Save These Savory Tartlets are a delightful way to bring a festive touch to any gathering. With their crisp, buttery crusts and colorful, herb-infused fillings, these mini tart wreath appetizers not only look beautiful but offer a satisfying bite perfect for holiday celebrations or casual entertaining. Their ease of preparation and vegetarian-friendly ingredients make them a go-to recipe for sharing with friends and family.
Save This recipe is perfect for those who want to impress with minimal effort. The combination of rich Gruyère or mature cheddar with fresh chives and parsley creates a harmonious balance of flavors, while the bright vegetable garnishes evoke a sense of celebration. Whether served as finger food or part of a plated appetizer selection, these tartlets add charm and taste to your menu.
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 added flavor, try mixing chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the cheese filling. You can bake the tartlet shells ahead of time and assemble them just before serving for convenience. This recipe is straightforward and forgiving, making it ideal for cooks of any skill level.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To adapt this vegetarian recipe for non-vegetarians, add toppings like smoked salmon or prosciutto. You can also swap the cheese with your favorite alternatives or add different fresh herbs according to your preference.
Serviervorschläge
These tartlets pair wonderfully with a crisp sparkling wine or a light white wine, making them an excellent choice for parties or holiday meals. Serve them chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Save With these Savory Tartlets, you bring a festive, flavor-packed appetizer to your table with minimal hassle. Their pretty presentation and delicious taste will surely impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe.
Recipe Guide
- → What pastry works best for these tartlets?
Ready-made puff or shortcrust pastry both provide a crisp, buttery base well-suited for holding the fillings without sogginess.
- → Can the cheese filling be prepared ahead?
Yes, the cheese and herb mixture can be made in advance and chilled, making assembly quick before serving.
- → How do I keep the tartlets crisp after assembly?
Bake and cool the tartlet shells fully before adding the filling and vegetables to maintain crispness.
- → What vegetables pair well as garnishes?
Colorful diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, pomegranate seeds, and fresh herbs like dill or microgreens complement flavors and add festive appeal.
- → Are these tartlets suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they can be enjoyed by vegetarians and easily adapted with plant-based cheeses if desired.
- → Can I prepare the tartlet shells in advance?
Definitely, baking the shells beforehand allows for faster assembly and serving on demand.