Pin It These Savory Tartlets are perfect mini appetizers that bring together a crisp, buttery crust and a luscious, creamy cheese filling, topped with fresh, colorful vegetables. Their festive wreath shape makes them ideal for entertaining or holiday gatherings, where bite-sized elegance meets vibrant flavor.
Pin It Fresh herbs combined with creamy cheese create a smooth and flavorful filling that pairs wonderfully with the crisp pastry base. The colorful vegetable garnishes add both texture and visual appeal, making these tartlets stand out on any appetizer platter.
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 flavors, consider mixing in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the cheese filling. To save time during busy gatherings, bake the tartlet shells ahead and assemble the filling and garnishes just before serving.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is vegetarian but can be adapted easily: add smoked salmon or prosciutto on top for a non-vegetarian twist. You can also experiment with different cheeses such as goat cheese or blue cheese for varied taste profiles.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these tartlets as elegant finger food, perfect alongside a crisp sparkling wine or a light white wine. They make an attractive addition to holiday parties and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Pin It With simple ingredients and easy steps, these savory tartlets elevate your appetizer offerings with minimal effort and maximum festivity. Enjoy the balance of creamy, crispy, and fresh flavors in every bite as you celebrate special occasions or casual get-togethers.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pastry works best for tartlets?
Ready-made puff pastry or shortcrust pastry both provide a crisp and buttery base suitable for these tartlets.
- → Can I prepare the tartlet shells in advance?
Yes, tartlet shells can be baked ahead of time and assembled just before serving to maintain crispness.
- → How can I adjust the filling for extra flavor?
Mixing in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives enhances the cheese and herb filling with added depth.
- → What garnishes create the festive wreath look?
Diced red and yellow peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, pomegranate seeds, and microgreens are arranged to resemble a wreath.
- → Are there alternative toppings for non-vegetarian options?
Smoked salmon or prosciutto can be added atop the creamy filling for a non-vegetarian variation.