Description
Delight in these elegant Fig and Goat Cheese Tarts, featuring flaky puff pastry topped with creamy goat cheese, fresh figs, and a sweet and spicy honey drizzle enhanced by a touch of chili flakes. Perfect as an appetizer, these Mediterranean-inspired tarts offer a balance of rich, sweet, and savory flavors that make for an impressive yet easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Toppings
- 6 fresh figs, sliced
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon honey (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
Other
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape the pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 6 equal rectangles. Place the rectangles on the prepared baking sheet and lightly score a border around each, being careful not to cut all the way through to create a puffed edge during baking.
- Make the cheese mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the tarts: Spread the goat cheese and honey mixture evenly within the borders of each pastry rectangle. Arrange sliced fresh figs evenly on top of the cheese spread.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the beaten egg. This will give the crust a beautiful golden color as it bakes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Finish and serve: Remove the tarts from the oven, then drizzle additional honey over the top. Sprinkle crushed red chili flakes and fresh thyme leaves if using. Serve the tarts warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- For extra richness, add chopped walnuts or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
- These tarts are best enjoyed the same day they are baked to maintain the puff pastry’s crispness.
- If fresh figs are unavailable, dried figs can be rehydrated in warm water and used as a substitute.
