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 is always a hit at our Valentine's Day dinners and brings a beautiful touch of love to any gathering.
Ingredients
- Pastry: 1 sheet (approx 250 g) all-butter puff pastry thawed
- Egg wash: 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
- 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 step 4) 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
- 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
- Egg wash tops:
- 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
- Garnish and serve:
- Arrange on a serving platter Garnish with microgreens and drizzle with a little honey before serving
Save This recipe has become a cherished family tradition especially during Valentine's celebrations
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 If unsure about ingredients always check labels for potential allergens
Save This elegant appetizer is perfect for impressing your loved ones with minimal effort
Recipe Questions
- → What type of cheese is used in the filling?
Fresh goat cheese provides a creamy, tangy base that pairs well with the roasted peppers and herbs.
- → How should the puff pastry be prepared before baking?
Roll it out thinly, cut heart shapes, layer with filling, seal edges with beaten egg, and bake until golden.
- → Can the filling be adjusted for different flavors?
Yes, the goat cheese can be substituted with ricotta or cream cheese, and herbs can be varied to suit taste.
- → What is the recommended bake time and temperature?
Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 15–18 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- → How can this dish be garnished for serving?
Top with microgreens or baby arugula and drizzle with a little honey for an elegant finish.