Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that will impress your guests, look no further! These Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are truly a delightful combination of savory and sweet. The creamy goat cheese pairs perfectly with the rich fig jam, while the flaky puff pastry adds that wonderful crunch. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or just want to treat your family on a busy weeknight, this recipe is a favorite in my home.

What I love most about these tarts is how easy they come together. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create something that looks and tastes gourmet. Plus, they make fantastic finger food for parties or holiday gatherings. Trust me; once you try them, you’ll see why they’re always the first to disappear!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal prep, you’ll have these tarts ready in no time.
• Crowd-pleaser: The combination of flavors makes them irresistible to everyone at the table.
• Make-ahead option: You can prep the pastry in advance and bake them right before serving for maximum freshness.
• Versatile: They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these delicious Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts. You likely have many of these items already in your kitchen!

For the 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! Feel free to play around with different ingredients based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

• Swap the cheese: Use feta or ricotta cheese instead of goat cheese for a different taste.
• Try different spreads: Replace fig jam with apricot preserves or honey for a sweeter twist.
• Add vegetables: Toss in some sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Season differently: Experiment with spices like rosemary or oregano instead of thyme for a unique flair.

How to Make Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Start by preparing your rough puff pastry or defrosting frozen puff pastry. If you make it yourself, remember you’ll only need half a batch for this recipe. The other half can be frozen for future use! If using store-bought pastry, simply remove it from its package and let it rest on a lightly floured surface so it doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400ºF and place an oven rack in the middle part of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking once those beautiful tarts come out of the oven.

Step 3: Roll Out the Pastry

Roll out your puff pastry on a floured surface until it’s about ⅛-inch thick. Aim for roughly a 10-by-14-inch rectangle. If using store-bought pastry, just roll it out as directed on the package instructions so it remains easy to handle.

Step 4: Cut Out Circles

Using a 2-3/4-inch circle cutter, stamp out at least 16 circles from your rolled-out pastry. Try to place your stamps closely together to minimize waste—save any scraps for another use!

Step 5: Dock the Pastry

To ensure even baking without excessive rising, dock each circle by making an indentation in the center with a smaller cutter—don’t press all the way through! Then take a fork and prick the middle gently.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tarts

Place your dough circles on the lined baking sheet with space between each one. Brush each circle lightly with egg wash. Add about a heaping teaspoon of caramelized onions into each center circle.

Step 7: Chill Before Baking

Set aside the assembled pastries in the freezer or refrigerator while you prepare the remaining ingredients. This helps keep their shape while baking!

Step 8: Prepare Goat Cheese

Cut up your goat cheese into half-inch pieces using kitchen shears or a knife—this makes it easy to place atop each tart later on.

Step 9: Fill With Fig Jam

Put your fig jam into a piping bag or zip-top bag for easy filling later on.

Step 10: Bake First Time

Remove your puff pastry rounds from chilling and bake them for about 12 minutes until they are puffed but not yet golden brown.

Step 11: Add Jam & Cheese

Work quickly now! Push down any puffs that have risen too high using either your piping bag edge or small round cookie cutter. Pipe about two teaspoons of fig jam into each tart’s center followed by placing one piece of goat cheese on top.

Step 12: Final Bake

Return those beauties back into the oven for another 5-8 minutes until they turn golden brown and look irresistible!

Step 13: Cool Down

Once done baking, let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack—this allows them to set perfectly without losing shape.

Step 14: Garnish & Serve

Finish off by picking thyme leaves from their stems and sprinkling over each tart! Now they’re ready to serve warm or at room temperature—enjoy every bite!

These Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are sure to become one of your favorite recipes. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Making these delightful tarts is a breeze when you follow these simple tips!

• Chill the pastry: Keeping the puff pastry cold before baking helps it rise beautifully and creates that perfect flaky texture.
• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh thyme and quality goat cheese for vibrant flavors that will elevate your tarts and impress your guests.
• Don’t skip the egg wash: Brushing the pastry with an egg wash before baking gives it a lovely golden color and a beautiful shine, making your tarts more visually appealing.
• Experiment with fillings: While fig jam is delicious, feel free to swap in other jams or spreads, such as raspberry or apricot, to suit your taste preferences or seasonal availability.
• Serve immediately: These tarts are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven. If you have leftovers, reheat them briefly to revive their flaky texture.

How to Serve Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Presenting your Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts beautifully can make all the difference at your gathering. Here are some ideas to showcase this tasty appetizer!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil can add a pop of color and enhance the flavor profile of each tart.
• Balsamic glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the tarts just before serving for a tangy sweetness that complements the fig jam wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the tarts.
• Cheese platter: Pair your tarts with a selection of cheeses such as brie, cheddar, and blue cheese for a well-rounded appetizer spread.
• Vegetable crudité: Serve assorted raw vegetables with hummus or ranch dip for a crunchy side that balances the soft texture of the tarts.
• Fruit skewers: Fresh fruit skewers made with seasonal fruits like strawberries, grapes, and melon offer a sweet touch that pairs nicely with savory dishes.

With these serving suggestions, your Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts will not only taste fantastic but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy creating beautiful moments around good food.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare them in advance, making your life easier when entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the tarts to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Before baking, assemble the tarts but do not apply the egg wash or bake them.
• Place the assembled tarts on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen tarts, preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
• Bake directly from the freezer for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.
• For refrigerated tarts, reheat at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 10-12 minutes.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! While goat cheese offers a unique tanginess, feel free to experiment with other soft cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.

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

When stored properly in the fridge, these tarts can last up to 3 days. If you freeze them before baking, they’ll keep well for about 2 months!

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

Yes! You can prepare these tarts ahead of time by assembling them without baking. Just freeze them until you’re ready to pop them in the oven!

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

These delightful tarts pair beautifully with a simple green salad, some roasted vegetables, or even a charcuterie board filled with fruits and nuts.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts as much as I do! They truly bring together savory and sweet flavors that will impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, these little bites are sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!