in many national and specialty stores. Its versatility makes it excellent for cooking, cheese boards, and baked appetizers like these tartlets.

Savory Bacon Cranberry Cheese Tartlets Recipe

Ingredients

Tart Crust:

• 2 cups blanched almond flour, finely ground
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Filling:

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 6 ounces Semi-Cured Mahon Menorca Cheese (or Gouda/ Havarti), cubed
• 1/2 cup unsweetened or sugar-free dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin pan.
2. Mix the crust ingredients—almond flour, egg, melted butter, and sea salt—in a bowl until a dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and press each into the prepared muffin cups.
4. Using a small glass or cup, press the dough into each cup and form a shallow well for the filling.
5. Bake the crusts for about 7 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven.
6. Fill each partially baked crust with chopped bacon, cheese cubes, and dried cranberries. Season with a pinch of salt, optional pepper, and sprinkle thyme on top.
7. Return to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes more, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool 8–10 minutes.
8. Run a butter knife around the edges of each tartlet to loosen from the pan, then lift out and serve warm.

Nutritional Data (per tartlet): Calories: 239; Total Carbs: 6 g; Net Carbs: 3 g; Fiber: 3 g; Fat: 20 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Protein: 9 g; Sugars: 2 g. Yield: 12 servings. These values are estimates based on the ingredients used.

Recipe Card

Recipe: Savory Bacon Cranberry Cheese Tartlets

Author: Stacey

Prep Time: 7 mins • Cook Time: 17 mins • Total Time: 24 mins

Servings: 12 • Calories: 239 kcal

Notes

Use a Semi-Cured Mahon Menorca for its nutty, buttery melt; Gouda or Havarti are good substitutes. For a lower-sugar option, choose unsweetened dried cranberries or reduce the amount. These tartlets are best served warm but can be prepared ahead and gently reheated.

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