Welcome to the world of irresistible, flaky, and deeply flavorful Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts. This French-inspired treat brings together tangy goat cheese, creamy honey, and crunchy walnuts all nestled in golden puff pastry. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or simply indulge in a savory snack, these tarts combine elegance with effortless preparation. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty goodness, making Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts an instant favorite for anyone who craves something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how just a handful of kitchen staples transform into something so sophisticated. Each ingredient in Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts plays a role in the taste, from the creamy cheeses to the aromatic herbs and crunchy nuts.
- Puff Pastry: Delivers that buttery, flaky crust that acts as the perfect vessel for our flavorful filling.
- Goat Cheese: The star component, providing tangy richness that pairs beautifully with both honey and walnuts.
- Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and helps create an ultra-smooth filling.
- Honey: Balances the tanginess with gentle sweetness and brings a glossy finish when drizzled on top.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: Every tart needs a hint of fresh herbal brightness—thyme delivers just that.
- Black Pepper: Offers subtle warmth that rounds out the cheesy mixture with just a dash of spice.
- Chopped Walnuts: Adds a crunchy texture and earthiness to offset the creamy filling.
- Egg (for egg wash): Gives the pastry edges that beautiful golden color and shine when baked.
How to Make Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F and get ready by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll the thawed puff pastry to smooth out any creases and ensure even thickness. Slice the sheet into six equal rectangles; these will form the lovely base of your Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts. Place the rectangles on the lined sheet, giving them enough space to puff up as they bake.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, fresh thyme leaves, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is velvety smooth and flecked with herbs. This rich and creamy filling is the heart of your Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts, infusing every bite with a blend of tangy, floral, and subtly sweet flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Tarts
Spoon a generous dollop of the cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry rectangle, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. The key is not to overfill so the pastry has room to rise. Scatter the chopped walnuts over the cheesy centers—trust me, the contrast between the crunchy nuts and the luscious filling is completely dreamy.
Step 4: Seal and Bake
Lightly brush the puff pastry edges with the beaten egg. This egg wash guarantees that trademark glossy, golden rim that makes Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts so visually tempting. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until each tart is gloriously puffed and browned.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
The moment the tarts emerge, while still warm on the tray, drizzle them with an extra flourish of honey. This touch melts into the cheese, creating glistening, sweet ribbons. You can serve these tarts straight from the oven or at room temperature—either way, they disappear fast!
How to Serve Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra fresh thyme leaves, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or a little zest of lemon on top to accentuate both the savory and sweet notes within your Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts. If you’re feeling extra festive, a few microgreens add a fresh, colorful flair.
Side Dishes
Pair these tarts with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette for a beautiful contrast, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal. For a heartier brunch, add a handful of sliced fresh figs or pears—their sweetness partners perfectly with the creamy richness of the tart.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the tarts into smaller squares for an elegant finger-food version, or pile them artfully onto a rustic wooden board surrounded by bowls of marinated olives and sun-dried tomatoes. For extra charm, serve Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts with a honey dipper on the side, encouraging guests to drizzle to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, and the flavors almost seem to deepen after a night’s rest.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your tarts, let them cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to one month. When you crave that flaky, cheesy comfort, your Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts will be ready!
Reheating
To reheat, place the tarts on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until thoroughly warmed and the pastry regains its crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can turn the puff pastry soggy—oven reheating does the magic.
FAQs
Can I make Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts ahead of time?
Certainly! You can assemble the tarts a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated on the baking sheet (just cover with plastic wrap). Bake them fresh just before your guests arrive for that just-out-of-the-oven magic.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If walnuts aren’t your favorite, try chopped pecans, toasted almonds, or even hazelnuts. Each offers a slightly different flavor profile while still lending that all-important crunch to your Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts.
Can I use flavored goat cheese?
Absolutely! Flavored goat cheeses, like those studded with herbs or pepper, can add an extra depth of flavor. Just adjust the amount of additional thyme or pepper to suit your taste so your Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts remain beautifully balanced.
How can I make these tarts gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free puff pastry in specialty or health food stores. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so a pastry swap is all it takes to make Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts gluten-friendly.
Are these tarts best served warm or cold?
While there’s nothing like a warm Goat Cheese and Walnut Tart straight from the oven, they’re equally delightful at room temperature. This makes them perfect for prepping ahead or packing into a picnic basket!
Final Thoughts
If you love a dish that feels special yet fits into even your busiest weekdays, Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts are your new best friend. Give them a try and see just how easy it is to bring a touch of French-inspired elegance to your own kitchen!
Print
Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 6 tarts
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts are a delightful blend of creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of honey, all nestled in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for a fancy appetizer or a light lunch option.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface, cut into 6 rectangles, and place on the baking sheet.
- Make the cheese mixture: Mix goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, thyme, and black pepper until smooth.
- Assemble: Spread cheese mixture on each pastry rectangle, sprinkle with walnuts, brush edges with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish: Drizzle with honey and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- These tarts pair well with slices of pear or fig.
- For a savory twist, omit the honey and add a sprinkle of sea salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
