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 always brings a special touch to our Valentines Day celebrations and impresses everyone at the table.
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 brings the family together Each Valentines Day we enjoy making and sharing these intertwined hearts filled with love and delicious flavors
Additional Tips
Use fresh herbs to really brighten the flavor and choose a high quality puff pastry for best results
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp sparkling rosé or a dry white wine to complement the creamy filling and sweet roasted peppers
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to keep the pastry crisp
Save This elegant appetizer is sure to impress Whether for Valentines Day or any special occasion it delights with flavor and presentation
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of cheese is used in this dish?
Fresh goat cheese provides a creamy and tangy base that complements the roasted peppers and herbs.
- → Can the puff pastry be prepared in advance?
You can cut and assemble the pastry hearts ahead of time and keep them refrigerated before baking to save time.
- → What herbs enhance the filling’s flavor?
Fresh chives and basil add bright, aromatic notes that balance the richness of the cheese and honey.
- → Is there a suggested serving pairing?
Pair these pastries with a crisp sparkling rosé or dry white wine to enhance the delicate flavors.
- → How should the pastries be stored if not eaten immediately?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve their flakiness and flavor.
- → Are there any suitable substitutions for the goat cheese?
Ricotta or cream cheese can be used as alternatives for a milder, creamier filling.