Name: Savory Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts to Impress Guests
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade); 8 oz goat cheese (plain or herbed); 1/2 cup fig jam; 1 medium onion (or shallots for a milder flavor); 2 tbsp fresh thyme (or rosemary as an alternative); 1 large egg (or milk for a dairy-free option)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These tarts combine gourmet flavors in a simple, approachable way. They are bite-sized, making them perfect for parties, yet impressive enough for special occasions. You can prepare them ahead of time and serve warm or at room temperature. The sweet-and-savory pairing of fig jam and goat cheese elevates the dish without requiring complicated steps.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the pastry

1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)

For the filling

8 oz goat cheese (herbed goat cheese works beautifully too)
1/2 cup fig jam
1 medium onion (or substitute shallots for a milder flavor)

For the garnish

2 tbsp fresh thyme (or rosemary as an alternative)
1 large egg (or milk for a dairy-free option)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thick.
Cut circles with a 2¾-inch round cutter and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Dock the centers of each circle to create an indentation.
Whisk egg and brush edges of each pastry circle with the wash.
Chill pastry circles in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes.
Place a teaspoon of caramelized onion in the center of each circle.
Pre-bake pastries for 12 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
Add a spoonful of fig jam and top with goat cheese.
Bake for another 5–8 minutes until cheese is melted.
Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 tarts.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Swap the goat cheese with brie or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
Use cranberry or apricot jam instead of fig for seasonal twists.
Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts, such as walnuts or pistachios, for added crunch.
Incorporate a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top before serving.
Make them larger for a plated appetizer or keep them bite-sized for finger food.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy. These tarts can also be frozen before baking; simply assemble, freeze on a baking sheet, and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

FAQs

Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

Can I freeze the puff pastry tarts?

Absolutely. Assemble them and freeze unbaked; bake straight from frozen when needed.

What type of goat cheese works best?

Plain or herbed goat cheese both work well. Herbed versions add an extra layer of flavor.

Can I substitute the fig jam?

Yes, you can use other fruit jams like apricot, cranberry, or raspberry.

How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the pastry shells before adding the filling helps keep them crisp.

Can I use caramelized shallots instead of onions?

Yes, shallots are a great option for a slightly sweeter, milder flavor.

Are these tarts served hot or cold?

They are best served warm but are also delicious at room temperature.

Can I make these without eggs?

Yes, use milk for the wash, or skip it altogether—the tarts will still puff nicely.

How do I prevent the pastry from shrinking?

Chilling the pastry circles before baking helps maintain their shape.

Conclusion

Savory goat cheese and fig puff pastry tarts are a refined yet simple appetizer that will wow your guests. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that looks elegant, tastes incredible, and suits any occasion. Keep this recipe in your repertoire for gatherings, holidays, or whenever you want to impress with a gourmet touch.

Savory Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts to Impress Guests

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Elegant bite-sized puff pastry tarts filled with creamy goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and caramelized onions, finished with fresh thyme. A refined yet simple appetizer perfect for parties or special occasions.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 tarts
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)

8 oz goat cheese (plain or herbed)

1/2 cup fig jam

1 medium onion (or shallots for a milder flavor)

2 tbsp fresh thyme (or rosemary as an alternative)

1 large egg (or milk for a dairy-free option)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick.
Cut circles with a 2 3/4-inch round cutter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Dock the centers of each circle to create an indentation.
Whisk the egg and brush the edges of each pastry circle with the wash.
Chill pastry circles in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes.
Place a teaspoon of caramelized onion in the center of each circle.
Pre-bake the pastries for 12 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
Add a spoonful of fig jam and top with goat cheese.
Bake for another 5–8 minutes until cheese is melted.
Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm or at room temperature.