If you love the perfect balance of creamy, nutty, and a touch of sweetness in a delicate bite, then you are in for a treat with this Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts Recipe. These charming little tarts bring together the rich tanginess of goat cheese, the warm crunch of toasted walnuts, and the subtle hint of fresh thyme, all wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry. Whether you’re looking for a stunning appetizer for guests, a cozy brunch item, or a light lunch, this recipe delivers both elegance and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients is key to creating these delightful tarts, and luckily, they are simple yet essential. Each component contributes a layer of flavor, texture, or color that makes these tarts truly special.
- Puff pastry sheet: Provides a golden, buttery, and flaky base that holds everything together beautifully.
- Goat cheese (6 ounces): The star of the filling, offering a creamy and tangy profile that’s irresistible.
- Cream cheese (¼ cup): Adds extra smoothness and mild richness to balance the goat cheese.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Offers a gentle sweetness that complements the cheese and walnuts perfectly.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon): Introduces a fragrant herbal note that brightens the entire tart.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance and round out the flavors.
- Chopped walnuts (⅓ cup, toasted): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor for a wonderful contrast.
- Egg (1, beaten): Used as an egg wash to achieve a lovely golden sheen on the pastry edges.
- Optional garnishes: Extra honey for drizzling and thyme sprigs to make your tarts look irresistible.
How to Make Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out, then cut it into six equal rectangles or rounds. Use a knife to gently score a half-inch border around each tart—this helps the edges puff up beautifully while keeping the center perfect for filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese and cream cheese to create a luscious, creamy base. Stir in the honey, fresh thyme leaves, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mixing these ingredients until smooth ensures every tart will have a consistent, melt-in-your-mouth filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Tarts
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the center of each pastry piece, staying within the scored borders you made earlier. Then, sprinkle the toasted, chopped walnuts generously on top—these will provide a delightful crunch once baked. Finally, brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg to encourage a golden, glossy finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled tarts on your prepared baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes, watching for the pastry to puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once done, remove them from the oven and let the tarts cool just slightly before adding your final touches.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
For an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal, drizzle some additional honey over the warm tarts and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you like. This step elevates the dish from delicious to downright divine, making your guests think you spent hours in the kitchen.
How to Serve Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a drizzle of honey and a few sprigs of fresh thyme truly enhance both the flavor and presentation of your tarts. You can also add a few thin slices of fresh figs or pears for a sophisticated fruity contrast that pairs wonderfully with the cheese and nuts.
Side Dishes
These tarts shine as part of a light meal. Pair them with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or alongside a bowl of warm soup to balance the richness of the cheese with fresh and vibrant flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts Recipe on a rustic wooden board for an inviting appetizer display, or arrange them neatly on a beautiful platter sprinkled with extra chopped walnuts and thyme leaves. For brunch, consider serving them alongside fresh fruit and a selection of cheeses for an indulgent spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover tarts, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor without drying out the pastry.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked assembled tarts on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring your tarts back to life, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 10 minutes. This method helps retain the crispness of the pastry while melting the cheese filling back to creamy perfection.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with another type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cream cheese adds smoothness to the filling, you could try mascarpone for a richer texture or ricotta for a lighter feel. Each substitute will subtly change the flavor, so pick one that suits your taste!
Are these tarts suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts Recipe is perfect for vegetarians since it contains no meat or animal-based gelatin. Just make sure your puff pastry does not include lard if you want to be strictly vegetarian.
How do I toast walnuts properly?
Toasting walnuts is simple: place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and shake the pan occasionally until they become fragrant and golden brown, usually 4 to 5 minutes. Let them cool before chopping and adding to the tarts for maximum crunch.
Can I make these tarts gluten-free?
While traditional puff pastry contains gluten, you can find gluten-free puff pastry options at some specialty stores, or make your own. Just be mindful that texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be amazing.
What is the best way to serve these tarts—hot or at room temperature?
Both ways work wonderfully! Serving warm enhances the melty cheese texture, while room temperature allows the flavors to settle beautifully, making these tarts versatile for any occasion.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts Recipe enough for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort. The combination of creamy, nutty, sweet, and herbal flavors in a flaky pastry shell is nothing short of magical. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a cozy afternoon. Give it a go—you’re in for a delicious treat!
Print
Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 tarts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts are elegant, flaky pastries filled with a creamy mixture of goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and fresh thyme, topped with toasted walnuts for a delightful crunch. Perfect as savory appetizers or a light brunch, they combine smooth cheese with the subtle sweetness of honey and the earthiness of thyme, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cheese Filling
- 6 ounces goat cheese, softened
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings & Garnish
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: extra honey and thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 6 equal rectangles or rounds.
- Score the pastry borders: Using a knife, carefully score a ½-inch border around each pastry piece without cutting all the way through. This creates a raised edge for the filling.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the tarts: Spread the cheese mixture evenly inside the scored borders of each pastry piece. Sprinkle the toasted chopped walnuts evenly over the cheese filling.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to help achieve a golden, glossy finish during baking.
- Bake the tarts: Place the prepared baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and garnish: Allow the tarts to cool slightly before optionally drizzling with extra honey and garnishing with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans for walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Add thin slices of fresh figs or pears on top of the cheese mixture for a fruity twist.
- These tarts make excellent appetizers, brunch dishes, or a light lunch when served with a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
