Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to impress, then you’ve come to the right place! These Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts combine savory caramelized onions with the creamy goodness of goat cheese and the sweet richness of fig jam. They are perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday party. Each bite is a little piece of heaven, and trust me, your guests will be coming back for more!

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make without sacrificing flavor. Even if you’re not an experienced cook, these tarts are easy enough to whip up, yet fancy enough to wow your friends and family. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making these delicious bites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: These tarts come together in just under two hours, making them a great choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Impressive presentation: With their golden puff pastry and colorful toppings, these tarts look as good as they taste!
• Versatile flavor combinations: The balance of sweet and savory makes these tarts appealing to everyone at the table.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the components in advance and assemble them just before baking for warm, fresh bites.
• Perfect for sharing: With 20 pieces in one batch, they are ideal for parties or potlucks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts requires just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. You might even have some of them in your kitchen already! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pastry

• 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)

For the Filling

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the cheese: Instead of goat cheese, try using ricotta or feta for a different flavor profile.
• Add some spice: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give your tarts a nice kick if you like some heat.
• Use different jams: Swap out fig jam for apricot or cherry preserves for a unique twist on sweetness.
• Get creative with herbs: Fresh basil or rosemary can also enhance the flavor—just pick what you love!

How to Make Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Start by preparing your rough puff pastry or defrosting frozen puff pastry. If you make it fresh, you’ll only need half the batch for this recipe. The other half can be frozen for later use. If you’re using store-bought pastry, simply follow the package instructions to get it ready.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400ºF and set an oven rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will prevent sticking and help clean-up be a breeze!

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out your pastry to about ⅛-inch thickness. Aim for a rectangle around 10 by 14 inches. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, just lay it out gently on your floured countertop.

Step 4: Cut Out Circles

Using a circle cutter that’s about 2-3/4 inches wide (or whatever you’ve got), stamp out circles from your dough. You should get at least 16 circles! Try not to re-roll any scraps; instead, save them for another use.

Step 5: Dock the Pastry

To prevent too much puffing during baking, use a smaller cutter (about 2 inches) or a fork to create an indentation in the center of each circle without pressing all the way through.

Step 6: Assemble on Baking Sheet

Arrange your pastry circles on the lined baking sheet with space between each one. Give each circle a light brush with egg wash and add about a teaspoon of caramelized onions into the center of each.

Step 7: Chill While You Prep

Pop those assembled pastries into the fridge while you prepare the goat cheese and fig jam—this helps keep their shape during baking.

Step 8: Prepare Goat Cheese

Cut up your goat cheese into pieces about half an inch big. For tidier tarts, roll them into little balls—either way works perfectly!

Step 9: Fill with Fig Jam

Scoop some fig jam into either a piping bag or ziplock bag—this will make filling easier later on.

Step 10: Bake until Puffed

Remove those lovely pastries from the fridge and bake them in your preheated oven for about 12 minutes until they’re puffy but not yet golden.

Step 11: Add Jam & Cheese

Quickly push down any centers that have puffed too much using either your piping bag tip or cookie cutter edge. Then pipe in about two teaspoons of fig jam followed by placing a piece of goat cheese right on top.

Step 12: Finish Baking

Return them to the oven for another five to eight minutes until they’re golden brown and everything looks beautifully puffy.

Step 13: Cool Slightly

Take those gorgeous tarts out of the oven! Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before moving them onto a cooling rack—they’ll be easier to handle this way.

Step 14: Garnish & Serve

Finally, pluck off some thyme leaves from their stems and sprinkle over each tart before serving warm or at room temperature. Enjoy every delightful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Making Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you can ensure your tarts turn out perfectly every time!

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping your puff pastry and butter cold helps create that flaky texture we all love. Warm ingredients can lead to a dough that doesn’t puff up properly.

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Leaving enough space between each tart allows hot air to circulate, ensuring even baking and preventing them from sticking together.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on your tarts as they bake. You want them golden brown and puffy—this means they’re ready to be enjoyed!

• Experiment with flavors: While fig jam and goat cheese are delicious together, feel free to add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or swap in a different jam for a unique twist.

• Let them cool slightly: Allowing the tarts to rest for a few minutes after baking helps them set and makes it easier to handle when serving.

How to Serve Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

These tarts not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any table setting. Here are some ideas for presenting this delicious appetizer.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Honey drizzle: A light drizzle of honey over the finished tarts enhances their sweetness and creates an appealing shine.
• Balsamic reduction: A few drops of balsamic reduction can provide a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the figs beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Mixed greens salad: A simple salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the tarts.
• Vegetable crudités platter: Crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers served with hummus provide a crisp bite that pairs well with the creamy tarts.
• Roasted nuts: A bowl of seasoned roasted almonds or walnuts adds a satisfying crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile of your appetizer spread.
• Cheese board: Include an assortment of cheeses (excluding animal-derived gelatin varieties), crackers, fruits, and olives for guests to graze on alongside the tarts.

With these serving suggestions in mind, your Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts will be not just tasty but also visually captivating! Enjoy sharing them at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare them ahead of time and store or freeze them, making entertaining a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy them within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the uncooked assembled tarts on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
• Place the tarts on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

FAQs

If you have questions about these delicious tarts, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use other types of cheese instead of goat cheese?

Absolutely! While goat cheese adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with feta, ricotta, or cream cheese for a different twist.

How do I make Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly! Just ensure that the puff pastry used does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Can I use fresh figs instead of fig jam?

Yes, you can! If using fresh figs, slice them thinly and layer them over the caramelized onions before adding the goat cheese.

What is the best way to serve Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts?

Serve them warm or at room temperature as an appetizer. They pair beautifully with a light salad or as part of a charcuterie board.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing the recipe with you. They’re perfect for gatherings, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients and flavors—these tarts are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!