These Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are a savory-sweet combination that’s perfect for any party or holiday gathering. The flaky puff pastry is topped with caramelized onions, rich goat cheese, and a sweet fig jam, making these bite-sized tarts a delightful treat that combines textures and flavors beautifully. They are easy to make and sure to impress your guests!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)

• 4 oz goat cheese (plain or herbed)

• 2 tablespoons fig jam

• 1 medium onion, caramelized

• Fresh thyme (for garnish)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Directions

1. Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out puff pastry to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a 2 ¾-inch circle cutter to stamp out the pastry.

2. Dock the pastry: Press a 2-inch cutter into the center of each circle, making an indentation but not cutting through the dough. Dock the middle with a fork to prevent puffing.

3. Apply egg wash: Brush each pastry with a thin layer of egg wash, then refrigerate for 10-15 minutes while preparing the filling.

4. Assemble the tarts: Place a teaspoon of caramelized onions in the center of each pastry.

5. Pre-bake: Partially bake the pastries at 400°F for about 12 minutes, or until puffed but not yet golden.

6. Add fig jam and cheese: Pipe about 2 teaspoons of fig jam into the center and top with a piece of goat cheese.

7. Final bake: Return to the oven and bake for another 5-8 minutes until golden and the cheese is slightly puffed.

8. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh thyme leaves, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrients (Per Tart)

• Calories: 120

• Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 4g

• Protein: 3g

The Flaky Perfection of Puff Pastry

The key to these tarts’ texture is the puff pastry, which provides a light, airy, and flaky base. Whether you choose store-bought or homemade puff pastry, it ensures a crisp and delicate texture that perfectly complements the rich and savory fillings. Rolling the puff pastry to about ⅛-inch thickness allows the dough to expand and puff up as it bakes, resulting in that signature flakiness that’s so desirable in any pastry. By cutting out small circles of puff pastry, you create the ideal bite-sized tarts, perfectly suited for individual servings and party platters.

Caramelized Onions: A Sweet and Savory Base

The caramelized onions are an essential component of these tarts, providing a sweet and savory foundation. Slow-cooked to bring out their natural sugars, caramelized onions offer a rich, deep flavor that pairs beautifully with both the goat cheese and fig jam. The sweetness of the onions contrasts perfectly with the tangy richness of the goat cheese and adds a layer of complexity to the tarts. By placing a teaspoon of caramelized onions in the center of each puff pastry circle, you create a savory depth that balances the overall flavor profile of the tarts.

Goat Cheese: Creamy and Tangy Perfection

Goat cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy element to the tarts, creating a smooth contrast to the crunchy puff pastry and the sweet fig jam. The richness of the goat cheese complements the caramelized onions, and its slightly tangy flavor provides a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of the fig jam. You can use plain goat cheese for a straightforward flavor, or opt for herbed goat cheese for an extra layer of complexity. The creaminess of the cheese will slightly melt as it bakes, creating a soft, gooey texture that enhances the overall mouthfeel of the tarts.

Fig Jam: A Sweet and Fragrant Touch

Fig jam is the star ingredient that ties these tarts together, offering a sweet, fruity contrast to the savory components. The sweetness of the fig jam pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese and savory caramelized onions. Its rich, jammy consistency also helps to hold the ingredients in place on the puff pastry, ensuring that each tart is perfectly balanced. The fig jam adds a fragrant depth to the tarts, elevating the flavor profile with its unique, subtle sweetness. By piping the fig jam into the center of the tart before adding the goat cheese, you ensure that each bite is infused with this delightful fruitiness.

The Importance of Egg Wash

Before baking, brushing the puff pastry with a thin layer of egg wash is a simple but essential step that helps create a golden, glossy finish on the tarts. The egg wash ensures that the pastry browns evenly, giving it a beautiful golden hue and a slight crispness on top. Additionally, the egg wash acts as a protective layer, sealing in the flavors of the fillings and ensuring that the puff pastry remains flaky and crisp. Allowing the pastries to refrigerate briefly after applying the egg wash helps to keep the dough firm, ensuring the pastry holds its shape during baking.

Baking to Golden Perfection

The baking process for these tarts is straightforward but requires careful attention to ensure they reach the perfect level of golden crispiness. Pre-baking the puff pastry at 400°F (200°C) for about 12 minutes allows the dough to puff up slightly without becoming too dark. This partial baking gives the pastry a head start before adding the fillings. After adding the fig jam and goat cheese, the tarts are returned to the oven for another 5-8 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the pastry to turn golden brown. The final result is a batch of tarts that are crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, with all the flavors beautifully melded together.

Garnishing with Fresh Thyme

The finishing touch for these tarts is a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves. Thyme adds a hint of herbaceous freshness that cuts through the richness of the goat cheese and fig jam. Its slightly earthy flavor complements the sweetness of the caramelized onions and enhances the overall taste. Garnishing the tarts with fresh thyme also adds a pop of color, making them even more visually appealing. The aromatic scent of the thyme when the tarts are served warm makes them even more inviting, adding an extra layer of elegance to these already stunning appetizers.

Perfect for Parties and Special Occasions

These Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are an excellent choice for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, a holiday dinner, or a casual gathering with friends, these tarts are sure to impress your guests. Their small, bite-sized nature makes them perfect for party platters, allowing guests to enjoy a delicious treat without the need for utensils. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes these tarts versatile and appealing to a wide range of palates. Plus, they’re easy to make in advance, so you can prepare them ahead of time and bake them just before serving, ensuring that they’re fresh and warm when your guests arrive.

A Flavorful Appetizer or Snack

While these tarts are perfect for formal occasions, they’re also great for casual snacking. The rich flavors and crispy pastry make them a satisfying snack to enjoy with a glass of wine or a refreshing cocktail. Their combination of textures — flaky pastry, soft goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and savory onions — makes them a well-rounded snack that offers a little bit of everything. Whether you’re enjoying them as part of a larger meal or as a standalone treat, these tarts are sure to be a hit.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

At 120 calories per tart, these Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are an indulgent but not overly heavy appetizer. With 9g of fat and 4g of saturated fat per tart, they offer a rich and satisfying bite while still being reasonable in portion size. The tarts also provide 3g of protein, making them a well-rounded treat. While they’re a bit higher in carbohydrates (10g per tart), they are also rich in flavor and perfect for a special occasion or indulgent snack.

Conclusion

Goat Cheese and Fig Puff Pastry Tarts are a delicious and visually stunning treat that effortlessly combines savory and sweet elements. With their flaky puff pastry, caramelized onions, creamy goat cheese, and sweet fig jam, these tarts offer a balanced and flavorful bite in every serving. The addition of fresh thyme as a garnish adds an extra touch of elegance, making them perfect for any party or holiday gathering. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, these tarts are a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their appetizer game with a unique and delicious treat.