If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet surprisingly simple appetizer, these Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts will absolutely win you over. Flaky, buttery puff pastry forms the perfect base for creamy, tangy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of honey—every bite is like a cozy, grown-up treat you’ll want to revisit all year long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant with Minimal Effort: These Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts look like they came from a French bakery, but you only need a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes from start to finish!
- Perfect Flavor Balance: Tangy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and sweet honey create the ultimate sweet-savory bite in every tart.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve them warm as an appetizer, a brunch treat, or even alongside a fresh salad for lunch—trust me, they disappear fast at gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These charming tarts are guaranteed to have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds)…you’ve been warned!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts is that the ingredient list is short but oh-so purposeful. Each component brings something special—the puff pastry bakes up into golden, crisp layers, while the goat cheese and walnuts create irresistible creaminess and crunch.
- Frozen Puff Pastry, thawed: Your secret shortcut to flaky, bakery-style tarts with zero stress. Let it thaw in the fridge until soft and pliable.
- Goat Cheese: Use a good-quality, soft goat cheese for tang and creaminess in every bite.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that wake up all the flavors—don’t skip them!
- Herbs De Provence: This fragrant blend of herbs (like thyme, rosemary, and lavender) brings a sunny French twist.
- California Walnuts, chopped: For crunch and a mild, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with cheese and honey.
- Honey: A drizzle on top balances all that tang with the perfect touch of sweetness.
- Egg: Mixed with a splash of water to make an egg wash that guarantees golden, glossy pastry edges.
- Fresh Thyme Sprigs: Optional, but so pretty and adds a bright herbal note when you garnish just before serving.
Variations
Once you see how easy and irresistible these tarts are, you’ll want to personalize them for your crowd! Here are a few ideas—feel free to let your cravings and creativity lead the way for your next batch of Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts.
- Try Different Cheeses: Swap out goat cheese for ricotta, feta, or even blue cheese to suit your taste buds or guests.
- Add Fruit Flavor: A few thin slices of fresh pear or fig layered under the cheese takes these tarts to a whole new level.
- Go Herbaceous: Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary, parsley, or chives on top for an extra burst of color and freshness.
- Make It Vegan: Use plant-based puff pastry and vegan cheese alternatives, and skip the egg wash—brush with non-dairy milk instead.
How to Make Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts
Step 1: Prep the Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). Unfold your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out to smooth the seams. Using a cookie cutter or a sharp knife, cut out eight 5-inch circles—these will be the golden, flaky bases for your Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts. Don’t forget to score a ¼-inch border around each circle with a knife to help the edges rise and frame the filling beautifully.
Step 2: Fill and Flavor
Place your pastry circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Fill each center with about two tablespoons of goat cheese, then season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle a generous pinch of Herbs de Provence over the cheese—it’s the secret to that lovely, aromatic flavor. Top the cheese with chopped California walnuts, dividing them evenly for just the right amount of crunch in every tart.
Step 3: Drizzle and Glaze
Now for that irresistible honey drizzle! Spoon a little honey over each tart, letting it seep into the cheese and walnuts for next-level deliciousness. In a separate bowl, whisk together one egg with a teaspoon of warm water. Brush this egg wash onto the outside border of each pastry circle—that way, your Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts bake up with gorgeously golden, crisp edges.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
Bake the tarts for about 20 minutes, until the pastry is gloriously puffed and deep golden brown. Remove from the oven and, while they’re still warm, top each tart with a fresh sprig of thyme and a final drizzle of honey for shine and flavor. Serve immediately, while the cheese is creamy and the pastry is at its flakiest!
Pro Tips for Making Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts
- Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Work quickly with the pastry and keep any extra dough chilled—cold pastry puffs up better and prevents soggy bottoms.
- Fluffy Goat Cheese: For extra-creamy filling, let your goat cheese sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and give it a quick whip before spreading.
- Uniform Circles: Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a bowl for neat, uniform pastry circles that bake evenly.
- Generous Honey Drizzle: Don’t be shy with the honey on top—add a little extra right before serving for maximum shine and a sweet finish!
How to Serve Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, garnish your Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts with sprigs of fresh thyme and an extra drizzle of golden honey. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few pink peppercorns can also add a pop of color and a little extra sparkle—it’s the small touches that make these feel extra-special.
Side Dishes
These tarts make a wonderful starter alongside a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette, or pair them with a bowl of soup for a comforting lunch. For brunch, serve next to fruit salad or roasted vegetables for something truly memorable!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the tarts stacked on a rustic wooden board, arranged in a circle for sharing, or plated individually with a swirl of honey and scattered nuts for a restaurant-style look. For cocktail parties, slice each tart into quarters and present them as bite-sized hors d’oeuvres that guests can grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store your Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll still be delicious chilled—perfect for snacking straight from the fridge (no judgment!).
Freezing
To freeze, let the baked tarts cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and pop into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Refresh leftover Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again. This brings back that just-baked magic, so every bite is flaky and delicious.
FAQs
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Can I make Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the tarts (minus the egg wash) a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge. When ready to bake, brush on the egg wash and pop them in the oven—this way, they’ll be fresh and puffed just in time to serve.
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Can I substitute a different nut for walnuts?
Absolutely. Try pecans, pistachios, or even almonds for a different crunch and flavor—just be sure to chop them finely so they nestle into the cheese nicely.
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Is it possible to make these tarts gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free puff pastry or your favorite gluten-free tart dough. The rich fillings will work beautifully with most crusts!
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Do Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts have to be served warm?
While these tarts are especially lovely served warm for maximum creaminess, they’re also delicious at room temperature, making them ideal for parties and buffets.
Final Thoughts
Ready to wow your friends and family? These Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts are pure edible joy—golden, fancy-looking, and effortless. Pour a glass of wine, gather around, and dig in. I can’t wait for you to try them!
Print
Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts. Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 8 Servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts are a delightful combination of flaky puff pastry filled with creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of honey. Perfect for a savory appetizer or a light lunch, these tarts are easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- Frozen Puff Pastry, thawed
Filling:
- 1 cup Goat Cheese
- Salt and Pepper
- 1.5 tsp Herbs De Provence
- 1/2 cup California Walnuts, chopped
- Honey
Finishing Touches:
- 1 Egg
- Fresh Thyme Sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Prepare pastry: Roll out puff pastry and cut eight 5” circles. Score a 1/4-inch border around each circle.
- Add filling: Spread goat cheese in the center of each circle. Season with salt, pepper, and Herbs de Provence. Add chopped walnuts and drizzle with honey.
- Brush with egg wash: Whisk egg with water to create a wash. Brush the border of the pastry with the egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown. Top with thyme sprigs and honey before serving.
Notes
- For a sweeter version, try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
- These tarts can be served warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Tart
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
