The Art of Perfect Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlet Creation

Perfect Pastry Shell Formation

Master the technique of creating delicate, flaky pastry cups with proper structure.

Pumpkin Filling Excellence

Learn the skill of creating smooth, creamy pumpkin filling with perfect spice balance.

Goat Cheese Layer Perfection

Perfect the method of achieving smooth, tangy cheese layer that complements pumpkin.

Flavor Layering Technique

Master the art of balancing earthy, tangy, sweet, and herbal flavors harmoniously.

Elegant Presentation Strategy

Learn optimal garnishing techniques for maximum visual appeal and flavor impact.

Elegant Tartlet Mastery Secrets for Perfect Pumpkin & Goat Cheese Harmony

Pastry Success: Keep puff pastry cold while working to ensure flaky, crispy shells.

Filling Balance: Don't overfill shells - leave small space at top to prevent overflow during baking.

Cheese Temperature: Soften goat cheese to room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing.

Pumpkin Quality: Use fresh roasted pumpkin or quality canned puree for best flavor results.

Timing Strategy: Tartlets can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.

Presentation Touch: Add honey drizzle and fresh herbs just before serving for maximum visual impact.

Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets with Honey Drizzle and Fresh Herbs

Name: Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets with Honey Drizzle and Fresh Herbs
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 24 mini tartlets
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: For the Pastry Shells:; 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed; 1 egg, beaten for egg wash; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for dusting; 1 tablespoon butter, melted; For the Pumpkin Filling:; 2 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon salt; For the Goat Cheese Layer:; 8 ounces fresh goat cheese, softened; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; For the Seasoning:; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; For the Caramelized Onions:; 1 large sweet onion, finely diced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; For the Finishing Touches:; 3 tablespoons honey for drizzling; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced; Flaky sea salt

Elegant mini tartlets featuring creamy pumpkin filling, tangy goat cheese, and flaky pastry shells, finished with honey and fresh herbs. These sophisticated appetizers combine the earthy sweetness of roasted pumpkin with the luxurious tang of goat cheese, creating an unforgettable bite-sized masterpiece that elevates autumn entertaining to extraordinary heights perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or any time you crave the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors in elegant presentation.

Prep Time

25 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

55 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Pastry Shells:

2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed

1 egg, beaten for egg wash

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for dusting

1 tablespoon butter, melted

For the Pumpkin Filling:

2 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt

For the Goat Cheese Layer:

8 ounces fresh goat cheese, softened

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Seasoning:

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Caramelized Onions:

1 large sweet onion, finely diced

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

For the Finishing Touches:

3 tablespoons honey for drizzling

2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced

Flaky sea salt

For the Garnish:

1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced

Edible flowers (optional)

Microgreens for decoration

For the Enhancement:

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Freshly cracked black pepper

For Special Equipment:

Mini muffin tin or tartlet pans

3-inch round cookie cutter

Pastry brush

Piping bag or spoon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare mini muffin tins with butter.

Roll out puff pastry on floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness.

Cut pastry into rounds using 3-inch cookie cutter for tartlet shells.

Press pastry rounds into mini muffin cups, creating small cups.

Prick bottom of each pastry shell with fork to prevent puffing.

Brush pastry shells with beaten egg wash for golden finish.

Bake empty shells for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden and set.

Meanwhile, sauté diced onions in butter and olive oil until caramelized.

Add balsamic vinegar to onions and cook until deeply golden brown.

Combine pumpkin puree, heavy cream, eggs, and spices in bowl.

Whisk pumpkin mixture until smooth and well combined throughout.

Add vanilla extract and maple syrup to pumpkin filling mixture.

Beat goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and lemon zest until creamy.

Remove par-baked shells from oven and let cool slightly.

Spoon small amount of caramelized onions into each tartlet shell.

Add layer of goat cheese mixture on top of caramelized onions.

Carefully spoon pumpkin filling over goat cheese layer to near top.

Return filled tartlets to oven and bake 15-18 minutes until set.

Remove tartlets from oven when filling is just set but still creamy.

Let tartlets cool in pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing.

Drizzle warm tartlets with honey while still slightly warm.

Sprinkle with fresh thyme, rosemary, and flaky sea salt.

Top with toasted pecans and fresh chives for elegant finish.

Serve warm or at room temperature as sophisticated appetizers.

Garnish with microgreens and edible flowers just before serving presentation.

Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets with Honey Drizzle and Fresh Herbs

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Perfect Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlet Creation

Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets with Honey Drizzle and Fresh Herbs

Ingredients

Instructions