Description
The Pear and Cheddar Puff Pastry Tart is a delightful dish that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the sharp, tangy flavor of cheddar cheese atop a golden, flaky puff pastry crust. Ideal as a light appetizer, brunch item, or elegant party dish, this tart is quick and easy to prepare, making it a versatile and impressive choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed according to package instructions)
- 1 egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Fruit and Cheese Topping
- 2 ripe pears (such as Bosc or Anjou), washed, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Herbs and Flavor Enhancers
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or rosemary
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry sheet according to package instructions. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the pastry slightly to fit your baking pan or tray. Using a fork, gently poke holes around the edges to prevent excessive puffing in the center.
- Slice the Pears: Wash and core the pears, then slice them into thin, even wedges. Thin slices ensure even cooking and a visually appealing presentation on the tart.
- Assemble the Tart: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded sharp cheddar evenly over the pastry sheet, leaving a small border for the crust. Neatly arrange the pear slices atop the cheese layer. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry with the prepared egg wash to achieve a golden, glossy crust once baked. Optionally, drizzle honey or balsamic glaze over the pear slices for added sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled tart on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese has melted beautifully.
Notes
- Keep the puff pastry cold until baking to preserve its flaky texture.
- Avoid overloading the tart with toppings to prevent a soggy crust and ensure even cooking.
- Slice pears thinly for quicker cooking and to maintain tart structure.
- Allow the tart to cool slightly after baking to enhance flavor melding and easier slicing.
- Experiment with cheddar cheese maturity: aged cheddars offer strong flavor, while younger ones melt more smoothly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze unbaked tart wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to one month; bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
- Reheat leftover tart at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes to refresh crispiness without drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of tart)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: pear tart, cheddar tart, puff pastry tart, sweet and savory tart, easy appetizer, brunch tart