Savory Cheese Tarts
Savory cheese tarts feature a flaky crust filled with a rich mixture of cheeses, sour cream, and onions, offering a delightful savory bite. Perfect for appetizers or brunch, they appeal to cheese lovers and those seeking a flavorful, satisfying snack or starter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shortening ⓘ
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon margarine ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 2 egg yolks ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Combine flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a mixing bowl; cut in shortening and cream cheese thoroughly with a pastry blender.
- Sprinkle with water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the flour mixture is moistened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, ensure your shortening and cream cheese are very cold before mixing. If you’re out of shortening, you can substitute with butter or margarine, but keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly. Adding a touch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, consider using spinach or mushrooms in place of the onions.
Serving Suggestions
These savory cheese tarts make a delightful appetizer or snack. Serve them warm alongside a fresh salad, such as a Snow Flake Salad, for a light meal. They also pair beautifully with a glass of white wine, enhancing the flavors of the cheeses. For a more filling option, consider serving them with a side of roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. This helps maintain the crispness of the crust, ensuring they taste freshly baked.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Cheese Tarts contains roughly 492 calories, with 20g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2134mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to use, simply roll it out and continue with the recipe. This can save you time on busy days and helps the flavors develop even further.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute that will provide a similar tangy flavor and creaminess. Alternatively, you can mix equal parts of cream cheese and milk to achieve a similar consistency and taste.
Can these tarts be frozen?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked tarts. Just prepare them up to the point of filling, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).