Viral Christmas Recipe: Cheese and Tomato Mini Tartlets
A simple yet elegant snack featuring buttery puff pastry, smoky cheddar, and fresh heirloom tomatoes. Perfect for parties, brunch, or a quick savory bite. Keep reading to know how to make Cheese and Tomato Mini Tartlets.
Ingredients
- 1 large sheet puff pastry (store-bought)
- 1 large heirloom tomato, sliced
- 1 ½ cups smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup fresh chives, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 large egg, scrambled (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Slice the heirloom tomato into rounds.
- Generously salt both sides of the slices and place them on a paper towel.
- Cover with another paper towel and let sit for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares of your desired size.
- Assemble the Tartlets:
- Place the puff pastry squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add a generous pinch of shredded smoked cheddar to the center of each square, leaving the edges clear.
- Place a tomato slice on top of the cheese.
- Apply the Egg Wash:
- Using a pastry brush, coat the exposed edges of the pastry with the scrambled egg wash. This step ensures the pastry will bake to a golden brown.
- Bake the Tartlets:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and top each tartlet with a sprinkle of fresh chives.
- Serve warm and enjoy the balance of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors!
Tips for Best Results
- High-Quality Ingredients: Use ripe, local tomatoes and smoked cheddar for maximum flavor.
- Remove Excess Moisture: Properly drying the tomatoes is essential to prevent soggy pastry.
- Customize Your Cheese: While smoked cheddar adds a unique flavor, you can experiment with gruyere, gouda, or mozzarella for a twist.
These tartlets are sure to impress with their delicious combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and vibrant tomato.
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