Description
This Pear, Walnut & Cheddar Puff Pastry Tart is a delightful combination of spicy cheddar cheese, sweet ripe pears, and crunchy toasted walnuts on a flaky puff pastry crust. It’s perfect as a sophisticated appetizer or a light dessert, balancing sweet and savory flavors with a touch of honey and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Cheese
- 1 (9×13 inch) sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces shredded spicy cheddar cheese (such as Cabot Habanero Cheddar)
Fruit and Toppings
- 2-3 ripe Bartlett pears, sliced (firm, not overly ripe)
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
For Glazing
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Place the thawed puff pastry sheet on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a fork, poke several holes all over the pastry, which helps prevent excessive puffing during baking.
- Add Cheese and Pears: Evenly sprinkle the shredded spicy cheddar cheese over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Then, arrange the sliced pears on top of the cheese layer.
- Brush Edges with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork. Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash to the exposed edges of the puff pastry. This step ensures a beautiful golden brown and shiny crust.
- Bake the Tart: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is deeply golden and crisp.
- Add Final Toppings and Serve: Remove the tart from the oven. While still warm, drizzle honey over the tart, then sprinkle with toasted walnuts and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Use the parchment paper to carefully transfer the tart to a cutting board and cut into 9 large squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Choose firmness when selecting pears to avoid soggy tart; Bartlett pears that are ripe but still firm work best.
- If you prefer less heat, substitute spicy cheddar with a milder variety of cheddar cheese.
- To toast walnuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until golden and fragrant.
- This tart is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in the oven to regain flakiness.
- Use flaky sea salt for a subtle crunch and flavor contrast, but regular kosher salt can be used as an alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 1/9 of tart)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
