Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Savory, creamy, and sweet, these Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are the perfect small-bite appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, these tarts will impress your guests with their delightful flavor combinations and elegant presentation. Featuring a flaky pastry base topped with rich goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and caramelized onions, they truly stand out on any appetizer table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these tarts up in no time.
• Impressive Presentation: These bite-sized delights look gourmet but are easy enough for anyone to make.
• Endless Variations: Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences or seasonal ingredients.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive party or an intimate dinner, these tarts are sure to please.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy goat cheese, sweet figs, and savory onions creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your cooking experience is seamless, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything at hand will make preparing Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts a breeze.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Circle cutter (2-3/4 inch)
• Fork
• Pastry bag or ziplock bag

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple tarts at once.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness when rolling out puff pastry.

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Ingredients

Savory, creamy, and sweet, these Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are the most delicious small-bite appetizer to serve at a party or holiday!

For the Puff Pastry Base

• ½ batch rough puff pastry or classic puff pastry (or store-bought)
• All-purpose flour (for work surface)
• Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 teaspoon of water or cream)

For the Filling

• 1 cup fig jam
• ½ cup prepared caramelized onions, rough chopped
• 4 ounces goat cheese
• 6-10 sprigs of fresh thyme

How to Make Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious tarts!

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Prepare rough puff pastry or defrost frozen puff pastry. If you make it from scratch, you will only need half a batch. The remaining half can be frozen for later use.
2. Alternatively, you can double the filling for this recipe to create about 32 bite-sized tarts.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400ºF.
2. Place an oven rack in the middle part of the oven.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

1. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness or about a 10-by-14-inch rectangle if using homemade dough.
2. If using store-bought puff pastry, follow package instructions before placing it on a lightly-floured surface.

Step 4: Cut Out Pastry Circles

1. Using a 2-3/4-inch circle cutter (or similar), stamp out at least 16 circles from the rolled-out pastry.
2. Avoid re-rolling scraps; instead, save them for another use.

Step 5: Dock the Pastry

1. Use a smaller cutter (about 2 inches) to make an indentation in each circle without cutting through.
2. Dock each center with a fork to prevent excess rising during baking.

Step 6: Assemble Tarts

1. Place the cut pastries on the lined baking sheet spaced evenly apart.
2. Brush each circle with egg wash.
3. Add a heaping teaspoon of caramelized onions into the center of each circle.

Step 7: Chill Before Baking

1. Set assembled pastries aside in the freezer or refrigerator while preparing other ingredients.

Step 8: Prepare Goat Cheese

1. Cut goat cheese into ½-inch pieces using a bench scraper or knife.
2. Optionally roll pieces into balls for better presentation; keep refrigerated until use.

Step 9: Fill with Fig Jam

1. Place fig jam into a pastry bag or ziplock bag for easier application.

Step 10: Bake First Time

1. Bake pastries for about 12 minutes or until just puffed but not golden brown.

Step 11: Add Filling

1. Quickly press down any puffed centers using the edge of your piping bag or small round cutter.
2. Pipe roughly 2 teaspoons of fig jam into each center followed by placing goat cheese on top.

Step 12: Final Bake

1. Return tarts to oven for an additional 5–8 minutes until golden brown and cheese is slightly puffy.

Step 13: Cool Down

1. Remove from oven and allow slight cooling before transferring to cooling rack.

Step 14: Garnish & Serve

1. Pick fresh thyme leaves and sprinkle over warm tarts before serving at room temperature or warm.

Enjoy making these delightful Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts that are sure to impress!

How to Serve Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

These Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual gathering, these tarts will impress your guests.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful start to any meal.
• Pair with a light salad for a refreshing contrast to the creamy tarts.

With Dips

• Offer an assortment of dips like balsamic reduction or honey for added sweetness.
• A herb-infused olive oil can enhance the flavors and provide a delicious drizzle.

On a Charcuterie Board

• Arrange the tarts alongside cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits for an elegant presentation.
• Add some crackers or breadsticks for variety and texture.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top just before serving for an aromatic touch.
• Consider adding microgreens for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Perfect Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

To ensure your Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your puff pastry is cold before baking. This helps achieve maximum flakiness.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill with fig jam or cheese, as this can cause overflow during baking.
• Bake on Parchment: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
• Watch the Time: Keep an eye on the tarts during the last few minutes of baking to avoid burning. Each oven can vary in temperature.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different herbs or cheeses based on your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Pair these delightful tarts with complementary side dishes that enhance their rich flavors. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the tarts.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and complement the sweet fig flavor beautifully.
3. Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad with herbs will add texture and nutrition to your meal.
4. Fruit Platter – Fresh fruit like pears or apples pairs well with both goat cheese and figs for a sweet touch.
5. Marinated Olives – Serve marinated olives to introduce savory notes that balance the sweetness of the tarts.
6. Herb Focaccia – Soft, herb-infused focaccia adds heartiness and is perfect for soaking up any extra fig jam.
7. Grilled Asparagus – Lightly grilled asparagus brings an earthy flavor that complements the creamy tart filling.
8. Crostini with Tapenade – Crisp crostini topped with tapenade offers a salty contrast that enhances each bite of tart.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to be aware of:

• Skipping the Egg Wash: Not brushing the pastry with egg wash can result in dull, pale tarts. Always apply a thin layer before baking for a golden finish.
• Overworking the Dough: Kneading or rolling the puff pastry too much can lead to tough tarts. Handle it gently and keep it cold for best results.
• Ignoring the Indentation: Forgetting to dock the pastry can cause it to puff too much. Make sure to create an indentation before baking.
• Overfilling with Jam: Adding too much fig jam can make a mess and prevent proper baking. Use just enough to fill without spilling over.
• Not Cooling Before Serving: Serving the tarts straight from the oven can lead to burns. Allow them to cool slightly for better flavor and easier handling.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

• Wrap individual tarts tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF, place tarts on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals, checking frequently. This method may make the pastry less crisp.
• Stovetop: Place tarts in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through. This helps maintain some crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to prepare puff pastry?

Preparing puff pastry involves chilling it well and rolling it out evenly. Make sure not to overwork it to maintain its flaky texture.

Can I use other cheeses instead of goat cheese?

Yes! Cream cheese or ricotta can be great alternatives if you prefer different flavors.

How do I customize my Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or incorporate herbs like rosemary or basil for extra flavor.

Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat before serving.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields about 20 bite-sized tarts, perfect as appetizers for parties or gatherings.

Final Thoughts

These Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are not only delicious but also versatile. Their creamy goat cheese paired with sweet fig jam creates an irresistible flavor combination. Feel free to customize your toppings or fillings based on your preferences. We encourage you to try this recipe at your next gathering!