Sweet & Savory Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe

Delicate puff pastry meets a luxurious goat cheese and fig combination that whispers gourmet elegance.

Golden, flaky layers cradle a rich medley of flavors waiting to be savored.

These elegant tarts blend sweet Mediterranean figs with creamy, tangy goat cheese in a stunning culinary dance.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and taste sensations that transport you to a charming European café.

The pastry shells crisp perfectly, creating a delicate foundation for the sumptuous filling.

A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh thyme can elevate these tarts from delightful to extraordinary.

Prepare to impress even the most discerning palates with this effortlessly sophisticated appetizer or dessert.

Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts Perks

• Craft with Ease: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, even beginners can create a gourmet-looking appetizer.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal preparation and short baking times mean you can whip up these elegant tarts in under half an hour, ideal for unexpected guests or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Entertaining Delight: Elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for casual brunches, these tarts work beautifully as appetizers, side dishes, or light meals that impress without stress.
• Flavor Explosion: Combining sweet fig jam with tangy goat cheese and aromatic thyme creates a sophisticated taste profile that delights the palate with minimal complex techniques.

Ingredients for Goat Cheese Fig Puff Tarts

• Puff Pastry Dough: A light and flaky foundation that creates a delicate and crisp base for the tart.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used for dusting the surface to prevent sticking during rolling.

• Goat Cheese: A creamy and tangy cheese that adds rich flavor and soft texture to the tart.
• Fig Jam: A sweet and concentrated fruit spread that provides a luscious and fruity element.
• Caramelized Onions: A savory and sweet ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the tart.

• Egg Wash: A mixture that helps create a golden and glossy surface on the pastry.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: A fragrant herb that brings a subtle earthy and aromatic note to the final dish.

Making Goat Cheese Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Roll Out Pastry Dough

Dust your work surface with flour.

Gently roll the puff pastry dough to create a thin, even sheet approximately 1/8-inch thick.

This ensures a delicate, crispy base for your tarts.

Step 3: Create Pastry Circles

Using a round cookie cutter or sharp knife, cut uniform 2¾-inch diameter circles from the rolled pastry.

Carefully create a gentle indentation in the center of each circle, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Apply Egg Wash

Whisk an egg and gently brush the surface of each pastry circle.

Sprinkle finely chopped red onions in the center of each tart to add a subtle, savory depth of flavor.

Step 5: Initial Baking

Place the pastry circles on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 12 minutes until the pastry begins to rise and looks puffy but has not yet turned golden brown.

Step 6: Add Delicious Fillings

Remove the partially baked tarts from the oven.

Carefully spread a small dollop of fig jam in the center of each tart.

Crumble goat cheese and distribute evenly over the jam.

Step 7: Final Baking

Return the tarts to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes.

Watch carefully until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese becomes slightly melted.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Allow the tarts to cool for a few minutes.

Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Tips for Puff Pastry Tart Success

• Refrigerate puff pastry for 15 minutes before rolling to ensure flaky, crisp texture.
• Pat figs and goat cheese dry to prevent soggy centers and maintain pastry's crispness.
• Crumble goat cheese in small pieces for even distribution and better melting.
• Use fresh thyme for bright, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet and tangy ingredients.
• Let tarts rest 5 minutes after baking to help cheese set and prevent burning your mouth.

Goat Cheese Tart Flavor Options

• Mediterranean Olive Variation: Replace fig jam with olive tapenade and swap goat cheese for feta cheese for a savory Mediterranean-inspired tart.
• Veggie Lovers Variation: Substitute onions with roasted bell peppers and add crumbled plant-based cheese for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free puff pastry and replace traditional pastry with almond flour-based dough for celiac-friendly tarts.
• Sweet Berry Alternative: Swap fig jam with raspberry preserves and top with sliced almonds for a fruity dessert-style pastry.

Serving Goat Cheese Fig Tarts Creatively

• Elegant Appetizer Platter: Arrange tarts on a rustic wooden board with fresh thyme sprigs and whole figs for a stunning presentation that impresses guests.
• Brunch Companion: Serve alongside mimosas or light champagne, creating a sophisticated weekend morning dining experience with delicate flavors.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Match these tarts with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy goat cheese and sweet fig notes.
• Seasonal Garnish: Sprinkle additional fresh thyme or drizzle honey just before serving to enhance the tart's visual appeal and add a subtle sweetness.

Storage for Puff Pastry Tarts

• Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap them carefully to prevent crushing the delicate pastry.
• Warm gently in a preheated oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid using a microwave, which can make the pastry soggy.
• Place cooled tarts in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Enjoy these tarts within 24 hours for the most optimal texture and flavor. The crisp pastry and creamy goat cheese are most delicious when freshly prepared.

FAQs

• What type of pastry works best for this recipe?

Puff pastry is ideal because it creates a light, flaky base that perfectly complements the creamy goat cheese and sweet fig jam.

• Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

You can prepare the pastry base and keep it refrigerated before adding fillings. Complete the final baking just before serving to maintain the crisp texture.

• Do I need any special equipment?

A basic baking sheet, parchment paper, rolling pin, and sharp knife are all you need to create these elegant tarts.

• How do I ensure the pastry puffs correctly?

Keep the pastry cold before rolling, use a sharp knife when cutting, and make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400F for the best rise and texture.

Goat Cheese And Fig Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible goat cheese and fig puff pastry tarts blend Mediterranean elegance with buttery, flaky layers of pure delight. Delicate pastry cradles creamy goat cheese and sweet figs, promising a luxurious culinary experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry and Base Ingredients:

• 1 batch puff pastry (homemade or store-bought)
• All-purpose flour for surface

Cheese and Filling Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) goat cheese
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions, chopped
• 1 cup fig jam

Egg Wash and Herb Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon water
• 6–10 sprigs fresh thyme

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal non-stick surface.
2. Gently roll out the puff pastry dough on a lightly floured workspace to create a thin, even layer approximately 1/8-inch thick.
3. Use a circular cutter to create precise 2¾-inch rounds, then carefully create a slight indentation in the center of each pastry disc to hold the filling.
4. Delicately brush the pastry edges with egg wash to ensure a beautiful golden finish and sprinkle caramelized onions in the center of each disc.
5. Place the prepared pastry discs in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes until they begin to rise and become slightly puffy.
6. Remove the partially baked pastries and strategically place dollops of fig jam in the center of each disc, followed by crumbled goat cheese pieces.
7. Return the tarts to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the pastry to turn a rich, golden brown color.
8. After removing from the oven, let the tarts cool for a few minutes and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Choose a high-quality puff pastry for the best flaky, buttery texture that elevates the entire tart.
• Keep pastry cold until just before rolling to maintain its delicate structure and prevent sticking.
• Customize the tart by swapping fig jam with other sweet preserves like apricot or raspberry for variety.
• Try different herbs like rosemary or oregano instead of thyme to create unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg