Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

If you’re looking for a delightful and elegant appetizer to impress your friends and family, these Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are just the ticket! Imagine biting into a flaky, golden crust filled with creamy goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and savory caramelized onions. This recipe is close to my heart because it combines simple ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want to elevate your next dinner party, these tarts are perfect for any occasion!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can whip these up for a busy weeknight snack or serve them at a fancy soirée. Plus, they are so easy to prepare that you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have these delicious tarts ready in no time.
• Impressive Flavor: The combination of tangy goat cheese and sweet fig jam creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling in advance, making it easy to throw together when it’s time to bake.
• Perfect for Sharing: These bite-sized treats are ideal for parties or gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy them with ease.
• Customizable: Feel free to play around with the ingredients based on what you have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully. Here’s what you need for your Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts:

• ½ batch rough puff pastry or classic puff pastry (or store-bought, see notes)
• All-purpose flour (for work surface)
• Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 teaspoon of water or cream)
• 1 cup fig jam
• ½ cup prepared caramelized onions, rough chopped
• 4 ounces goat cheese
• 6-10 sprigs of fresh thyme

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Swap the cheese: Use feta or ricotta if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
• Add some spice: Mix in some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
• Try different jams: Substitute fig jam with apricot or blackberry jam for a twist on flavor.
• Incorporate veggies: Add spinach or roasted red peppers to the filling for added color and nutrition.

How to Make Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Start by preparing your rough puff pastry or defrosting store-bought pastry. If you make your own, remember you’ll only need half of it for this recipe! This keeps things simple while ensuring freshness.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400ºF and place an oven rack in the middle. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier!

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out your puff pastry until it’s about ⅛-inch thick. This thickness is important because it allows the pastry to rise beautifully while baking.

Step 4: Cut Out Circles

Using a circle cutter, stamp out at least 16 circles from your rolled pastry. Be sure to place them close together to avoid wasting any dough. Saving those scraps? Absolutely!

Step 5: Dock the Pastry

Docking is key! Make an indentation in each circle without pressing all the way through—this helps keep their shape as they bake.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tarts

Place each cut pastry on your prepared baking sheet and brush lightly with egg wash. A heaping teaspoon of caramelized onions goes into each center—this savory layer adds depth to our tarts.

Step 7: Chill While Preparing Other Ingredients

While those pastries chill in the fridge or freezer, chop up your goat cheese into bite-sized pieces. Keeping them cold ensures they hold their shape during baking.

Step 8: Bake the Pastries

Bake your puff pastry rounds for about 12 minutes until puffy but not golden yet. This ensures they’re perfectly airy when filled.

Step 9: Fill with Jam and Cheese

Once they’re slightly puffed, quickly push down any puffed areas in the center before piping in that luscious fig jam followed by your chunks of goat cheese.

Step 10: Final Bake

Return them to the oven for another 5-8 minutes until golden brown. Watching them rise is like witnessing magic unfold!

Step 11: Cool and Garnish

Let your tarts cool slightly before transferring them onto a cooling rack. Pick those fresh thyme leaves and sprinkle them over—so beautiful!

Step 12: Serve Up!

These tarts are best served warm or at room temperature—perfect little bites of joy ready for sharing! Enjoy every single one!

Pro Tips for Making Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

These tarts are a delightful treat, and with a few handy tips, you’ll impress your guests even more!

• Chill the Dough: Keeping your puff pastry cold will ensure it puffs up beautifully in the oven, creating that light and flaky texture we all love.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh thyme and high-quality goat cheese elevate the flavors significantly. Their freshness brings a vibrant taste that complements the sweetness of the figs perfectly.

• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pile on the filling, keep it to about 2 teaspoons. This helps maintain the structure of your tarts and allows them to bake evenly.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix in some caramelized garlic or add a splash of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor that enhances the overall experience.

• Serve Warm: These tarts are at their best when served warm. The gooey goat cheese and sweet fig jam create a wonderful combination that’s simply irresistible right out of the oven!

How to Serve Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Presenting these tarts beautifully can turn them into the star of your appetizer spread! Here are some ideas to make them shine.

Garnishes

• Fresh Thyme Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds a pop of color and enhances the herbal notes in the dish.
• Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey over each tart enhances sweetness and adds a touch of elegance.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the figs.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the tarts.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots add warmth and heartiness to your meal, complementing the tarts beautifully.
• Cheese Platter: Pair these tarts with an assortment of cheeses such as brie or blue cheese for an elevated grazing experience.
• Olive Tapenade: A zesty olive tapenade provides a savory counterpoint that pairs wonderfully with both the sweet and savory elements of the tarts.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts will be not only delicious but also visually stunning! Enjoy creating memorable moments around your table as you share this delightful appetizer with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep. You can make them ahead of time, ensuring that your gatherings are stress-free and enjoyable.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the tarts to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Assemble the tarts but do not bake them.
• Place unbaked tarts on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 375ºF.
• Bake frozen tarts directly from the freezer for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and golden brown.
• For refrigerated tarts, reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts.

Can I use different types of cheese in Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts?

Yes! While goat cheese provides a creamy tanginess, you can substitute with other soft cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.

How long do Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts last?

When stored properly, these tarts will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If frozen, they can be kept for up to 2 months before baking.

What should I serve with Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts?

These tarts make a fantastic appetizer on their own but pair wonderfully with a light salad or a charcuterie board filled with fruits, nuts, and crackers.

Can I make Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead by assembling the tarts and freezing them unbaked. Just pop them into the oven when you’re ready to serve!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts as much as I do! They’re not just an appetizer; they’re little bites of happiness that bring friends and family together. Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a festive celebration, these tarts will surely impress your guests. Enjoy making them, and don’t forget to share the love!