Description
A delightful Cheese Plum Tart combining flaky puff pastry with a creamy mascarpone and goat cheese blend, topped with caramelized red onions, tender plums, and a touch of honey and fresh basil. This sweet and savory tart is perfect as an elegant appetizer or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
For the Tart Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- Egg wash, for brushing
For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup sliced red onion
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 - 3 red or white plums, pitted and sliced
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
- 2 oz. goat cheese or ricotta or cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut and Brush Pastry: Cut the puff pastry into 6 even rectangles and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each piece thoroughly with egg wash to help achieve a golden color during baking.
- Bake Pastry: Bake the puff pastry rectangles for 20 to 22 minutes or until they have puffed up beautifully and are golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Onions: Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red onions and cook until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Thyme: Add the fresh thyme sprigs to the onions, reduce heat to low, and cook for one additional minute to infuse the flavors. Remove onions from the pan and transfer to a bowl, discarding the thyme sprigs.
- Sauté Plums: In the same pan, add unsalted butter, the sliced plums, and sugar over low heat. Cook lightly until the plums soften, then add a splash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine mascarpone cheese and goat cheese (or ricotta/cream cheese). Lightly season with salt and mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Tarts: Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over each baked puff pastry rectangle. Top with the caramelized onions, followed by the sautéed plums.
- Finish and Garnish: Drizzle each tart lightly with honey and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese with ricotta or cream cheese depending on preference.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based puff pastry, vegan cheeses, and substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Make sure the puff pastry is cold before baking for best puff results.
- These tarts pair wonderfully with a light white wine or sparkling beverage.
- Leftover tarts can be refrigerated and gently reheated in a low oven for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired