December 19, 2014

Pear, Walnut and Goat Cheese Tart

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This easy pear, walnut and goat cheese tart is perfect for holiday parties and entertaining! With a puff pastry crust, caramelized pears, cheese and nuts, it makes for a delicious simple appetizer. Vegetarian.

A white plate with a slice of Pear Goat Cheese Tart and a fork to the side.

Note: This recipe is NOT dairy free. It was published before Cook Nourish Bliss transitioned to dairy free recipes and remains popular with long time readers. You can try using substitutions to make it dairy free, however I have not tested this myself and can’t say how it will turn out.

We’re taking a quick little break from all the sugar today.

Because as much as I love holiday baking (all the cookies, please!), I also have a thing for holiday appetizers.

Especially when cheese is involved. 

And according to my rules for christmas (and really all) entertaining, there must (must!) be appetizers with cheese. In addition to a cheese plate. I told you I like cheese.

Bonus points if you put the cheese on top of a buttery tart. Hard to go wrong, no?

A baking sheet with a full Pear and Goat Cheese Tart.

One of my favorite topping combinations for pizza is sliced pears, walnuts and goat cheese over a dough that’s been brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with some mozzarella. It’s so simple yet so ridiculously good.

So I took it one step further and used that same combo on top of flaky, butter-filled puff pastry. And I caramelized the pears with some brown sugar and cinnamon. It was just begging to be done.

All leading to an appetizer that is easy, doesn’t have a lot of prep, and yet is irresistibly good.

One last little suggestion.

If you can, spring for the all butter puff pastry at the store. It is just light years better when you go for the kind with all butter.

A slice of Pear Walnut Tart on a white plate with a fork.

Additional Appetizer Recipes You Might Enjoy:

Did you make this recipe? Rate and review it down below! I’d love to hear from you.

Pear, Walnut and Goat Cheese Tart | cookiemonstercooking.com

Pear, Walnut and Goat Cheese Tart

Yield: about 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

This easy pear, walnut and goat cheese tart is perfect for holiday parties and entertaining! With a puff pastry crust, caramelized pears, cheese and nuts, it makes for a delicious simple appetizer. Vegetarian.

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
  • olive oil, for brushing

For the topping:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 medium pears, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup raw walnuts, chopped
  • 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

Instructions

For the crust:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle lightly with flour.
  2. Set the puff pastry on the baking sheet and roll out to about ¼ inch in thickness. Brush the pastry lightly all over with the olive oil.
  3. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and puffy. Remove from the oven and carefully press down the center of the pastry a little bit (leaving a sort of border around the edge), so the topping has a place to sit (it will be hot - so don’t use your hands!).

For the topping:

  1. Meanwhile, set a medium skillet over medium heat. Add in the butter. When melted, add in the pears, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pears are tender and caramelized a bit. Remove from the heat.
  2. Sprinkle the baked tart crust with the mozzarella cheese, then top with the cooked pears, the walnuts and goat cheese.
  3. Return to the oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is deep golden brown.
  4. Slice into squares and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 180Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 131mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 2gSugar: 6gProtein: 6g

Nutrition data shown is an estimate provided by an online calculator and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for a medical professional’s advice.

© Ashley / Cook Nourish Bliss
Cuisine: American / Category: Appetizers
Appetizers, Recipes (ALL), Seasonal, Thanksgiving, Vegetarian
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