Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

If you’re looking for a delightful appetizer that combines savory, creamy, and sweet flavors, you’ve landed in the right place! These Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are a beloved recipe that I often whip up for gatherings with friends or family. The combination of rich goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and caramelized onions nestled in flaky puff pastry is simply irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive holiday party, these tarts always impress and leave everyone coming back for more.

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to prepare. You can make them ahead of time and pop them in the oven just before serving—a perfect solution for hosting without the stress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet figs balance perfectly with tangy goat cheese, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll feel like a pro chef in no time!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game night or a holiday gathering, these tarts are sure to be a hit.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the tarts in advance and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love picking up these tasty bite-sized treats!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delicious little bites. You likely have most of these items on hand already!

• 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

Variations

One of the best things about these Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts is their versatility! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Some Greens: Toss in some baby spinach or arugula for a fresh twist that adds color and nutrients.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try substituting goat cheese with feta or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Include More Fruits: Swap figs for apricot preserves or cherry jam for a fruity variation that still sings.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in other herbs like rosemary or basil if you’re feeling adventurous; they complement the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Start by preparing your rough puff pastry or defrosting frozen puff pastry if you’re using store-bought. If you’ve made your own pastry, remember that you’ll only need half a batch for this recipe. The other half can be frozen for another day! This step sets the foundation for your tarts’ flaky texture.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400ºF and position an oven rack in the middle. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later on.

Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

On a floured surface, roll out your puff pastry to about ⅛ inch thick. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, simply lay it out according to package instructions. Rolling it out evenly ensures each tart puffs beautifully during baking!

Step 4: Cut Out Circles

Using a 2-3/4-inch circle cutter, stamp out circles from the dough—aiming for at least 16 rounds. Don’t worry about re-rolling scraps; try to place your stamps closely together to maximize use.

Step 5: Dock the Pastry

Now it’s time to dock those pastry circles! Use a smaller cutter to make an indentation without cutting through. Docking helps control how much the dough rises while baking—keeping that center nice and ready for filling.

Step 6: Assemble on Baking Sheet

Place your stamped pastries on the prepared sheet with space between them. Brush each one lightly with egg wash for that golden finish later on. Add about a heaping teaspoon of caramelized onions into each center—it’s where all that deliciousness begins!

Step 7: Chill Slightly

While prepping other ingredients, it’s helpful to chill your pastries again briefly in the freezer or refrigerator. This step helps maintain their shape during baking.

Step 8: Prepare Goat Cheese

Cut your goat cheese into bite-sized pieces—or roll them into little balls for neatness! Keeping them chilled until ready ensures they hold their shape when baked.

Step 9: Pipe Fig Jam

Fill a piping bag (or ziploc bag) with fig jam—this makes adding it easy and mess-free!

Step 10: Bake First Round

Bake those lovely pastry rounds for about 12 minutes until they’re puffed but not golden yet; this gives them structure before adding more toppings.

Step 11: Add Fillings Quickly

After initial baking, quickly push down any puffed centers using your piping bag edge or cookie cutter. Pipe about two teaspoons of fig jam into each center followed by placing your goat cheese piece right on top.

Step 12: Final Bake

Return the tarts to bake for another 5-8 minutes until golden brown and beautifully puffed up—trust me; it’s worth watching them bubble away!

Step 13: Cool Slightly

Once done, let your tarts cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack—this keeps them crispy as they cool.

Step 14: Garnish & Serve!

Finally, pick off some fresh thyme leaves and sprinkle over your warm tarts right before serving. They’re delicious warm or at room temperature—perfectly delightful any way you enjoy them!

Pro Tips for Making Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Creating these delightful tarts is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to guide you!

• Use chilled ingredients – Keeping your puff pastry and goat cheese cold helps achieve that perfect flaky texture when baked. Warm ingredients can lead to a less-than-desirable puff.

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet – Spacing your tarts evenly allows them to puff up beautifully without sticking together. This ensures each tart gets the perfect rise and golden color.

• Experiment with herbs – While fresh thyme adds a lovely flavor, feel free to try other herbs like rosemary or basil. This can enhance the taste and create a unique twist on the classic recipe.

• Make ahead of time – You can prepare the pastry and filling in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving. This makes hosting so much easier, allowing you to enjoy your guests’ company!

• Serve warm for maximum flavor – These tarts are best enjoyed warm, as the cheese is creamy and the fig jam is slightly melty. A warm tart will provide a delightful burst of flavors in every bite!

How to Serve Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts

Presenting these tarts in an appealing way can elevate your appetizer game! Here are some ideas to make your service shine.

Garnishes

• Fresh thyme leaves – A sprinkle of fresh thyme not only adds color but also enhances the herbal notes in your dish.
• Drizzle of honey – A light drizzle of honey over the tarts adds a touch of sweetness that complements both the figs and goat cheese beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Mixed greens salad – A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the tarts.
• Olive tapenade – The briny flavors of olive tapenade pair wonderfully with goat cheese, adding depth to your appetizer spread.
• Marinated olives – Offering marinated olives alongside gives guests an easy snack that complements the savory elements of the tarts.
• Roasted vegetable platter – A colorful assortment of roasted seasonal vegetables adds texture and nutrition while balancing out the richness of the pastries.

These Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are sure to impress at any gathering! Enjoy crafting this delicious appetizer, sharing it with friends and family, and making memorable moments around good food.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, which makes hosting a breeze. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious tarts.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
• If storing unbaked tarts, keep them assembled in the fridge and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

• To freeze unbaked tarts, prepare them up to the point of baking, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat baked tarts, preheat your oven to 350ºF.
• Place the tarts on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• Avoid microwaving as it may make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Have questions about making these tarts? Here are some answers!

Can I use different types of cheese in Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts?

Absolutely! While goat cheese provides a unique flavor, you can substitute it with cream cheese or ricotta if you prefer. Just ensure they are also spreadable.

How do I serve Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts at parties?

These tarts are best served warm or at room temperature. Arrange them on a platter with some fresh thyme sprigs for an elegant touch that will impress your guests!

Can I make Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts without caramelized onions?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of onions, you could skip them altogether or replace them with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an alternative flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to create these Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts as I am! They’re not only delicious but also versatile enough for any gathering. Enjoy making this recipe, share it with friends, and watch their faces light up with joy when they take their first bite. Happy cooking!