Save to Pinterest Mini savory tartlets make the perfect festive appetizer, combining a crisp, buttery crust with a creamy cheese and herb filling. These bite-sized wreath-shaped treats are not only visually charming but also a delightful way to bring color and flavor to your holiday gathering or any celebration.
Save to Pinterest The combination of creamy cheese and fresh herbs topped with vibrant diced vegetables makes these tartlets as pleasing to the palate as they are to the eye. Their petite size encourages guests to indulge freely, while the buttery pastry provides just the right crunch.
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 an even flakier crust, chill the pastry before rolling. Ensure the tartlet shells are completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent sogginess. Use a piping bag with a star tip for a decorative swirl, or simply spread the cheese mixture with a spoon for a rustic look.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe can be varied by mixing in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the cheese filling for extra flavor. For a non-vegetarian twist, top with smoked salmon or prosciutto before serving. Adjust the vegetable garnish seasonally to keep the tartlets fresh and colorful.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these savory tartlets as elegant party appetizers paired with a crisp sparkling wine or a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or as a starter to a festive meal.
Save to Pinterest These mini savory tartlets offer a wonderful balance of texture and flavor, making them a go-to recipe for impressing guests with minimal effort. Whether served at a holiday party or a casual get-together, they bring a touch of elegance and festive cheer to any table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pastry works best for these tartlets?
Both ready-made puff pastry and shortcrust pastry are suitable, offering flaky or crumbly textures respectively.
- → Can I prepare the tartlet shells in advance?
Yes, you can bake the tartlet shells ahead and assemble them just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What cheeses are recommended for the filling?
A creamy cheese like cream cheese combined with grated Gruyère or mature cheddar enhances flavor and texture.
- → How should the tartlets be garnished for a festive look?
Use finely diced red and yellow bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, pomegranate seeds, and fresh microgreens or dill to create a colorful wreath effect.
- → Can these be adapted for non-vegetarian preferences?
Yes, adding toppings such as smoked salmon or prosciutto provides a savory variation.
- → What’s the best way to serve these tartlets?
Serve immediately after assembly or keep refrigerated up to two hours to preserve texture and freshness.