If you’re looking for a delightful, sophisticated appetizer that’s both easy to make and incredibly tasty, this Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the creamy tang of goat cheese with the crunchy toasted walnuts, all nestled in a flaky puff pastry shell, these tarts offer a lovely balance of textures and flavors. The subtle sweetness of honey and the hint of fresh thyme elevate the dish, making it perfect for cozy brunches or elegant gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it’s hard not to keep going back for more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a visually stunning and delicious appetizer. Each component plays a key role, from the buttery puff pastry providing that irresistible flakiness, to the creamy goat cheese lending a rich tang, while walnuts bring satisfying crunch and earthiness.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: The flaky base that adds lightness and structure to your tarts.
- 6 oz goat cheese, softened: Offers a tangy creaminess that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the tangy cheese.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a mild kick to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional): Brings a fragrant herbal note that complements the cheese and honey.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Adds crunch and a toasted nuttiness that plays against the creamy cheese.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Helps achieve golden, shiny, and beautifully puffed pastry edges.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Mixed with the egg to create the perfect egg wash consistency.
- Additional honey and thyme for garnish (optional): For a lovely finishing touch that makes your presentation shine.
How to Make Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pastry
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, then cut it into six equal rectangles or squares. To create a charming raised edge that keeps the filling in place, carefully score a 1/2-inch border around each piece without cutting all the way through.
Step 2: Mix the Goat Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with honey, black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves if you’re using them. Mix these together until smooth and well blended. This mixture is the creamy star of your tarts, bringing a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that everyone will love.
Step 3: Assemble the Tarts
Spread your goat cheese mixture evenly within the scored borders of each pastry square, taking care not to fill the edges. Then, sprinkle the chopped walnuts generously on top, adding that irresistible crunch that contrasts so beautifully with the smooth cheese.
Step 4: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk together the egg and milk to make an egg wash, then brush it lightly along the edges of each puff pastry square. This step guarantees that your tarts will bake to a glorious golden brown with a perfect sheen. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry has puffed up nicely and turned a lovely golden color.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
Once baked, let your tarts cool slightly on a wire rack. Before serving, drizzle with a little extra honey and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top if desired. This subtle garnish not only adds visual appeal but also a burst of fresh flavor to complement the rich filling.
How to Serve Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
A simple drizzle of honey and a few sprigs of fresh thyme can transform these tarts from delicious to truly stunning. The honey adds just the right amount of sweetness, and the thyme’s aroma invites your guests to savor each bite with anticipation.
Side Dishes
Pair these tarts with a crisp arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add a refreshing bite. They also work well alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup, making them a versatile appetizer or part of a light meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming party platter, arrange the tarts on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of extra honey and walnuts nearby. You can even serve them as finger foods by cutting them into smaller squares or rectangles, allowing guests to indulge in bite-sized pieces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps preserve the freshness of the goat cheese and the crispness of the pastry as much as possible.
Freezing
If you want to prep these in advance, you can freeze the unbaked assembled tarts on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month, then bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring back the flaky crispiness, reheat your tarts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy and diminish the delicious texture that makes these tarts so wonderful.
FAQs
Can I substitute goat cheese with another type of cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese gives these tarts their signature tangy flavor, you can swap it for ricotta or cream cheese if you prefer a milder, creamier taste.
Are these tarts vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts Recipe is entirely vegetarian and perfect for serving at meat-free gatherings or as a delightful snack anytime.
Can I use store-bought walnuts or should I toast them first?
Using toasted walnuts will really boost the flavor by adding warmth and crunch, but if you’re short on time, store-bought raw walnuts are fine as well.
Is fresh thyme necessary in this recipe?
Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal note, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can leave it out or substitute with other fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different twist.
Can these tarts be made gluten-free?
To make these tarts gluten-free, use gluten-free puff pastry available at many stores or make your own. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a truly irresistible Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts Recipe that’s as simple to whip up as it is impressive to serve. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a party appetizer, or just want a delicious snack, these tarts promise to delight every time. Give them a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say “honey thyme walnut tart!”
Print
Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 tarts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts are a delightful French-inspired appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry topped with a creamy goat cheese, honey, and thyme mixture, finished with crunchy walnuts and a drizzle of honey. Perfect for a savory brunch or elegant appetizer, they combine sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 6 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Egg Wash and Garnish
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Additional honey for garnish (optional)
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Puff Pastry. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 6 equal rectangles or squares. Using a sharp knife, score a 1/2-inch border around the edges of each piece without cutting all the way through to allow the edges to puff up during baking.
- Make the Filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, honey, black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy to ensure an even spread over the pastry.
- Assemble the Tarts. Spread the goat cheese mixture evenly inside the scored borders on each pastry square. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the goat cheese filling for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Apply Egg Wash. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the egg wash onto the edges of each pastry to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake the Tarts. Place the prepared tarts on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Finish and Serve. Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle with additional honey and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or brunch treat.
Notes
- These tarts pair wonderfully with a light arugula salad for a refreshing and savory brunch or appetizer.
- For a milder cheese flavor, substitute goat cheese with ricotta or cream cheese.
- Use fresh thyme leaves to enhance the aroma and flavor, but they are optional and can be omitted for a simpler version.
- Ensure puff pastry is properly thawed but cold to make handling easier and achieve better puff.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
