Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

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! With their flaky pastry and rich flavors, they are sure to impress your guests on any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these tarts up in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive gathering or a casual get-together, these tarts fit right in.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of goat cheese, fig jam, and caramelized onions creates a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them warm or at room temperature; they taste great either way!
• Impressive Presentation: These bite-sized tarts look elegant on any platter, making them perfect for entertaining.

Tools and Preparation

To make these tasty tarts, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment will help streamline your cooking process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the puff pastry to the right thickness for even baking.
• Circle cutter: Helps create uniform tart bases that ensure consistent cooking and presentation.
• Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for all your tarts while allowing hot air to circulate evenly during baking.

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!

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

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

• Prepare rough puff pastry or defrost frozen puff pastry. If you make it, you will only need half a batch. The remaining half can be frozen. Or, you can double the filling for this recipe and make about 32 bite-sized tarts.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

• Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness or about a 10-by-14 inch rectangle. If using store-bought puff pastry, follow package instructions.

Step 4: Cut Out Circles

• Using a circle cutter (2-3/4 inch), stamp out at least 16 circles. Avoid re-rolling scraps; place stamps as closely together as possible.

Step 5: Dock the Pastry

• Make an indentation in each circle without pressing through the dough. Use a fork to dock the center of each circle to prevent excessive rising during baking.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

• Place pastries on the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly apart. Brush each with egg wash. Add a heaping teaspoon of caramelized onions in each center.

Step 7: Chill Before Baking

• Set aside pastries in the freezer or refrigerator while preparing remaining ingredients.

Step 8: Prepare Goat Cheese

• Cut goat cheese into ½-inch pieces using a bench scraper or knife. Optionally roll into balls for neater presentation.

Step 9: Fill with Fig Jam

• Place fig jam into a pastry bag or Ziploc bag for easy piping.

Step 10: Bake Initial Layer

• Bake puff pastry rounds for about 12 minutes until puffy but not golden yet.

Step 11: Add Fillings

• Quickly push down any puffed parts with piping bag edge. Pipe about 2 teaspoons of fig jam into each center followed by goat cheese pieces.

Step 12: Final Bake

• Return pastries to oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes until golden brown and cheese is slightly puffed up.

Step 13: Cool Down

• Remove tarts from oven; allow cooling slightly before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 14: Garnish

• Pick thyme leaves from sprigs and sprinkle over tarts before serving warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Serving Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts can elevate any gathering or celebration. These delightful tarts are not only delicious but also versatile in their presentation. Here are some creative ways to serve them.

As an Elegant Appetizer

• Serve the tarts warm on a decorative platter for a fancy touch.
• Garnish with additional fresh thyme or microgreens for visual appeal.

Paired with Salad

• Accompany the tarts with a mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Add sliced pears or apples to the salad for a refreshing contrast.

With Dips and Spreads

• Offer a selection of dips such as hummus or tzatziki alongside the tarts.
• A fig balsamic reduction can enhance the flavor experience.

On a Charcuterie Board

• Include the tarts on a charcuterie board with assorted cheeses, fruits, and nuts.
• Pair them with crackers or breadsticks for added texture.

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, consider these helpful tips:

• Use chilled pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is cold before baking to achieve maximum flakiness.
• Don’t overcrowd: Space out the tarts on the baking sheet to allow even puffing during baking.
• Watch the timing: Keep an eye on your tarts during the last minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
• Experiment with flavors: Try adding different herbs or spices for unique twists on flavor profiles.
• Serve fresh: For the best taste and texture, serve these tarts shortly after baking.

Best Side Dishes for Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Pairing side dishes with your Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Mixed Green Salad – A fresh salad with arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes tossed in vinaigrette adds brightness.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers complement the richness of the tarts.
3. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil provides a crunchy texture contrast.
4. Creamy Polenta – Soft polenta offers a comforting base that pairs well with the savory flavors of the tarts.
5. Fruit Platter – An assortment of seasonal fruits like grapes, figs, and strawberries adds natural sweetness to balance the dish.
6. Soup – A light tomato basil or butternut squash soup serves as a warming side that pairs nicely with these appetizers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your tarts turn out perfectly.

• Overworking the dough: Handling the puff pastry too much can lead to tough tarts. Keep the handling to a minimum and chill the pastry often.
• Skipping the egg wash: Not brushing the pastry with egg wash will result in dull-looking tarts. The egg wash gives a beautiful golden color and shiny finish.
• Not pre-baking properly: Failing to pre-bake the pastry can lead to soggy bottoms. Bake just until puffed before adding toppings for the best texture.
• Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into warm tarts can cause them to fall apart. Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.
• Using too much filling: Overfilling the tarts can make them difficult to eat and lead to spillage. Stick to recommended amounts for perfect bites.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

• Freeze before baking for best results.
• Wrap unbaked tarts tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds, but this may result in softer pastry.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, covering it with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts.

Can I use other cheeses instead of goat cheese?

You can substitute goat cheese with cream cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.

What should I serve with Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts?

These tarts pair wonderfully with fresh salads, fruit platters, or even charcuterie boards.

Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble them just before baking for fresh-tasting tarts.

Are Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, these tarts are vegetarian-friendly as they do not contain meat or animal-derived gelatin.

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

Feel free to add nuts, different herbs, or other fruits like pears or apples to personalize your tart flavors!

Final Thoughts

Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can easily customize these tarts by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting flavors. Try making them for your next gathering; they are sure to impress your guests!