Save These Savory Tartlets are perfect bite-sized appetizers that blend a crisp, buttery crust with a creamy cheese and herb filling, topped with vibrant vegetable garnishes. Ideal for holiday celebrations or casual entertaining, their festive wreath shape adds charm and color to any party table.
Save The combination of creamy cheese and sharp Gruyère paired with fresh herbs brings a delightful savory depth, while the pastry delivers a satisfying crunch. These tartlets can be made ahead by baking the shells in advance, making them a convenient and elegant choice for hosts.
Ingredients
- Tartlet Shells
- 1 sheet (about 250 g) ready-made puff pastry or shortcrust pastry
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Cheese & Herb Filling
- 150 g cream cheese, softened
- 80 g grated Gruyère or mature cheddar
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable Garnish
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, finely diced
- 6 cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional)
- Microgreens or fresh dill, to garnish
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- 2. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3 mm thickness. Using a 6 cm round cutter, cut out 24 circles. Use a smaller cutter (about 2.5 cm) to punch out the centers, forming wreath shapes.
- 3. Arrange the pastry rings on the prepared tray. Brush lightly with beaten egg.
- 4. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove and let cool completely.
- 5. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, grated Gruyère, chives, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- 6. Transfer the cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (optional) and pipe a generous swirl onto each cooled tartlet base.
- 7. Decorate each tartlet with diced peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, pomegranate seeds, and microgreens or dill to resemble a festive wreath.
- 8. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until serving (up to 2 hours for best texture).
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For enhanced flavor, consider incorporating chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the cheese filling. This adds a pleasant savory punch and variety to the classic filling.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To prepare ahead, bake the tartlet shells in advance and assemble just before serving to maintain their crispness. For those who prefer a non-vegetarian option, smoked salmon or prosciutto make delicious toppings that complement the cheese base.
Serviervorschläge
These tartlets pair beautifully with a crisp sparkling wine or a light, refreshing white wine, enhancing the flavors and making them perfect accompaniments for celebrations and gatherings.
Save Enjoy crafting these charming mini tart wreaths that bring both elegance and festive spirit to any table, impressing guests with their delicate textures and fresh flavors.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pastry works best for the tartlets?
Puff pastry or shortcrust pastry both create a buttery, crisp shell ideal for these tartlets.
- → Can the cheese filling be made ahead?
Yes, the cheese and herb filling can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
- → How do I achieve the wreath shape for each tartlet?
Cut circles with a larger cutter and remove centers using a smaller one to form a ring resembling a wreath.
- → What are some good garnishes for these mini tarts?
Diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, pomegranate seeds, and fresh microgreens or dill make colorful and fresh toppings.
- → Can these tartlets be stored before serving?
Yes, bake the shells ahead and assemble just before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.
- → Are there options to make this dish non-vegetarian?
Adding smoked salmon or prosciutto on top provides a savory non-vegetarian variation.