Save 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 has become a favorite in our household during Valentines for its simplicity and impressive look.
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
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll and cut:
- 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.
- Arrange hearts:
- Place 8 hearts on the prepared baking sheet. In the center of each, place a heaping teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture (prepared in next step), leaving a 1 cm border.
- Prepare filling:
- In a bowl, mix goat cheese, crème fraîche, honey, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, chives, basil, and roasted red peppers until smooth.
- Seal hearts:
- 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.
- Decorate:
- Brush the tops of the hearts with more beaten egg. If desired, use a small knife to score delicate patterns.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
- Serve:
- Arrange on a serving platter. Garnish with microgreens and drizzle with a little honey before serving.
Save Our family loves gathering around the table to enjoy these heart-shaped treats, especially on special occasions like Valentines Day.
Notes
For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based cream alternative. Substitute goat cheese with ricotta or cream cheese, if preferred. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Pair with a crisp sparkling rosé or dry white wine.
Required Tools
Rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper, heart-shaped cookie cutter (approx. 7 cm), mixing bowls, pastry brush, fork
Allergen Information
Contains Milk, Egg, Wheat (gluten). May contain traces of nuts (check pastry packaging). If unsure about ingredients, always check labels for potential allergens.
Save This elegant appetizer is sure to impress and delight your guests with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese is used in this dish?
Fresh goat cheese provides a creamy and tangy base that pairs well with roasted peppers and herbs.
- → Can I prepare the pastry hearts ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the hearts and refrigerate them before baking to save time on serving day.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve texture.
- → Are there suitable substitutions for the roasted peppers?
Yes, finely diced sun-dried tomatoes or grilled zucchini can be used for a similar sweet and smoky flavor.
- → What wine pairs best with these pastries?
A crisp sparkling rosé or a dry white wine complements the creamy and savory notes beautifully.