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Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts

Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts
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Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts are festive, easy-to-make appetizers combining creamy tangy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, and flaky puff pastry. Perfect for holiday parties or casual get-togethers, these bite-sized tarts deliver a delightful blend of flavors and textures that impress without requiring advanced baking skills.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry Base

  • 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed

Goat Cheese Filling

  • 4 oz soft goat cheese
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped

Toppings

  • 1/4 cup fresh or dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Finishing

  • 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions. On a floured surface, lightly roll out the pastry to smooth out creases. Cut into small squares or circles suitable for bite-sized tarts.
  2. Mix the Goat Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine goat cheese, honey or maple syrup, and finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary. Stir thoroughly until mixture is creamy and spreadable.
  3. Assemble the Tarts: Place a small dollop of the goat cheese mixture in the center of each pastry piece. Top with a few cranberries, fresh or dried. Optional: sprinkle with chopped nuts for extra texture.
  4. Brush with Egg Wash and Bake: Fold edges of each pastry piece slightly to create a border. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until pastry is crisp and golden brown.
  5. Cool and Serve: Let the tarts cool slightly on a wire rack to avoid sogginess. Serve warm or at room temperature to enjoy the contrast of creamy filling and flaky crust.

Notes

  • Keep puff pastry cold until just before baking to ensure maximum flakiness.
  • Use small, balanced dollops of filling to prevent soggy pastry.
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary delivers the best flavor impact.
  • Check baking time carefully; puff pastry bakes quickly and can burn after 15 minutes.
  • Try substituting cranberries with other tart berries like blueberries or currants for variety.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry goat cheese tarts, holiday appetizer, puff pastry appetizer, easy party food, festive finger foods

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/cranberry-goat-cheese-tarts/