Fig and goat cheese together are one of my favorite combinations, and thats why I came up with this fig and goat cheese appetizer. There's something about flaky puff pastry paired with creamy goat cheese and sweet fig jam that just feels like the perfect bite. These fig and goat cheese tarts are one of my favorite appetizers to make because they check all the boxes: they're fast, simple, and always impress.
I love making these for holiday get-togethers, wine nights, brunches, or honestly just because I have extra puff pastry in the freezer and a craving for something cheesy and a little sweet. They're incredibly easy to make and look like they came from a cute little bakery. The goat cheese is creamy and savory with just the right amount of zing, and the fig jam adds a rich sweetness that pairs so perfectly. Using store-bought puff pastry keeps things simple, and it bakes up golden and crisp every time.
Ingredients for these Fig and Goat Cheese Tarts
Puff pastry: I use store-bought puff pastry to keep things easy. It's buttery and bakes up crisp and flaky, which makes the perfect base for this tart.
Goat cheese: Soft goat cheese is tangy, creamy, and balances out the sweetness of the jam beautifully. It also spreads easily when softened.
Thyme: A little thyme adds a lovely savory note that goes so well with the cheese. You can use fresh or dried.
Salt and pepper: Just a little seasoning brings out the flavor of the goat cheese.
Fig jam: This is where the sweet comes in. Fig jam has a deep, rich fruitiness that pairs perfectly with goat cheese.
Egg wash: Brushing the edges of the puff pastry with a beaten egg helps give the tarts that nice golden brown finish.
How to Make Fig and Goat Cheese Tarts
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out your puff pastry just a bit to smooth the creases, then cut it into 24 equal squares.
- Score a small border around each square with a knife (don't cut all the way through) and poke the centers with a fork. This helps keep the middle flat while the edges puff up.
- Place the squares on your baking sheet and brush the edges with egg wash.
- In a bowl, mix the goat cheese with thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spread a bit of the goat cheese mixture in the center of each square, then top with a small spoonful of fig jam.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature.
- These are great just as they are, but I'll share a few ways to change things up in the FAQ section below.
FAQs
Can I make these fig and goat cheese tarts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep them a few hours ahead. Assemble the tarts and keep them in the fridge on a baking sheet. When you're ready to bake, just pop them in the oven. They're best served fresh, but they reheat nicely in a toaster oven too.
What else can I add to these goat cheese appetizers?
There are so many ways to riff on this recipe. Try adding:
- Chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts on top for some crunch
- A drizzle of honey after baking for extra sweetness
- A few arugula leaves added just before serving for a fresh, peppery bite
- Caramelized onions layered under the cheese for extra depth
- Prosciutto for a salty, savory twist
Feel free to get creative with whatever you have on hand.
Can I use something other than goat cheese?
If you're not a fan of goat cheese, you could use cream cheese or ricotta as a milder option. Boursin or herbed cream cheese also work great if you want to keep the savory flavor but tone down the tang.
What kind of fig jam should I use?
Any fig jam will work. You can usually find it near the specialty cheese section at the grocery store. If you want a little more complexity, look for fig preserves that include hints of balsamic or orange.
Do these fig tarts work as a dessert?
They can, especially if you lean into the sweet side. Try skipping the thyme and pepper, adding a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar after baking. Serve them with wine or as part of a dessert cheese board.
Fig and Goat Cheese Tartlets
These Fig and Goat Cheese Tarts are a simple yet elegant appetizer made with buttery puff pastry, creamy herbed goat cheese, and sweet fig jam. Baked until golden and flaky, they're perfect for holiday parties, brunch spreads, or anytime you want a savory-sweet bite that feels a little fancy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 tarts 1x
- Category: appetizer
- Method: baking
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to smooth any creases. Cut into 24 equal squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Use a knife to lightly score a border about ¼ inch from the edge of each square (don't cut all the way through). Then poke the center of each square with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Place the squares on the prepared baking sheets, spacing slightly apart.
- Whisk the egg and water together and brush the edges of each square with the egg wash.
- In a small bowl, mix the goat cheese with thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) in the center of each square.
- Top the cheese with a small dollop of fig jam (about ½ teaspoon).
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed around the edges.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
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These are delicious with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios after baking.
-
For an herby twist, try rosemary or basil in place of thyme.
