Recipes
I’ve got a few parties on the calendar this season that include birthdays, brunches and showers, so adding some new appetizer recipes to my repertoire have been on my mind. I’ve been testing the recipe for these Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts to have on the menu for all that upcoming spring entertaining!
The idea for this easy-to-make appetizer draws on a few of my entertaining toolkit staples like puff pastry, which I always keep in the freezer, creamy rich goat cheese (cheese is a must in my fridge!), and chopped California walnuts — nuts are one of the best things to keep on hand for last minute entertaining. The ingredients are simple, but have such elevated flavors. The elements come together with a drizzle of honey and some fresh thyme for an appetizer that feels special and occasion-worthy!
One of the reasons that these simple ingredients work together to create a really interesting dish is the balance of their flavors and textures. The nutty, crunchy depth of the California walnuts plays off the smooth, creamy goat cheese and buttery flaky pastry; the honey adds just a touch of sweetness and the herbs bring in an earthy component. I love the idea of serving these tarts at a late-brunch/lunch event like a bridal shower; it feels like a snack when cut into small pieces but also hearty enough to hold a bigger spot on a menu.Get the full recipe below:
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Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts.
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves:8 Servings
Ingredients
- Frozen Puff Pastry, thawed
- 1 cup of Goat Cheese
- Salt and Pepper
- 1.5 Tsp. Herbs De Provence
- ½ Cup of California Walnuts, chopped
- Honey
- 1 Egg
- Fresh Thyme Sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut eight 5” circles out of the dough. Use a knife to score a ¼-inch-wide border around each pastry circle.
- Fill the center of each circle with about 2 tablespoons of goat cheese then season with salt, pepper and sprinkle evenly with Herbs de Provence.
- Divide and place chopped walnuts in the center of the goat cheese, and then drizzle the top with honey; repeat for each pastry circle.
- In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with a teaspoon of warm water to create an egg wash; use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash on the outside border of the puff pastry.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until pastry is golden brown. Remove from oven and top with sprigs of fresh thyme and drizzle with additional honey before serving.
Please Note: This posted was created in partnershipwith Better Homes & Gardens and California Walnuts. All recipes, images and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support this site!
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21 Responses to "Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts."
Judy says:May 20, 2019 at 1:17 pm
What type of pan or baking dish can you use besides a tart pan if any?
Reply
- kate says:
May 20, 2019 at 4:10 pm
You can actually just bake these on a baking sheet, they don’t need to be made in a tart pan!
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- Maile H says:
September 17, 2019 at 3:50 pm
I made in a cake pop pan!!
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- kate says:
September 17, 2019 at 4:03 pm
Oh wow, that sounds amazing! How did they turn out?
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- Lucy says:
August 7, 2019 at 10:06 pm
Could you make these and freeze them? Before cooking?
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- kate says:
August 8, 2019 at 12:03 pm
I haven’t tried it yet! I don’t know how well it would work; they might get a little dried out? If you try it let me know!
Reply
- Maureen Gates says:
August 9, 2019 at 1:09 am
I had a girl friend get together today for lunch and made these delicious tarts. Everyone loved them and wanted the recipe. I wished I had taken a picture, they looked as good as yours! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
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- kate says:
August 13, 2019 at 7:10 pm
So glad to hear that!!
Reply
- DeeDee says:
December 28, 2019 at 7:59 pm
Should these be refrigerated while waiting for serving or just covered?
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- kate says:
January 3, 2020 at 7:37 pm
Just covered, they should be served still slightly warm!
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- Sarah says:
July 31, 2020 at 4:59 pm
Could you save the left overs? How would you reserve them?
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- kate says:
July 31, 2020 at 5:25 pm
I don’t think the leftovers would reheat very well, if you’re worried about it being too much food you could definitely cut the recipe in half!
Reply
- Suzanne says:
September 18, 2020 at 8:40 pm
This looks so good! What a perfect sweet, savory, and filling appetizer!
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- Suzanne says:
September 18, 2020 at 8:41 pm
Thanks for sharing! How far ahead of time can I make them?
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- kate says:
September 21, 2020 at 6:41 pm
You could make them a few hours before and just chill them in the fridge before baking.
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- Vanessa Britton says:
September 28, 2020 at 5:55 am
I made these tonight for my husband and I. SO DELICIOUS!!! It might depend on what goat cheese you use but I left mine out to bring to room temp, and since it was so hard and dry, I added heavy whipping cream little by little till I got a nice spreadable paste since I was worried the puff pastry would tear as I was smearing it on. I also don’t think 1/2 cup of walnuts is enough. I would go with 3/4 cup or so just to make sure there is plenty on all.
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- paula says:
October 25, 2020 at 7:58 pm
thinking of adding a teaspoon of fig, or apricot preserves to this
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- kate says:
October 26, 2020 at 12:35 pm
Yum! Love that idea!
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- Pam says:
June 26, 2022 at 9:42 pm
Made for a party; delicious! Everyone raved!
Reply
- kate says:
June 27, 2022 at 12:24 pm
So glad to hear that!!
Reply
- Suzanne says:
October 18, 2023 at 1:57 am
This looks so good ! What a great recipe to make for friends on the weekend!
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