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 brings warmth and charm to any Valentines Day gathering with its delightful combination of flavors and textures.
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 appetizer is always a hit at family gatherings, evoking smiles and warm memories with every bite.
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 This recipe adds a perfect touch of love and flavor to any celebration.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pastry is best for this dish?
All-butter puff pastry is ideal for a flaky, golden finish that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
- → Can I prepare these hearts in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the pastries a few hours ahead and refrigerate them before baking to maintain freshness.
- → Are there vegetarian options for the filling?
This version is vegetarian, using goat cheese and fresh herbs. For vegan options, consider dairy-free cheese and cream alternatives.
- → How can I shape the pastries for perfect hearts?
Use a 7 cm heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the dough, ensuring uniform size and clean edges for sealing and baking.
- → What drinks pair well with these pastries?
A crisp sparkling rosé or a dry white wine complements the creamy and sweet notes beautifully.