Description
These Apricot Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts combine flaky, golden puff pastry with creamy goat cheese and sweet apricot jam, topped with crunchy walnuts, fragrant thyme, and a drizzle of hot honey for a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. A simple yet elegant appetizer or snack that is quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry and Spread
- 1 sheet puff pastry dough
- 3–4 oz goat cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup apricot jam (or preferred flavor jam)
Toppings
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 Tbsp thyme leaves
- Hot honey, for drizzling
Optional
- Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 Tbsp water) for glossy edges
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the sheet of puff pastry dough slightly on a lightly floured surface to smooth the creases and create uniform thickness.
- Cut and Score: Cut the puff pastry into desired tart sizes (typically 4–6 squares or rectangles). Score a border about ½ inch from the edge on each piece, being careful not to cut all the way through, to allow the edges to puff while keeping the center flat.
- Apply Egg Wash (Optional): Brush the edges of the puff pastry squares with the egg wash to achieve a glossy, golden finish once baked.
- Spread Goat Cheese: Evenly distribute the softened goat cheese within the scored border of each puff pastry piece, spreading it to cover the center but not the edges.
- Add Apricot Jam: Spoon about a teaspoon of apricot jam on top of the goat cheese, spreading gently to meld flavors without overpowering the cheese.
- Top with Walnuts and Thyme: Sprinkle chopped walnuts and fresh thyme leaves over the jam layer, adding texture and an herbal note.
- Bake the Tarts: Place the prepared tarts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Drizzle with Hot Honey: Remove from the oven and drizzle hot honey over the warm tarts for a sweet and spicy finish.
- Serve Warm: Allow the tarts to cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavor and texture balance.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese and use vegan puff pastry.
- Feel free to swap apricot jam with other jams such as fig, raspberry, or peach for different flavor profiles.
- Chopped pecans or almonds can be used instead of walnuts for the topping.
- The hot honey drizzle adds a spicy kick; alternatively, use plain honey if you prefer less heat.
- These tarts are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated briefly in the oven for crispiness.
