Description
This Savory Mini Tart Wreath recipe features delicate puff pastry rings filled with a creamy herb-infused cheese blend and topped with colorful fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or party platter centerpiece, these bite-sized tarts combine crispy pastry with smooth cream cheese, zesty Gruyère, and vibrant garnishes for a festive, flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet ready-made puff pastry or shortcrust pastry (approximately 8.8 oz)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Cheese Filling
- 5.3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2.8 oz 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
Topping
- 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
- Prepare Oven and Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the pastry from sticking.
- Cut Pastry Circles and Rings: Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a 2.4-inch round cutter, cut out 24 circles. Then, use a smaller 1-inch cutter to punch out the centers of each circle, creating ring shapes resembling wreaths.
- Arrange and Egg Wash Pastry: Place the pastry rings on the prepared baking tray. Brush each ring lightly with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish when baked.
- Bake Pastry Shells: Bake the pastry rings in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely to ensure the filling does not melt.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Gruyère or mature cheddar, finely chopped chives and parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Fill Tartlet Bases: Transfer the cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip if available, and pipe a generous swirl onto each cooled pastry ring. This will create an attractive and even layer of cheese filling.
- Decorate with Vegetables and Herbs: Top each tartlet with finely diced red and yellow bell peppers, quartered cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and pomegranate seeds if using. Garnish with microgreens or fresh dill to mimic the look of a festive wreath.
- Serve or Refrigerate: Serve the mini tart wreaths immediately for best texture, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to keep them fresh and visually appealing.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, use puff pastry over shortcrust pastry.
- The pomegranate seeds add a sweet tartness and a pop of color, but they are optional.
- Allow pastry to cool completely before adding filling to prevent melting.
- These tartlets are best served the same day but can be refrigerated up to 2 hours before serving.
- Feel free to experiment with different fresh herbs like basil or tarragon for varied flavor.
- Be careful not to overfill the pastry rings to avoid spilling during serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Keywords: mini tart wreath, savory tartlets, puff pastry appetizers, cream cheese tartlets, holiday appetizer, fresh vegetable tartlets, easy party snacks
