Apricot Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple yet show-stopping appetizer or snack, I can’t recommend this Apricot Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe enough. It’s that perfect balance of flaky puff pastry, tangy creamy goat cheese, sweet apricot jam, and a little crunch from walnuts that just hits all the right notes. Plus, the hint of thyme and a drizzle of spicy hot honey really bring it all together in a way that surprises and delights. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a favorite for casual get-togethers and fancy brunches alike—you’re gonna love it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Apricot Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe plays a special role, and I love how accessible they all are. When shopping, look for good-quality goat cheese for that creamy texture, and don’t skimp on fresh thyme—it really adds an herbal brightness that brings everything home.

• Puff Pastry Dough: I usually pick up a sheet from the freezer aisle—make sure to thaw it properly for best puff.
• Apricot Jam: Go for a good-quality jam with lots of real fruit. You can experiment with other flavors like fig or peach too.
• Goat Cheese: Softened is key here so it spreads nicely—if it’s too cold it’ll be tricky to work with.
• Walnuts: I like to lightly toast them first—it amps up the nuttiness and crunch.
• Thyme Leaves: Fresh thyme shines here, but dried could work in a pinch.
• Hot Honey: This is my secret weapon to add a little kick and sweetness—if you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat!

Variations

I love that this Apricot Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe is really adaptable, so you can make it fit your pantry, tastes, or occasion. Don’t hesitate to play around—it’s a fun way to make it your own!

• Swap the Jam: I’ve tried raspberry and even a spicy pepper jelly for a savory twist—both were fantastic crowd-pleasers.
• Nuts Swap: Pecans or sliced almonds work wonderfully if walnuts aren’t your thing, and add a different texture.
• Herb Changes: Sometimes I use fresh rosemary or basil leaves instead of thyme for a fragrant variation.
• Make it Vegan: Use a vegan puff pastry and swap goat cheese for cashew cream or a nut-based cheese alternative.

How to Make Apricot Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Puff Pastry Like a Pro

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it warms, gently roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. You want it smooth and about the same thickness—think even puff for even browning. Slice the pastry into 9 (or 12 if you prefer smaller pieces) rectangles, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Here’s a little trick: score about a ½-inch border around each piece without cutting all the way through. This helps the edges puff up beautifully and hold your toppings in place.

Step 2: Load Up with Goat Cheese and Jam

Spread a generous amount of softened goat cheese right into the center of each pastry square, avoiding the edges so your crust can puff up without spilling over. Then, spoon a dollop of apricot jam on top of the goat cheese—don’t be shy here, as the sweet jams balance the tang wonderfully. A little jam-goat cheese swirl is what we want!

Step 3: Add the Crunch and Shine

Next, sprinkle chopped walnuts over the jam. Toasting the walnuts beforehand brings out a deeper nuttiness, so I highly recommend giving them a quick toss in a dry skillet. If you want your tarts to look glossy and extra appetizing, brush the puff pastry edges with an egg wash made by whisking one egg with a tablespoon of water. That little step really elevates the presentation.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Gorgeous

Slide your tray into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when the puff pastry is beautifully golden and crispy. Once out, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over each tart and finish with a drizzle of hot honey. This balance of flavors and textures immediately wins over anyone who tries it.

How to Serve Apricot Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish these with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and a drizzle of hot honey right after baking. It’s simple, but it makes a huge flavor difference—you get that herbal freshness and just a touch of sweetness with a spicy kick. Sometimes I add a few microgreens too when serving for a touch of color and a fresh bite.

Side Dishes

These tarts are fantastic alongside a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness. I’ve also paired them with a bowl of tomato soup for an easy lunch or casual dinner, and it’s always a hit with my family.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these at a party, try arranging them on a wooden board or a tiered platter with little bowls of extra hot honey or thyme sprigs for guests to customize their bites. For brunch, a few edible flowers on top can add a pretty, festive touch that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always try to enjoy these puff pastry tarts fresh out of the oven since that’s when they’re at their crispiest. But if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 2-3 days. They’ll soften a bit but still taste great.

Freezing

Freezing these is a lifesaver for busy days—I bake them fully, let cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for about 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To keep that flaky texture, I reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to prevent burning. Air fryer works like a charm too at 350°F for a couple minutes. Microwaving? It’s faster but you’ll lose the crispiness, so save that for when you’re really in a pinch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apricot Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe is one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it hits that magical sweet-savory spot with effortless elegance. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a little gourmet treat for yourself, it’s fast to make and endlessly satisfying. Trust me, your family and friends will go crazy for these, and you’ll feel like you nailed it every time. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation too!

Print