Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make treat for your next gathering? These Apricot Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts are the perfect solution! With a flaky puff pastry base, creamy goat cheese, and sweet apricot jam, these tarts are sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of tangy goat cheese, sweet apricot jam, and crunchy walnuts creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have these tarts ready to serve in no time.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a dinner party, or just looking for a tasty snack, these tarts are versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredient Notes:
Puff Pastry and Spread:
- Sheet puff pastry dough: Provides a flaky and buttery base for the tarts.
- Goat cheese, softened: Adds a creamy and tangy element to the tarts.
- 1/3 cup apricot jam (or preferred flavor jam): Provides a sweet and fruity contrast to the savory goat cheese.
Toppings: - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the tarts.
- Thyme leaves: Enhances the savory notes of the goat cheese.
- Hot honey, for drizzling: Adds a touch of sweetness and heat to the tarts.
Optional: - Egg wash (egg whisked with water): Gives the edges of the tarts a glossy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry dough and cut it into desired shapes (such as squares or circles).
- Spread a layer of softened goat cheese on each piece of pastry.
- Spoon a dollop of apricot jam on top of the goat cheese.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts and thyme leaves over the tarts.
- Brush the edges of the tarts with egg wash for a shiny finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
- Drizzle the tarts with hot honey before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience, or make your own for a homemade touch.
- Experiment with different jam flavors for a unique twist on this recipe.
- Serve the tarts warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the pastry.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Allow the goat cheese to come to room temperature before spreading it on the pastry for easier application.
- Toast the walnuts before adding them to the tarts for a richer flavor.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
These Apricot Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts pair well with a crisp green salad, a glass of chilled white wine, or a cup of hot tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store any leftover tarts, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese or brie for the goat cheese in this recipe. - Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
You can assemble the tarts up to a day in advance and bake them just before serving for the best results. - Can I freeze these tarts?
While it’s best to enjoy these tarts fresh, you can freeze them before baking. Simply assemble the tarts, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion:
These Apricot Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts are a simple yet elegant treat that is sure to impress your guests. With their delicious flavors and easy preparation, they are perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out!
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Apricot Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apricot Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The flaky puff pastry is topped with creamy goat cheese, tangy apricot jam, crunchy walnuts, and fragrant thyme, all drizzled with hot honey for a finishing touch.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry and Spread
- 1 sheet puff pastry dough
- 3–4 oz goat cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup apricot jam (or preferred flavor jam)
Toppings
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 Tbsp thyme leaves
- Hot honey, for drizzling
Optional
- Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 Tbsp water) for glossy edges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to the specified temperature according to the puff pastry package instructions.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into desired shapes.
- Assemble the tarts: Spread softened goat cheese on the puff pastry, top with apricot jam, walnuts, and thyme.
- Bake: Bake the tarts in the preheated oven until the pastry is golden and puffed.
- Drizzle with hot honey: Once done, drizzle the tarts with hot honey for a sweet finish.
Notes
- You can customize these tarts by using different types of jam or nuts for variety.
- Make sure to watch the tarts closely while baking to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg