Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Tartlets

These mini roasted beet and goat cheese tartlets have become my go-to starter for festive gatherings and casual brunches alike Their crisp buttery pastry meets creamy tangy cheese and earthy sweet beets in every bite making them irresistible for guests and so easy to pull off even at the last minute

I first made a giant batch for a neighborhood holiday party and they vanished before I even set down the serving tray Now my friends always ask me to bring them whenever we gather in the winter months

Ingredients

• Sheet of puff pastry: creates a flaky buttery shell look for pastry that feels flexible and is free from frost if frozen
• Roasted beets: offer deep earthy flavor and beautiful color choose beets that are firm and have smooth skin for the best texture and easiest peeling
• Goat cheese: adds tangy creaminess and pairs perfectly with beets opt for soft fresh chèvre for smoothest spreading
• Fresh thyme: offers a hint of woodsy brightness pick sprigs with tender green leaves for best aroma
• Salt and black pepper: season everything simply and balance sweet and tangy elements use freshly cracked pepper for more intense flavor

Instructions

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and smooth out any creases Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter cut the pastry into equal-sized small squares each about two inches across Gently separate and transfer the squares to a parchment-lined baking sheet leaving an inch of space between them so they can puff up evenly

Build the Tartlets:

Working one at a time use a small spoon to dollop about a teaspoon of goat cheese into the center of each pastry square Spread the cheese just a little without going all the way to the edges Arrange a few overlapping roasted beet slices on top of the cheese pressing down gently so they sit flat This layering keeps the cheese from escaping during baking and helps the beets caramelize

Season and Add Herbs:

Once all the tartlets have their beet and cheese toppings sprinkle the tops with fresh thyme leaves Tear the leaves gently off the stems so you do not get any woody bits Lightly season the surface of each square with a pinch of salt and black pepper this draws out the flavors from the beets and cheese as the tartlets bake

Bake Until Golden:

Place the prepared tartlets into an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius Bake for about fifteen to twenty minutes watching closely as the pastry puffs and turns golden brown near the edges The cheese should get soft and the beets look slightly blistered Remove from the oven and cool on the pan for two minutes to let the pastry finish crisping

Serve and Enjoy:

Lift each tartlet gently using a thin spatula so the pastry stays intact Arrange them on your favorite platter and serve while still warm or at room temperature The goat cheese will hold its creamy texture and the herbs will remain bright and fragrant

Save

I absolutely love the pairing of roasted beets and goat cheese The beets bring a gentle sweetness that balances the sharp tang of the cheese My grandmother used to roast beets for every family celebration and the fragrant thyme brings me right back to those kitchen memories

Storage Tips

Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator They will keep well for up to three days To refresh reheat the tartlets in a hot oven for five minutes which brings the pastry back to flaky life For longer storage prepare the tartlets through the assembly step and freeze unbaked then bake straight from frozen adding a couple of extra minutes

Ingredient Substitutions

Try swapping sweet potato rounds for the beets for a twist on color and flavor For a creamier bite mix a little cream cheese or ricotta with the goat cheese before spreading If you do not have thyme use fresh rosemary or chives for a different herby accent

Serving Suggestions

These tartlets make a festive addition to any appetizer platter Layer them with green salads roasted nuts and a light sparkling wine for elegant entertaining They also work wonderfully as a side at brunch tucked next to poached eggs and citrus salad

Cultural and Historical Context

Pairing beets with goat cheese is classic in French and Mediterranean cooking both are humble ingredients that shine together in salads and bakes Puff pastry tartlets like these have roots in French savory pastry tradition where vegetables and cheese play the starring role especially in winter months

Seasonal Adaptations

Try roasted golden beets instead of red for a lighter color and milder flavor Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top after baking for a burst of tartness and holiday sparkle Add thin slices of roasted winter squash if you want an even more autumnal feel

Success Stories

A friend once served these and set out a little bowl of honey for drizzling It was a revelation and had everyone raving Another time I made them for a family board game night and they disappeared before we even finished the first round No matter the crowd you are guaranteed smiles and empty plates

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can assemble the tartlets ahead and freeze them unbaked Freeze flat on a baking tray then transfer to a sealed bag Once ready to enjoy bake directly from frozen adding just a few minutes to the usual baking time The pastry will puff and turn golden with no thawing required

Save

With just a handful of ingredients you can easily wow your guests These tartlets are sure to become your signature starter for any season

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

Yes, store-bought puff pastry works well for these tartlets, saving time while still delivering a flaky, crisp texture.

→ What other herbs pair well with beets and goat cheese?

Fresh dill, chives, or rosemary are excellent alternatives to thyme, each adding a different aromatic touch.

→ Are these tartlets best served warm or at room temperature?

They taste delicious both ways, but serving warm enhances the creaminess of goat cheese and the aroma of the pastry.

→ Can I prepare the tartlets ahead of time?

You can assemble the tartlets in advance and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving for maximum freshness.

→ What’s a good substitute for goat cheese?

Try ricotta or feta cheese for a similarly creamy or tangy flavor if goat cheese isn’t available.