Fennel, Olive, and Goat Cheese Tarts
Mediterranean Medium

Fennel, Olive, and Goat Cheese Tarts

Flaky puff pastry topped with anise-scented fennel, briny olives, and creamy goat cheese

vegetarianmediterraneanbakeddinnerlunch
(0 ratings)
⏱️ 50 minutes 15 minutes prep · 35 minutes cook
🍽️ 4 Serves
485 Calories
14g Protein
31g Carbs
34g Fat

Why This Recipe Works

These elegant tarts pair the mellow sweetness of sautéed fennel with the punchy brine of oil-cured olives. Parbaking the pastry before adding the toppings ensures the base stays crisp and light against the creamy cheese.


Instructions

1

Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2

Place the puff pastry halves on the prepared baking sheet and bake until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, 15 to 20 minutes.

3

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the fennel and salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until the fennel is softened and the edges are beginning to brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.

4

Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the wine and simmer until the liquid has evaporated and the fennel is completely tender, about 5 minutes.

5

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the olives, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6

Whisk the goat cheese with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the basil in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and easy to spread.

7

Use a paring knife to cut a shallow half-inch border around the edges of the baked pastry rectangles, then gently press down the centers to create a flat bed for the filling.

8

Spread the goat cheese mixture over the pressed centers and top evenly with the fennel mixture. Return the tarts to the oven and bake until the filling is hot and the pastry edges are a deep golden brown, about 5 minutes.

9

Serve warm, while the pastry is still light and flaky.


🍽️ Complete the Meal

📅
Make Ahead: The fennel filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
🧊
Storage: Tarts are best served immediately; leftovers can be reheated in a 350°F oven until crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this recipe?

Tarts are best served immediately; leftovers can be reheated in a 350°F oven until crisp.

Can I make this ahead of time?

The fennel filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Rohit Bothra
Recipe by

Rohit Bothra

Self-taught cook exploring global vegetarian cuisine from my Atlanta kitchen.

Learn more about me →
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