Description
These Apricot Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts are delightful bite-sized appetizers combining the flaky richness of puff pastry with creamy goat cheese, sweet apricot jam, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of thyme and hot honey for a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining, these tarts bake up golden and flaky in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry and Spread
- 1 sheet puff pastry dough
- 3–4 oz goat cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup apricot jam (or preferred flavor jam)
Toppings
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 Tbsp thyme leaves
- Hot honey, for drizzling
Optional
- Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 Tbsp water) for glossy edges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the tarts.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry dough on a clean surface and slice it into 9 equal pieces (about 3.5 x 3.25 inches each if using Pepperidge Farm brand). Place the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly score each piece around the edges about ½ inch in from the edge to help create a defined border.
- Assemble Tarts: Spread a layer of softened goat cheese in the center of each puff pastry piece. Spoon a dollop of apricot jam over the goat cheese. Sprinkle chopped walnuts evenly on top for crunch and texture. Optionally, brush the edges of the puff pastry pieces with the egg wash to achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the tarts and drizzle with hot honey for a subtle spicy sweetness. Allow the tarts to cool for several minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and to avoid burns.
Notes
- These tarts can be prepped ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking for convenience.
- For best texture, serve these puff pastry tarts fresh from the oven, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- To freeze, bake first or freeze unbaked assembled tarts. When ready, bake from thawed for optimal goat cheese texture.
- Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes covered loosely with foil, or use an air fryer at the same temperature for a few minutes to regain crispiness. Microwaving is not recommended as it compromises flakiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
