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 appetizer brings a special touch to Valentine's Day with its charming heart shape and delightful combination of flavors. It's always a hit when shared with loved ones.
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 This recipe has become a beloved tradition during Valentine's Day gatherings, creating joyful moments to share with family and friends.
Notes
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). Always check labels for potential allergens if unsure about ingredients.
Save This elegant appetizer is sure to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pastry is best for this dish?
All-butter puff pastry provides the ideal flaky and buttery texture, enhancing the delicate heart shapes.
- → Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, mixing the goat cheese, roasted peppers, and herbs ahead of time allows flavors to meld and saves preparation time.
- → How to ensure the pastries seal properly?
Brushing the edges with beaten egg and gently pressing before crimping with a fork helps prevent filling leakage during baking.
- → What herbs complement the filling best?
Fresh basil and chives enhance the tanginess of goat cheese and sweetness of roasted peppers with aromatic notes.
- → How should these pastries be served?
They’re best enjoyed warm, garnished with microgreens or baby arugula and a light drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
- → Are there suitable substitutions for goat cheese?
Ricotta or cream cheese can be used for a milder flavor, and dairy-free alternatives work for plant-based variations.