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 my go-to for Valentines Day because it looks impressive yet is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- Pastry: 1 sheet (approx. 250 g) all-butter puff pastry, thawed and 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.
- Prepare Pastry:
- 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.
- Add Filling:
- 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.
- Mix Filling:
- In a bowl, mix goat cheese, crème fraîche, honey, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, chives, basil, and roasted red peppers until smooth.
- Assemble 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.
- Egg Wash:
- Brush the tops of the hearts with more beaten egg. If desired, use a small knife to score delicate patterns.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15-18 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 enjoying these heart-shaped treats especially on special occasions.
Vegan Adaptation
For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with dairy-free cheese and use a plant-based cream alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these pastries with a crisp sparkling rosé or a dry white wine for a delightful experience.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Save Enjoy making and sharing these pastries with your loved ones for a heartfelt celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese is used in the filling?
The filling features fresh goat cheese combined with crème fraîche for a creamy, tangy flavor.
- → Can I prepare these pastries ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate before baking to maintain freshness and ease timing.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor of the filling?
Fresh chives and basil add bright, herbal notes that complement the goat cheese and roasted peppers.
- → How do I achieve a golden, flaky crust?
Brushing the pastry edges and tops with beaten egg before baking helps develop a shiny, golden finish and crisp texture.
- → Are there suitable substitutions for goat cheese?
You can substitute with ricotta or cream cheese for a milder taste, or use plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.