Save Pin 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.
I have enjoyed serving these heart-shaped pastries at Valentines Day celebrations where they were a big hit with family and friends.
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 Pin This recipe brings people together and creates special memories during our Valentines Day 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 Pin Enjoy this charming and flavorful appetizer that will impress your guests every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese is used in this dish?
Fresh goat cheese is used for a creamy, tangy filling complemented by crème fraîche.
- → Can the pastry be made ahead of time?
The puff pastry hearts can be assembled in advance and refrigerated briefly before baking to preserve freshness.
- → What herbs are best for the filling?
Fresh chives and basil add bright, herbal notes that enhance the creamy goat cheese mix.
- → How should the puff pastry be baked?
Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 15–18 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- → Are there vegan alternatives for this preparation?
Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based cream substitutes to create a vegan-friendly version.
- → What wine pairs well with these pastries?
A crisp sparkling rosé or dry white wine complements the subtle sweetness and savory flavors.