Cheese Pastry Tarts
Delicate cheese pastry tarts with a buttery crust and sweet jam filling, perfect for elegant tea parties or as a delightful appetizer for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut cream cheese and butter into flour until very fine.
- Form the dough into a ball and chill in the refrigerator for two hours.
- Roll the chilled dough out on a floured surface.
- Cut the dough into 3-inch circles.
- Place 1/2 teaspoon of jam or marmalade filling in the center of each circle.
- Dip your fingertip in water and wet the edge of each circle.
- Fold each circle in half and seal the edges with a fork.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier pastry, ensure your butter and cream cheese are very cold. If you don't have cream cheese, mascarpone can be a good substitute. For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the dough. You can use any fruit preserves you have on hand, such as raspberry or apricot, for the filling. To make the process easier, try using a round cookie cutter instead of a knife.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese pastry tarts are perfect for a brunch spread or as a delightful snack. Serve them warm alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with a sweet fruit compote or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more savory twist, consider serving them with Stilton-Stuffed Mushrooms as part of a larger appetizer platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place the tarts in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Pastry Tarts contains roughly 393 calories, with 8g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these cheese pastry tarts?
Yes, these tarts freeze well. After baking and cooling, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat as directed.
What types of fillings can I use?
You can use any jam or marmalade you prefer, such as strawberry, blueberry, or orange marmalade. For a unique twist, try nut butters or chocolate spread. Just make sure the filling isn't too runny to avoid soggy pastry.
How do I ensure my pastry is flaky?
To achieve a flaky pastry, avoid overworking the dough once the flour is added. Mix just until combined, and keep the butter cold. Chilling the dough before rolling out will also help maintain its flakiness during baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).