Print

Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts

Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts
Print Recipe

Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts are elegant and flavorful appetizers featuring tangy goat cheese and sweet cranberries nestled in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for holiday parties or casual gatherings, these tarts balance creamy, tart, and sweet flavors with an aromatic herb touch, all made quickly with minimal prep and customizable to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Filling

  • 4 oz fresh soft goat cheese
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Tarts

  • 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed
  • 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pastry: Thaw your puff pastry sheets according to package instructions, then roll them out lightly on a floured surface. Cut into small squares or circles to fit your tart molds or mini muffin tins.
  2. Make the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix soft goat cheese with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, fresh herbs, and a bit of lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
  3. Assemble the Tarts: Place the cut pastry into your tart molds, then spoon the goat cheese mixture evenly into each one. Top with cranberries, making sure to distribute them so each tart has a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
  4. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the pastry with an egg wash to ensure a golden brown and shiny finish once baked.
  5. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the cheese filling is set but still creamy.
  6. Cool and Serve: Let the tarts cool slightly before removing them from the molds. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Notes

  • Use cold butter pastry to ensure it puffs perfectly in the oven.
  • Taste the cheese mixture before assembling to adjust sweetness or herbs.
  • Don’t overfill to prevent spills and sogginess.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and flavor; dried herbs may be overpowering.
  • Serve warm for the best texture and taste, though room temperature is also good.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry, goat cheese, tarts, appetizers, holiday, puff pastry, easy snacks, festive

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/cranberry-goat-cheese-tarts/