Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts
Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts are a quick and easy appetizer featuring creamy tangy goat cheese paired with sweet-tart cranberries in a flaky, buttery puff pastry. Perfect for festive gatherings, brunches, or a savory-sweet snack, these tarts deliver a gourmet flavor with minimal ingredients and under 30 minutes of prep and baking time.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 12 tarts
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Base
- Puff pastry sheets (thawed)
Filling
- Fresh goat cheese
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- Honey (for drizzling)
- Chopped fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing
- Egg wash (1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
- Sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions until pliable but still cool. Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut into 3×3 inch squares to form individual tart bases.
- Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the fresh goat cheese with a drizzle of honey, finely chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Tarts: Place puff pastry squares on a parchment-lined baking tray. Spread a dollop of the goat cheese mixture in the center of each square, leaving a small border. Top with a few cranberries, gently pressing into the cheese.
- Brush and Add Finishing Touches: Whisk egg with water to make an egg wash. Brush the edges of each tart for a golden shine. Optionally, sprinkle a little sugar over the cranberries and pastry edges.
- Bake until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Chill your tools and pastry to ensure flakiness.
- Don’t overload filling to prevent sogginess and uneven baking.
- Use fresh rosemary for the best aroma and flavor.
- Keep an eye on the oven as puff pastry can burn quickly.
- Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cranberry, Goat Cheese, Puff Pastry, Tarts, Appetizer, Holiday Snack, Savory Sweet, Quick Recipe