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
Scale
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
