Description
Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts combine the tartness of fresh cranberries with the creamy richness of goat cheese, nestled in a flaky puff pastry crust. This elegant yet simple appetizer offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making it ideal for gatherings, holiday treats, or light desserts. Easy to customize and visually stunning, these tarts bring a festive touch to any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Base
- Puff pastry sheets, thawed (enough for 12 tarts)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Filling
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh or thawed cranberries
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
Optional Variations
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (for nutty crunch)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or 1 teaspoon orange zest (for spiced cranberries)
- Herbs like fresh basil or oregano (for herb twist)
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw puff pastry sheets according to package instructions. Lightly flour your surface and gently roll out the pastry to remove creases without tearing. Cut into evenly sized squares or circles based on your baking preference.
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine goat cheese with honey or maple syrup to balance the tanginess with subtle sweetness. Gently fold in fresh or thawed cranberries and finely chopped herbs if using, ensuring a harmonious mix.
- Assemble the Tarts: Place each pastry piece on a lined baking sheet or tart tin. Spoon the cheese-cranberry mixture onto the center, being careful not to overfill to avoid spills. Optionally, fold the edges slightly over the filling for a rustic look, or leave open-faced for a classic tart appearance.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Whisk the egg and lightly brush it over exposed pastry edges to create a golden, glossy finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the filling has softened but retained its shape.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the tarts to cool slightly to set the filling. Garnish with fresh cranberries, a sprinkle of thyme, or a drizzle of honey as desired before serving.
Notes
- Keep puff pastry chilled until use to ensure maximum flakiness.
- Do not overfill the tarts to maintain shape and avoid soggy bottoms.
- Use fresh cranberries for best texture and tartness; if using frozen, thaw and drain well.
- A light touch with sweetener enhances flavor balance without overpowering natural tartness.
- Experiment with herbs—thyme is classic, but rosemary or sage add delicious variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cranberry goat cheese tarts, appetizer, holiday snacks, party treats, sweet and tangy, puff pastry, easy tarts
