Pin this These Savory Tartlets are delightful mini wreath appetizers that combine a crisp, buttery crust with a creamy cheese and herb filling, adorned with vibrant vegetable garnishes. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive celebration, they bring both elegance and ease to your entertaining table.
Pin this Beyond their delightful appearance, these tartlets offer versatility and convenience. You can bake the tartlet shells in advance to save time on the day of your event, and the piping bag technique adds a professional touch to the filling. The fresh vegetable decorations not only enhance the flavor but also provide a colorful, festive wreath look that guests will admire.
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 flavor, try mixing chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the cheese filling before piping. Preparing the tartlet shells ahead of time and assembling just before serving saves valuable time without compromising freshness or texture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To adapt for non-vegetarians, add toppings like smoked salmon or prosciutto. The recipe is flexible and open to creative twists, including different cheeses or herbs to suit your taste.
Serviervorschläge
These tartlets pair beautifully with a crisp sparkling wine or a light white wine. Serve them at your next gathering as elegant finger food to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Pin this With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these Savory Tartlets provide a festive and tasty appetizer option that’s sure to become a favorite for entertaining. Their eye-catching wreath design and delicious filling bring warmth and cheer to any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pastry works best for these tartlets?
Ready-made puff pastry or shortcrust pastry both create a crisp and buttery base ideal for holding the filling and garnish.
- → Can the cheese herb filling be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be mixed in advance and kept chilled until you're ready to fill the pastry shells.
- → How can I make the tartlets look festive?
Arrange diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and pomegranate seeds on top to resemble a colorful wreath, finishing with microgreens or fresh dill.
- → Are there suitable variations to the filling?
You can enhance the filling by adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra flavor and texture.
- → What is the ideal oven temperature for baking these tartlets?
Bake at 200°C (400°F) until golden and crisp, typically around 10 to 12 minutes.