If you want a quick, elegant appetizer, these apricot goat cheese puff pastry tarts are an ideal choice. They take under 10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to bake, so you can have a beautiful, crowd-pleasing appetizer ready in under 30 minutes. Light, flaky puff pastry meets tangy goat cheese, sweet apricot jam, crunchy walnuts and a finishing drizzle of hot honey for a perfect balance of flavors.
My love for apricot jam goes way back and it adds a bright, fruity contrast to the creamy goat cheese. These tarts are simple to assemble and can be customized easily to suit different tastes.
This easy appetizer combines tangy goat cheese, sweet jam, and spicy-sweet hot honey for an irresistible bite. Serve them warm on a platter for parties, family gatherings, or a relaxed night in.
Other party favorites to try include cranberry honey whipped ricotta, bacon-wrapped stuffed dates, and puff pastry brie bites.
Why we love these goat cheese puff pastry tarts
Puff pastry makes everything feel special. While puff pastry brie bites have been a longtime favorite, these apricot and goat cheese tarts offer a fresh flavor profile that’s just as simple to prepare.
Highlights:
- Requires only a few simple ingredients
- About 5–10 minutes of hands-on prep
- Easy to customize with different jams, herbs, or cheeses
- Perfect as a party appetizer or elegant snack
Make them for a cozy appetizer spread at home or batch them for your next gathering — they suit any occasion.
Ingredients notes
The full ingredient list with exact amounts is in the recipe card below.
- Puff pastry: Sheet sizes vary by brand. I used Pepperidge Farm — one sheet yields nine tarts of roughly 3.5″ x 3.25″. If you use a larger sheet, you can cut it into twelve pieces and adjust the filling. You can also use homemade puff pastry if you prefer.
- Apricot jam: Apricot is lovely here, but feel free to substitute blueberry, fig, cranberry or another favorite jam. Each will pair well with soft cheese.
- Hot honey or regular honey: Hot honey gives a pleasant spicy-sweet finish; regular honey works fine if you prefer no heat.
Ways to vary this recipe
- Try different jams: Fig, wild blueberry, cranberry or mixed-fruit preserves all work beautifully.
- Swap the herbs: Rosemary, oregano, or finely chopped chives are tasty alternatives to thyme.
- Egg wash: Brushing the edges with a beaten egg adds a glossy finish if you want a more polished look.
- Change the cheese: If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, use cream cheese, ricotta, or crumbled feta for a different texture and flavor.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Roll out thawed puff pastry and cut into 9 equal pieces (or 12 if using a longer sheet). Place pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and score a 1/2″ border around each square to help create a raised edge.
Step 2: Spread softened goat cheese into the center of each pastry square, staying inside the scored border.
Step 3: Spoon apricot jam over the goat cheese and sprinkle with chopped walnuts for crunch.
Step 4: Bake 15–20 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden and puffed. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with thyme leaves and finish with a light drizzle of hot honey. Allow to cool a few minutes before serving.
Recipe tips
Make ahead: Assemble the tarts and refrigerate on the baking sheet for up to 3 days; bake when ready. Chilling for 30 minutes before baking helps maintain the edge.
Egg wash: For a glossy finish, whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water and brush the edges before baking.
Storage and reheating
These tarts are best enjoyed fresh from the oven for maximum flakiness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
You can freeze baked tarts for up to 3 months: cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and thaw before reheating. For best texture, reheat from thawed.
To reheat: bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes covered loosely with foil, or warm for a few minutes in an air fryer at 350°F. Microwaving is possible but will soften the pastry and reduce crispness.
Other appetizer recipes
Appetizers
Simple Cranberry Brie Crostini
Appetizers
Marinated Mozzarella Tomato Basil Skewers
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Appetizers
Puff Pastry Brie Bites
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Apricot Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry dough
- ⅓ cup apricot jam
- 3-4 oz goat cheese, softened
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 Tbsp thyme leaves
- hot honey, for drizzling
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 400°F.
-
Roll out thawed puff pastry and cut into 9 (or 12) pieces. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and score a 1/2″ border around each square.
-
Spread softened goat cheese in the center of each square.
-
Top with a spoonful of apricot jam and sprinkle with chopped walnuts. Optionally brush edges with an egg wash for a glossy finish.
-
Bake 15–20 minutes until golden. Finish with thyme leaves and a drizzle of hot honey. Cool briefly before serving.
Notes
Egg wash: Whisk one egg with 1 Tbsp water and brush the edges for shine.
Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Freeze baked tarts up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes covered loosely with foil, or re-crisp in an air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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