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 has become a favorite for Valentine's Day celebrations in my family, bringing everyone together over deliciously beautiful bites.
Ingredients
- Pastry: 1 sheet (approx 250 g) all-butter puff pastry, thawed
- Pastry: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Filling: 120 g fresh goat cheese
- Filling: 2 tbsp crème fraîche
- Filling: 1 tbsp honey
- Filling: 1 tsp lemon zest
- Filling: 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Filling: 60 g roasted red peppers, finely diced
- Filling: 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- Filling: 1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- Filling: Pinch of salt
- Garnish (optional): Microgreens or baby arugula
- Garnish (optional): 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 This dish has brought joy during family gatherings, making Valentine's Day celebrations even more memorable.
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.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this elegant appetizer fresh out of the oven for best taste and texture.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese is used in the filling?
Fresh goat cheese forms the base of the filling, complemented with crème fraîche for creaminess.
- → Can other herbs be used instead of chives and basil?
Yes, fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon can be substituted to vary the flavor profile.
- → How do you seal the puff pastry hearts properly?
Brush the edges with beaten egg and firmly press them together, then crimp with a fork to ensure a tight seal.
- → Is it possible to make a vegan version of this dish?
Yes, using dairy-free cheese alternatives and plant-based cream can create a vegan-friendly option.
- → What temperature and time are recommended for baking?
Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 15 to 18 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- → What can be served alongside these puff pastry hearts?
A crisp sparkling rosé or a dry white wine pairs beautifully with these elegant pastries.