Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

If you’re looking for a delightful appetizer that will impress your friends and family, let me introduce you to my favorite Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts. These little bites are a symphony of flavors: the creamy goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet fig jam and rich caramelized onions. Perfect for gatherings, these tarts make a lovely addition to any holiday table or casual get-together.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can prepare them for busy weeknights or save them for special occasions. They’re always a hit! Plus, they look fancy while being surprisingly easy to make. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Even if you’re new to cooking, these tarts come together quickly and simply.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes them irresistible to both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep many components in advance, making it hassle-free when guests arrive.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party or a cozy night in, these tarts fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create these delicious tarts. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store!

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 quite flexible! Feel free to play around with different flavors and ingredients.

• Swap the cheese: Try using feta or ricotta instead of goat cheese for a different taste.
• Add some nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch.
• Experiment with herbs: Fresh basil or rosemary can bring an interesting twist to the flavor profile.
• Change up the jam: Apricot or raspberry jam could be delightful alternatives to fig.

How to Make Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Begin by preparing your rough puff pastry or defrosting frozen puff pastry. If you’re making it from scratch, remember you’ll only need half a batch. The other half can go straight into the freezer for later use. If you prefer convenience, store-bought options are fantastic too!

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400ºF while placing an oven rack in the middle part of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this step prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier!

Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

On a floured surface, roll out your puff pastry until it’s about ⅛-inch thick. Aim for a rectangle that’s roughly 10-by-14 inches. If you’re using store-bought pastry, just follow the package instructions and lay it out on your lightly-floured surface.

Step 4: Cut Out Circles

Using a 2-3/4-inch circle cutter, stamp out circles from your pastry. You should get at least 16 circles! Try not to re-roll scraps; instead, save them for another creative use.

Step 5: Dock the Pastry

Now it’s time to dock those pastries! Use a smaller cutter (about 2 inches) to make an indentation in each circle without cutting all the way through. This helps keep them from puffing up too much during baking.

Step 6: Assemble on Baking Sheet

Place your pastry circles on the prepared baking sheet with space between each one. Brush each circle with egg wash—they’ll shine beautifully when baked! Add about a heaping teaspoon of caramelized onions into each center circle; this adds such depth to their flavor.

Step 7: Chill While Prepping Cheese

Set aside your assembled pastries in the freezer or refrigerator while you cut up your goat cheese into small pieces (about ½-inch). You can roll them into balls if you’d like; it makes for an elegant presentation!

Step 8: Fill with Fig Jam & Bake

Remove the puff pastry rounds from chilling and bake them for about 12 minutes until they’re puffy but not golden yet—this is crucial for achieving that flaky texture! Afterward, carefully pipe about two teaspoons of fig jam into each center before placing a piece of goat cheese right on top.

Step 9: Final Bake

Return those beauties back into the oven for another 5-8 minutes until they’re golden brown and gorgeous. Remove them once they’re done and let cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them onto a cooling rack.

Step 10: Garnish & Serve

Lastly, pick off those fresh thyme leaves and sprinkle them over your tarts just before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature—either way, these Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Pro Tips for Making Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Creating the perfect Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts is easier than you think! Here are some handy tips to ensure your tarts come out beautifully every time.

• Chill Your Ingredients: Keeping your puff pastry and goat cheese cold helps maintain their structure during baking, resulting in a flakier pastry and creamy cheese filling.

• Don’t Skip the Docking: Docking the pastry prevents it from puffing up too much in the center, ensuring that there’s plenty of room for your flavorful filling.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality goat cheese and fig jam. Their flavors will shine through and elevate your tarts from good to exceptional!

• Experiment with Herbs: While thyme is delightful, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or chives for an added twist.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the pastry rounds and even fill them ahead of time. Just assemble and bake just before serving for warm, fresh tarts!

How to Serve Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

These delightful tarts are perfect for gatherings, parties, or even a cozy night in. Present them beautifully on a platter or a wooden board for an inviting touch that will entice your guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh Thyme Sprigs: Adding whole sprigs not only enhances visual appeal but also provides an aromatic touch.
• Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: A light drizzle over the top adds sophistication and a tangy sweetness that complements the figs beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with arugula, spinach, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the tarts.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add color and texture, rounding out the meal nicely.
• Cheese Platter: Pair your tarts with a selection of cheeses (excluding animal-derived products), crackers, and fruits for a stunning appetizer spread that keeps everyone entertained.
• Hummus with Pita Chips: Creamy hummus served alongside crispy pita chips provides a tasty dip option that complements the tarts without overshadowing their unique flavors.

Enjoy crafting these delicious bites that promise to impress your guests at any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip them up ahead of time for a stress-free entertaining experience. Whether you’re planning a gathering or simply want to enjoy them at your leisure, here’s how to store and prepare them in advance.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best results, place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze the baked tarts by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label the bags with the date!

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
• Place the tarts on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delightful tarts, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I make Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the tarts ahead of time by assembling them and then freezing before baking. Simply bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for goat cheese in Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts?

You can use cream cheese, ricotta, or even a vegan cheese alternative if you prefer. Each will give a different flavor profile but will still complement the figs beautifully.

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

When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to 3 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer.

Can I use other types of jam for these tarts?

Absolutely! While fig jam pairs wonderfully with goat cheese, feel free to experiment with other flavors like apricot, raspberry, or even a spicy pepper jelly for a twist.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and deliciousness to your gatherings! The combination of creamy goat cheese paired with sweet fig jam is simply irresistible. These tarts are versatile enough for any occasion, making them special not just because of their taste but also their charm. Enjoy creating these delightful bites; I can’t wait for you to experience how wonderful they turn out!