Pear, Walnut & Cheddar Puff Pastry Tart Recipe

If you’re craving something that nails the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and a little crunchy, then you absolutely have to try this Pear, Walnut & Cheddar Puff Pastry Tart Recipe. I discovered this gem when I wanted an elegant yet easy-to-make dish that would wow guests without tying me to the kitchen for hours. Trust me, the combination of spicy cheddar with juicy pears and toasted walnuts on flaky puff pastry is pure magic—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pear, Walnut & Cheddar Puff Pastry Tart Recipe is in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Fresh, not-too-ripe pears pair perfectly with robust cheddar, while toasted walnuts add a lovely crunch. If you pick the right ingredients, you’ll find the tart practically makes itself.

• Frozen Puff Pastry Sheet: Go for the classic 9×13-inch sheet—thaw it properly to avoid cracking when folding.
• Shredded Spicy Cheddar Cheese: I swear by Cabot Habanero cheddar for a little kick, but feel free to use your favorite sharp cheddar.
• Bartlett Pears: Choose pears that are ripe but still firm, so they hold their shape when baked.
• Egg: Used just for brushing the crust to get that gorgeous, golden finish.
• Honey: A light drizzle on top adds the perfect touch of natural sweetness.
• Toasted Walnuts: Chop and toast them yourself to bring out the nutty flavor and crunch.
• Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle at the end brightens all the flavors and gives a subtle crunch.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Pear, Walnut & Cheddar Puff Pastry Tart Recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can tweak the flavors or swap ingredients to suit your mood, season, or whatever’s in your fridge.

• Cheese Swap: I once tried it with creamy goat cheese instead of cheddar for a milder tang, and it was fantastic.
• Nut Variations: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, pecans or toasted almonds work just as well—and still add that wonderful crunch.
• Fruit Alternatives: In a pinch, sliced apples or figs can replace pears and still bring that lovely sweetness.
• Herb Additions: Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary leaves on top before baking for an herbal twist I’m obsessed with.

How to Make Pear, Walnut & Cheddar Puff Pastry Tart Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Puff Pastry Base

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay your thawed puff pastry flat on the parchment and use a fork to poke holes all over the sheet—this helps avoid puffing up too much in spots. Don’t skip this step or the cheese and pear topping won’t stay put!

Step 2: Layer on the Cheese and Pears

Sprinkle shredded spicy cheddar evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about a one-inch border around the edges—this border helps the crust puff and crisp nicely. Then, arrange your pear slices on top of the cheese in a single layer. I like to overlap them slightly for a pretty presentation, but keep them even so they bake through.

Step 3: Brush the Edges and Bake

Mix the egg in a small bowl and brush it generously over the pastry edges for a golden finish. Then pop the tart into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re aiming for the pastry to be deeply golden and crisp—don’t rush it! I always keep an eye towards the last 5 minutes and rotate the pan halfway to ensure even browning.

Step 4: Finish with Honey, Walnuts & Sea Salt

As soon as your tart is out of the oven, drizzle honey generously on the surface, sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts all over, and finish with a touch of flaky sea salt. Use the parchment paper to carefully transfer the tart to a cutting board. Cut it into 9 large squares, and serve warm or room temperature. I love how the honey brings out the pear’s sweetness while the salt and cheddar keep it balanced.

How to Serve Pear, Walnut & Cheddar Puff Pastry Tart Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this tart with a drizzle of honey and flaky sea salt, but sometimes I add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or microgreens just before serving—adds freshness and looks gorgeous if you want that ‘wow’ factor for guests.

Side Dishes

This Pear, Walnut & Cheddar Puff Pastry Tart Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad with balsamic glaze. I’ve also served it alongside a bowl of butternut squash soup for cozy fall dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I slice it into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a wooden board with little bowls of extra honey and nuts on the side—people always love nibbling this way. Another time, I layered a few tarts side-by-side on a long platter and garnished with edible flowers for a fancy brunch spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover tart in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat it within a day or two—just reheat briefly to regain that perfect crisp. Refrigerating can make the pastry a bit softer, so I only do that if needed and always bring to room temp before warming.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen unbaked tarts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil—just thaw overnight in the fridge then bake according to the recipe, adding a few extra minutes if needed. It’s a game changer for prepping ahead of time.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop the tart squares in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until the pastry crisps back up and the cheese melts slightly again. You can also use a toaster oven if you have one—just skip the microwave because it tends to make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Pear, Walnut & Cheddar Puff Pastry Tart Recipe comes together so easily and tastes like something from a fancy cafe. It’s elegant without being intimidating, and it’s become my go-to for casual get-togethers and cozy nights in. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll enjoy the satisfying combination of flavors and textures just as much as my family does. So grab some puff pastry, rip out those pears, and get baking—you’ve got a delicious treat waiting!

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