Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets

Explore the savory side of baking with these single serving and super satisfying Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets. Perfect for a variety of occasions, these tartlets combine buttery crusts with creamy filling and an earthy, elegant topping. Their delightful flavors and beautiful presentation make them a standout choice for parties, brunches, or simply as a gourmet snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of goat cheese and olives creates a unique taste that is both creamy and tangy.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these tartlets in no time, making them perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for any gathering.
• Elegant Presentation: The vibrant colors from the olives and herbs provide an eye-catching appeal that impresses guests.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs or substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets, gather your kitchen tools. The right equipment will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Tartlet pans
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Speeds up mixing the dough and helps achieve a uniform texture quickly.
• Tartlet pans: Give the tartlets their shape, ensuring a beautiful presentation.
• Rolling pin: Makes rolling out the dough effortless and ensures even thickness.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
• 1 ¼ cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into ½ cubes

For the Filling

• 8 ounces goat cheese
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 medium lemons, zested and juiced – divided, for filling and olive topping
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

For the Olive Topping

• 1 can medium California Ripe Olive, green or black
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice & 1 teaspoon lemon zest – divided
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
• 1 teaspoons chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoons chopped chives
• lemon zest & herbs for decoration

How to Make Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and pepper.
• Add the cold butter cubes. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and heavy cream or milk.
• Pour this mixture into the food processor; pulse until just combined.
• Gather the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 3: Roll Out Dough

• On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
• Cut out circles large enough to fit your tartlet pans.

Step 4: Assemble Tartlets

• Press dough circles into tartlet pans. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
• In a bowl, mix goat cheese with heavy cream until smooth. Stir in lemon zest from one lemon, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
• Fill each tartlet shell with goat cheese mixture.

Step 5: Bake Tartlets

• Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 6: Prepare Olive Topping

• In a bowl, mix olives with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice from one lemon, lemon zest from one lemon (set aside some zest), salt, pepper, parsley, and chives.

Step 7: Serve

• Once tartlets are baked and cooled slightly, top with olive mixture. Garnish with additional lemon zest and herbs if desired.

Enjoy your Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets as a delicious appetizer or snack!

How to Serve Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets

Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets are delightful appetizers that can elevate any gathering. Their creamy filling and crispy crust make them a versatile choice for various occasions.

For a Casual Gathering

• Wine Pairing: Serve with a refreshing fruit juice or sparkling water for a light, non-alcoholic option.
• Chips & Dips: Offer alongside homemade hummus or guacamole for a fun snack spread.

As a Fancy Appetizer

• Garnished Platters: Arrange on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for an elegant touch.
• Accompanying Salads: Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil and lemon juice to balance the richness of the tartlets.

At a Brunch

• Fruit Salad: Serve with a colorful mixed fruit salad to add brightness and freshness.
• Savory Pastries: Complement with mini quiches or savory scones for a varied brunch experience.

How to Perfect Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets

To ensure your Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Butter Selection: Use cold, unsalted butter for the crust. This helps achieve that flaky texture everyone loves.
• Fine Flour Use: Opt for all-purpose flour that is sifted; it combines easily and leads to a tender crust.
• Chill the Dough: After mixing your dough, allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help prevent shrinking during baking.
• Fresh Herbs Matter: Use freshly chopped parsley and chives. Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried varieties.
• Even Baking Temperature: Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown. This ensures even cooking throughout the tartlet.
• Quality Cheese Choice: Select high-quality goat cheese for the best flavor profile in your filling.

Best Side Dishes for Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets

These Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets pair beautifully with various side dishes, enhancing their flavors and making your meal more complete.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the tartlets.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies seasoned with herbs offer great texture and flavor balance.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Mini bell peppers stuffed with quinoa and herbs provide a colorful side that’s healthy and filling.
4. Garlic Breadsticks: Crunchy breadsticks brushed with garlic herb oil are perfect for dipping into any leftover filling.
5. Cucumber Ribbons: Lightly seasoned cucumber ribbons add freshness and crunch against the creamy tartlets.
6. Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad with olives, cherry tomatoes, and basil gives a Mediterranean flair that pairs well with the tartlets.
7. Charcuterie Board: Include cheeses, nuts, and fruits on a charcuterie board for variety, providing an upscale dining experience.
8. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy zucchini fritters seasoned with herbs make an excellent side that echoes the flavors in your tartlets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will help you create the best Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Using warm butter: Ensure your butter is cold and cut into cubes to achieve a flaky crust. Warm butter can lead to a dense texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to prevent tough tartlet shells. This helps maintain their light, buttery quality.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is crucial. It firms up the butter and makes rolling easier.
• Not tasting the filling: Always taste your goat cheese filling before baking. Adjust seasoning as needed for a flavorful result.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature to ensure even baking. An unheated oven can lead to unevenly cooked tartlets.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooled tartlets in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets

• Freeze unbaked tartlet shells for up to 2 months.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for best results.

Reheating Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30-60 seconds, but be cautious as this may make them soggy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets that may help you.

Can I use different cheeses in Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets?

Yes! You can substitute goat cheese with cream cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.

What can I serve with Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets?

These tartlets pair well with a fresh salad or a light soup as part of an elegant meal.

How do I customize my Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets?

Feel free to add other herbs or spices that you enjoy, or mix in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted peppers for extra flavor.

Can I make these tartlets ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, then assemble and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets are both delicious and versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize them by using different herbs or cheeses based on your preference. Try these delightful tartlets at your next gathering!