Imagine a culinary masterpiece that combines the tangy richness of goat cheese, the aromatic essence of fresh rosemary, and the bright zest of lemon, all nestled in a perfectly golden, flaky puff pastry. This Rosemary Lemon Goat Cheese Tart is not just a recipe – it's a flavor explosion that will transport you to the sun-drenched kitchens of France with every single bite. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet experience, this tart promises to be your new go-to showstopper that's surprisingly simple to create!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 8 oz goat cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the puff pastry from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to become pliable.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, chopped fresh rosemary, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Gently unfold the puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a 1-inch border around the edge of the pastry, being careful not to cut completely through.
- Spread the goat cheese mixture evenly within the scored border, leaving the edges clear.
- Brush the exposed pastry border with the beaten egg, which will help create a golden, shiny crust.
- Season the goat cheese filling with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is slightly melted.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with additional fresh rosemary sprigs and a light sprinkle of lemon zest if desired. Slice into 8 equal portions and serve warm.
Tips
- Make sure your puff pastry is completely thawed but still cool for the best rise and flakiness.
- Use fresh rosemary if possible – the flavor is dramatically more vibrant than dried herbs.
- Don't skip brushing the egg wash on the pastry border; it creates that gorgeous golden sheen that makes the tart look professionally made.
- Let the tart rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly and make cutting easier.
- For an extra touch of elegance, serve on a wooden board with a light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- This tart is best served warm, but can be prepared ahead of time and quickly reheated before serving.
- Experiment with different goat cheese varieties – some are tangier, some creamier – to find your perfect flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
