Save These Savory Tartlets are the perfect mini wreath appetizers that bring festive charm and delicious flavors to any gathering. With their crisp, buttery crusts and creamy cheese-herb filling, they offer a delightful bite-sized treat that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. Ideal for holiday celebrations or special occasions, these tartlets are designed to impress your guests with colorful vegetable garnishes that resemble a cheerful, edible wreath.
Save These tartlets combine European flavors with a modern festive twist. The balance of creamy cheese filling and crunchy fresh vegetables creates a satisfying harmony in every bite. They’re great for preparing ahead and assembling just before your guests arrive, making your hosting experience stress-free and enjoyable.
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 an added flavor boost, try mixing chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the cheese filling. You can also bake the tartlet shells in advance and assemble them right before serving to save time. Using a piping bag with a star tip is optional but creates a more elegant presentation for the cheese filling.
Varianten und Anpassungen
The recipe is easily adapted to non-vegetarian preferences by topping the tartlets with smoked salmon or prosciutto. For different tastes, experiment with the cheese by substituting Gruyère or cheddar with other mature cheeses. The vegetable garnish can be customized with seasonal produce or your favorite fresh herbs.
Serviervorschläge
These savory tartlets pair wonderfully with a crisp sparkling wine or a light white wine to complement their buttery and herbaceous flavors. Serve them as a festive starter or as part of a holiday buffet for a memorable presentation.
Save With these simple steps and fresh ingredients, your mini savory tartlets will stand out as a festive and tasty appetizer that delights both the eyes and palate. Enjoy creating and sharing these charming bites at your next celebration!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pastry works best for the tartlets?
Ready-made puff pastry or shortcrust pastry both create a crisp and buttery shell ideal for these tartlets.
- → How can I shape the wreath pattern on the tartlets?
Cut out 6 cm circles from rolled pastry, then punch out smaller 2.5 cm centers to form rings resembling wreaths.
- → Can these tartlets be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can bake the tartlet shells ahead and assemble with filling and garnish just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What garnishes enhance the festive look of these tartlets?
Diced red and yellow bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, pomegranate seeds, and microgreens or dill create a colorful, wreath-like presentation.
- → Is it possible to customize the filling?
Absolutely. Adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or substituting cheese with smoked salmon or prosciutto can add new flavor dimensions.