These savory meatball and cheese puff pastry tartlets are a delightful appetizer or snack, perfect for any occasion. The flaky, golden puff pastry cups are filled with a creamy layer of cheese, tender meatballs, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella. These bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 400 grams puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- Olive oil, for greasing
- 150 grams cream cheese, softened
- 100 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
- 12 pre-cooked meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
- Pasta sauce (marinara, or your favorite), as needed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the puff pastry package, typically around 200°C (400°F). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for the pastry to puff up beautifully.
- Prepare the Molds:
- Lightly grease a muffin tin or tartlet molds with olive oil. This will prevent the puff pastry from sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Shape the Pastry:
- Lightly flour a clean work surface to prevent the puff pastry from sticking.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry and roll it out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. This will result in flaky and light pastry cups.
- Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles that are slightly larger than the diameter of your muffin cups or tartlet molds. The extra size will allow the pastry to cover the sides of the molds.
- Gently press the cut pastry circles into the greased molds, ensuring they cover the bottom and sides. Form the pastry gently, do not tear it.
- If using square molds, cut square shapes from your puff pastry that fit the molds.
- Prepare the Fillings:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Mix well until evenly combined. This adds a layer of flavor to the base of the tartlets.
- If your meatballs are large, cut them in half to ensure they fit comfortably in the pastry cups.
- Add the Fillings:
- Spread a thin, even layer of the seasoned cream cheese onto the bottom of each pastry-lined mold. This provides a creamy and flavorful base.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the cream cheese. This will melt and create a gooey layer of cheese.
- Place a pre-cooked meatball on top of the cheese layer in each mold. Gently press the meatball into the cheese to secure it.
- Spoon a generous amount of pasta sauce over each meatball, ensuring it covers the meatball and fills the space around it. The sauce should be thick enough to stay in the tartlet.
- Final Touch:
- Top each tartlet with an additional sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. This will create a melted, golden topping.
- Optionally, sprinkle a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and texture.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the muffin tin or tartlet molds in the preheated oven.
- Bake for the time specified on the puff pastry package, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the tartlets to prevent them from burning.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the tartlets from the oven and let them cool slightly in the molds for a few minutes. This will allow the filling to set and make them easier to remove.
- Carefully remove the tartlets from the molds and transfer them to a serving plate.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
- Serve the meatball and cheese puff pastry tartlets warm, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 200-250
- Protein: 10-12g
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Sodium: 300-400mg
- Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
The Origins and Popularity of Recipe:
The concept of combining savory fillings with puff pastry has roots in various culinary traditions, particularly in European cuisine. Puff pastry, with its flaky layers and buttery flavor, is a classic component of many appetizers and snacks. Meatballs, a staple in Italian-American cuisine, add a hearty and flavorful element to these tartlets. The combination of these elements, along with cheese and tomato sauce, creates a familiar and comforting taste. The popularity of these meatball and cheese puff pastry tartlets stems from their simplicity, versatility, and crowd-pleasing appeal. They are easy to prepare, making them a favorite for home cooks looking for a quick and satisfying appetizer or snack. The combination of textures and flavors, from the flaky pastry to the creamy cheese and savory meatballs, makes them a hit at parties and gatherings. The ease of customization, with various cheese, sauce, and filling options, has further contributed to their widespread popularity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy and Quick: These tartlets are easy to assemble and bake, making them perfect for busy individuals.
- Delicious and Flavorful: The combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, savory meatballs, and rich tomato sauce is simply irresistible.
- Versatile: These tartlets can be served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a party platter.
- Crowd-Pleasing: They are a hit with both kids and adults, making them perfect for any gathering.
- Customizable: You can easily customize the fillings to suit your preferences.
Health Benefits Of:
- Protein Source: Meatballs and cheese provide a good source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Calcium Rich: Cheese is also a rich source of calcium, which is vital for bone health.
- Source of Vitamins: Tomato sauce provides vitamins, such as vitamin C.
- Satisfying Snack: The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats makes these tartlets a satisfying snack.
Serving Suggestions Of:
- Appetizer: Serve these tartlets as a delicious appetizer at parties or gatherings.
- Snack: Enjoy them as a satisfying snack between meals.
- Party Platter: Add them to a party platter with other appetizers and snacks.
- Game Day Snack: Serve them as a game day snack with other finger foods.
- Light Meal: Pair them with a salad for a light and flavorful meal.
Tips:
- Use Quality Puff Pastry: Opt for high-quality puff pastry for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the tartlets to prevent the filling from spilling over during baking.
- Seal the Edges Properly: Ensure the edges of the pastry are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking.
- Use Pre-Cooked Meatballs: Using pre-cooked meatballs saves time and ensures they are cooked through.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the tartlets while they are baking to prevent them from burning.
Variations to Try:
- Vegetarian Tartlets: Use vegetarian meatballs or omit the meatballs altogether and add sautéed vegetables.
- Spicy Tartlets: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
- Pesto Tartlets: Use pesto sauce instead of tomato sauce.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses.
- Onion and Pepper Tartlets: Add sautéed onions and bell peppers to the filling.
Conclusion:
These savory meatball and cheese puff pastry tartlets are a delightful and versatile appetizer or snack that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Their simple preparation, customizable filling, and comforting taste make them a favorite among home cooks and food lovers alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer, a delicious snack, or a crowd-pleasing party treat, these tartlets are sure to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use homemade meatballs?
- Yes, you can use homemade meatballs. Just ensure they are pre-cooked before adding them to the tartlets.
- Can I use different types of cheese?
- Yes, you can use different types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses.
- Can I make these tartlets ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the tartlets ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking