Recipes

Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts.

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
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Divide and place chopped walnuts in the center of the goat cheese, and then drizzle the top with honey; repeat for each pastry circle.
  5. 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.
  6. 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 partnership with Better Homes & Gardens and California Walnuts. All recipes, images and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support this site!