Save to Pinterest A romantic and elegant appetizer featuring crisp puff pastry hearts intertwined and filled with creamy goat cheese, sweet roasted peppers, and fresh herbs—perfect for sharing with your loved one.
This recipe brings a festive touch to any Valentine's Day gathering and is always a hit with friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- Pastry: 1 sheet (approx 250 g) all-butter puff pastry thawed, 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- Filling: 120 g fresh goat cheese, 2 tbsp crème fraîche, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 60 g roasted red peppers finely diced, 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped, 1 tbsp fresh basil finely chopped, Pinch of salt
- Garnish (optional): Microgreens or baby arugula, Extra honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a thickness of 3 mm. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 7 cm wide), cut out 16 hearts.
- Step 3:
- Place 8 hearts on the prepared baking sheet. In the center of each, place a heaping teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture (prepared in step 4), leaving a 1 cm border.
- Step 4:
- In a bowl, mix goat cheese, crème fraîche, honey, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, chives, basil, and roasted red peppers until smooth.
- Step 5:
- Brush the border of each heart on the baking sheet with beaten egg. Top with a second heart and gently press the edges to seal. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges.
- Step 6:
- Brush the tops of the hearts with more beaten egg. If desired, use a small knife to score delicate patterns.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
- Step 8:
- Arrange on a serving platter. Garnish with microgreens and drizzle with a little honey before serving.
Save to Pinterest Sharing these pastries with my family has become a cherished Valentine's tradition filled with laughter and love.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these pastries with a crisp sparkling rosé or a dry white wine to complement the creamy filling and savory puff pastry.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Variations
Try adding different herbs like thyme or tarragon or swap the roasted red peppers for sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Save to Pinterest This recipe makes for an unforgettable appetizer that blends romantic charm with delicious flavors.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
To keep the puff pastry crisp, avoid overfilling and ensure a small border of dough stays clear for sealing. Baking at a high temperature helps create a flaky texture.
- → Can I prepare these pastries in advance?
You can assemble the pastries ahead of time and refrigerate them briefly before baking to maintain freshness and ease of serving.
- → What can I use instead of goat cheese?
Ricotta or cream cheese provides a mild alternative that blends well with the herbs and roasted peppers.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
- → What wines pair well with this dish?
A crisp sparkling rosé or a dry white wine complements the creamy, sweet, and herbaceous flavors beautifully.