Deliciously Easy Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts: The Perfect Holiday Appetizer
Welcome to the most wonderful time of the year! As the crisp autumn air settles and holiday cheer begins to sparkle, it’s time to start planning those festive gatherings and, of course, the incredible food that comes with them. For your upcoming holiday parties, especially Thanksgiving, we’ve crafted an appetizer that promises to be both bright and savory: these exquisite Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts. They are designed to be light and refreshing, ensuring your guests can indulge without spoiling their appetite for the main feast. This recipe is your secret weapon for a memorable and stress-free holiday entertaining season.
The transition from Halloween’s spooky fun to the warmth of Thanksgiving and Christmas truly signals the beginning of the holiday rush. It’s a period filled with family, friends, celebrations, and, undeniably, a lot of cooking and entertaining. This year, we’re particularly thrilled to kick off November with what we believe is the absolute best Thanksgiving appetizer you’ll ever create. It’s an ideal way to set a festive tone without overwhelming your guests before the main course.
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The Ultimate Thanksgiving Kick-off: Our Annual Blogsgiving Dinner
Beyond introducing you to this incredible appetizer, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our third annual Blogsgiving event! This cherished tradition brings together a community of food bloggers, each sharing their favorite Thanksgiving recipes to inspire your holiday menu. It’s a virtual feast, brimming with creative ideas that promise to make your holiday gathering truly special.
Prepare yourself to indulge in an abundance of the best Thanksgiving recipes curated from talented bloggers across the web. This event is designed to immerse you in the joyous spirit of the season, providing a wealth of inspiration for every part of your holiday meal. Just keep scrolling past our recipe for the full roundup of delicious dishes and festive cocktails that will undoubtedly make your mouth water – trust me, you’ll be amazed by the variety and deliciousness awaiting you!
Why These Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts Are a Must-Make
Let me tell you, these cranberry goat cheese tarts are absolutely divine. They strike a perfect balance of flavors, offering a symphony of savory, tangy, acidic, and subtly sweet notes, all enhanced by a hint of fresh herbaceousness. Each bite-sized tart encapsulates the beloved flavors of Thanksgiving, delivering an irresistible burst of tangy deliciousness. The creamy goat cheese provides a luxurious counterpoint to the vibrant cranberry, while the crisp puff pastry base offers a delightful texture.
What makes these tarts truly exceptional is their delicate nature. They are light enough to serve as a perfect starter, whetting your appetite without leaving you feeling too full before the star of the show – that succulent turkey and all its wonderful trimmings. These tarts are not just an appetizer; they are a sophisticated greeting to your holiday meal, a promise of the culinary delights to come.
Effortless Elegance: A 5-Ingredient Appetizer Marvel
Perhaps the best part about these delightful tarts is their incredible simplicity. This elegant appetizer requires just five core ingredients and comes together in hardly any time at all. If you’ve been tasked with bringing an appetizer to Thanksgiving this year, rest assured that this recipe is virtually foolproof. It’s so remarkably easy, yet yields such impressive results, that your family might just think you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. You’re welcome for the culinary magic!
The beauty of a simple ingredient list means less stress and more time enjoying the festivities. With pre-made puff pastry, the foundation is already laid. A good quality cranberry sauce, fresh orange zest, tangy goat cheese, and aromatic fresh thyme are all you need to create a truly gourmet experience with minimal effort. It’s the perfect recipe for both novice and experienced cooks looking to add a touch of sophistication to their holiday spread without the fuss.
If you’re looking for another quick and festive cranberry-themed appetizer, this cranberry jalapeño dip is an absolute must-make. It offers a fantastic blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy, perfect for pairing with crackers or crudités.
Essential Tools for Perfect Tarts
Having the right tools can make all the difference in ensuring your Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts turn out perfectly. Here are a few items I highly recommend:
- A sturdy half sheet baking pan paired with a silicone mat (or parchment paper) is ideal for baking these small tarts, ensuring even cooking and easy cleanup.
- To achieve perfectly uniform rounds for your tart bases, I love using a biscuit cutter set. It allows you to create consistent circles every single time, giving your appetizers a professional finish.
- Finally, for an appealing presentation, consider serving these beautiful tarts on a rustic wood slice serving board. While it might not be the exact one pictured, it will add a lovely, natural touch to your holiday table.
Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts: The Full Recipe
10 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
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Equipment
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Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet
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Biscuit Cutter Set
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Sur La Table Wood Slice Serving Board
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry defrosted
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- Zest of one orange
- 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles
- 2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves chopped
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C).
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Slightly roll out puff pastry sheets with a rolling pin to smooth them out and ensure even thickness. Using a 1 1/2-inch biscuit cutter or cookie cutter, cut out uniform rounds. Carefully place these pastry rounds onto a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart.
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To create a defined border (a “crust”) on each tart, use a smaller biscuit cutter or a small paring knife to gently score a circle just inside the edge of each pastry round. Be careful not to cut all the way through the pastry. Then, lightly prick the inner circle of each pastry round all over with a fork. This prevents the center from puffing up too much during baking.
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Carefully spread 1 to 2 teaspoons of cranberry sauce onto the inner circle of each tart. Follow this by sprinkling a pinch of fresh orange zest and a generous amount of crumbled goat cheese over the cranberry sauce.
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Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed around the edges, and the goat cheese is slightly softened and warm.
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Once baked, remove the tarts from the oven. Immediately sprinkle each one with chopped fresh thyme leaves for an added layer of flavor and a beautiful aromatic garnish. Serve these delicious Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts warm for the best experience.
Appetizer
Explore the Blogsgiving Feast: A Roundup of Thanksgiving Recipes
Every year, Thanksgiving gathers us around the dinner table to share an incredible spread of food and cherished moments. And where do all these amazing recipes come from? Often, from the creative kitchens of food bloggers! Susannah from Feast + West and I are incredibly proud to host our third annual Blogsgiving Dinner. We’ve brought together the absolute best of the best to ensure your holiday feast is nothing short of spectacular.
Discover More Thanksgiving Delights: The Full Blogsgiving Menu
Below, you’ll find an extensive collection of Thanksgiving recipes, perfect for pinning and planning your Turkey Day menu. Each participating blogger has contributed a unique dish or festive cocktail to our virtual party, and we highly encourage you to visit each link to gather fresh ideas and inspiration. We’ll be sharing highlights on social media all week long using the hashtag #blogsgivingdinner, so be sure to follow along!
- Ginger Pumpkin Beer Shandy by Feast + West
- Glühwein/Mulled Wine by Tag&Tibby
- White Chocolate Pumpkin Martini by The Culinary Compass
- Apple Ginger Punch by The Little Epicurean
- Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Dip by Living Well Kitchen
- Sun Dried Tomato & Goat Cheese Spread by Life’s Ambrosia
- Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts by Cake ‘n Knife
- Roasted Butternut Squash Apple Ginger Soup by The Secret Ingredient Is
- Brussels Sprout Salad with Farro and Walnuts by Sugar Dish Me
- Sheet Pan Carrot Soup by Macheesmo
- Twice Baked Parmesan Butternut Squash by A Mind Full Mom
- Twice The Onion Green Bean Casserole by Melanie Makes
- Lightened Up Green Bean Casserole by Dash of Herbs
- Easy Corn Casserole by Love Bakes Good Cakes
- Cranberry Honey Butter by Little Dairy on the Prairie
- Butternut Squash Lasagna by Hello Little Home
- Roasted Mushroom Pot Pie by The Cookie Writer
- Chocolate Pumpkin Fudge by Around My Family Table
- Carrot Cake by bell’alimento
- Praline Pumpkin Upside Down Cake by The Speckled Palate
- Roasted Banana Pecan Cheesecake by Lady Behind The Curtain
- Chai-Spiced Apple Crumble Blondies by The Crumby Cupcake
- Pecan Pie Crumble Bars by A Joyfully Mad Kitchen
- Pecan Pie Milkshake by Brunch-n-Bites
Tips for Success with Your Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts
To ensure your Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts are always a hit, here are some extra tips and considerations:
Variations and Customizations:
- Herbs: While fresh thyme is classic, consider swapping it for rosemary or sage for a different aromatic profile.
- Cheese: If goat cheese isn’t your preference, a soft brie or even a creamy feta could work as an alternative, though the tangy profile would change.
- Cranberry Sauce: Feel free to use homemade cranberry sauce for an extra touch of gourmet flavor. You can also experiment with different fruit preserves like fig jam or apricot preserves for a unique twist.
- Sweetness: A drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze after baking can add another layer of flavor and a beautiful sheen.
- Nutty Crunch: A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts before baking can add a delightful textural element.
Make-Ahead Options:
These tarts are best served warm and fresh, but you can do some prep work in advance:
- Puff Pastry: You can cut out the puff pastry rounds and even score the inner circle the day before. Store them tightly covered in the refrigerator.
- Cranberry Mixture: Mix your cranberry sauce with orange zest ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Assembly: For the freshest taste, assemble and bake the tarts just before your guests arrive.
Storage and Reheating:
Leftover tarts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry crisps up again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Why Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts Are the Ideal Holiday Starter
Choosing the right appetizer for a holiday meal, especially one as grand as Thanksgiving, is crucial. You want something delicious, festive, and easy, but also something that won’t overshadow the main event. These Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts tick all those boxes and more:
- Appetite Preservation: Their light and airy puff pastry base, combined with vibrant flavors, ensures they awaken the palate without being too heavy. This means your guests will still have plenty of room for turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings.
- Festive Appeal: The deep red of the cranberry against the white goat cheese and golden pastry creates a visually stunning appetizer that perfectly complements the holiday aesthetic. The fresh thyme adds a touch of green, making them look incredibly elegant and inviting.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of sweet and savory, tangy and creamy, appeals to a wide range of tastes. Even those who are hesitant about goat cheese often find its flavor mellowed and balanced by the cranberry and orange, making these tarts universally loved.
- Simplicity for the Host: As a host, your time is precious during the holidays. This 5-ingredient, quick-prep, and quick-bake recipe allows you to serve a sophisticated appetizer without adding to your stress. You can truly enjoy your guests and the festivities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts
Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce works beautifully and makes this recipe even quicker. If using whole berry sauce, you might want to give it a quick chop or mash to ensure it spreads easily and doesn’t make the tarts too lumpy.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Many brands now offer gluten-free puff pastry sheets. Simply substitute the regular puff pastry with a gluten-free version, and follow the rest of the recipe as instructed. The flavor profile will remain intact.
How far in advance can I prepare them?
While best served fresh, you can prep components like cutting the pastry and mixing the cranberry sauce a day ahead. For maximum crispness, assemble and bake within an hour or two of serving. If you bake them entirely in advance, they can be gently reheated in the oven, though the pastry might not be as perfectly crisp as when fresh.
What are other serving suggestions for these tarts?
These tarts are versatile! Beyond Thanksgiving, they make fantastic appetizers for Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve, or even a casual brunch. They pair wonderfully with a light sparkling wine or a festive holiday cocktail. For a brunch spread, you could serve them alongside a fruit salad or quiche.
Conclusion: A Season of Flavor and Sharing
These Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts are more than just an appetizer; they are a celebration of holiday flavors, simplicity, and joyous sharing. With their irresistible blend of savory and sweet, vibrant colors, and effortless preparation, they promise to be a standout on any holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a grand Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy gathering, these tarts offer an elegant yet easy start to your culinary festivities. We hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as we do, and that they bring a little extra sparkle to your holiday season. Happy cooking, and happy holidays!