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Flaky puff pastry lavender goat cheese tartlets topped with pear slices, honey, and pistachios

Lavender Goat Cheese Tarts with Pear, Honey & Pistachios

These elegant Lavender Goat Cheese Tarts combine flaky puff pastry, creamy whipped goat cheese, sweet pears, honey, and crunchy pistachios for an easy appetizer that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort. Perfect for holiday entertaining, bridal showers, brunches, or wine nights.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 245
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
For Topping
For Finishing

Equipment

  • 8 individual 4-inch tart pans with removable bottoms: Creates bakery-style tartlets
  • Baking sheet: Supports the tart pans during baking
  • Parchment Paper Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy
  • Rolling pin: To lightly smooth the puff pastry if needed
  • Fork: For docking the pastry
  • Mixing Bowl For preparing the whipped goat cheese filling
  • Hand mixer or whisk: To whip the filling until smooth

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the tart pans on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Roll the puff pastry lightly to smooth any creases. Cut circles slightly larger than the tart pans and gently press the pastry into each pan. Trim excess dough as needed.
  3. Dock the bottoms of the pastry several times with a fork. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer for 10 minutes to help prevent shrinking.
  4. Bake the tart shells for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly golden and beginning to crisp.
  5. While the tart shells bake, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and French Seasoning in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.
  6. Remove the tart shells from the oven and allow them to cool for 2 to 3 minutes.
  7. Divide the goat cheese mixture evenly among the tart shells and spread into an even layer.
  8. Arrange the pear slices decoratively over the filling.
  9. Whisk together the egg and water. Brush the exposed pastry edges with the egg wash.
  10. Return the tartlets to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pastry is deep golden brown and crisp.
  11. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tart pans.
  12. Drizzle each tartlet with honey and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Garnish with fresh thyme and a tiny pinch of French Seasoning if desired.
  13. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Video

Notes

  • Tart Pans: I used 4-inch tart pans with removable bottoms for this recipe, and they make a huge difference in both presentation and ease of serving. The removable bottoms help the tartlets release cleanly, while the fluted edges create that beautiful bakery-style look. If you enjoy making appetizers, mini quiches, fruit tarts, or individual desserts, they're a worthwhile affordable kitchen tool to have on hand.
  • Pear Selection: Bosc pears work best because they hold their shape during baking and provide beautiful presentation.
  • French Seasoning Substitute: If you don't have The Spice Girl Kitchen French Seasoning, substitute 1 tsp Herbes de Provence plus ¼ tsp culinary lavender.
  • Make Ahead: The filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to restore crispness.
  • Serving Idea: These tartlets pair beautifully with sparkling wine, charcuterie boards, holiday appetizer spreads, and brunch menus.
  • Nutrition (per serving, 8 servings): Approximately 245 calories, 16g fat, 19g carbs, 7g protein, 1g fiber. Nutrition information is an estimate. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.