This Sausage and Cheese Puff Pastry Tart is a quick and easy recipe that combines flaky puff pastry with savory sausages, tangy ketchup, creamy mayonnaise, and melted cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, this tart is a delicious way to elevate simple ingredients into something special. The addition of sliced tomatoes and pickled cucumbers provides a fresh and tangy contrast to the richness of the sausages and cheese, making this tart a well-balanced and satisfying dish.

Whether you’re hosting guests or preparing a casual meal for the family, this sausage tart will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it takes only a few simple steps to assemble and bake, making it an excellent choice for busy days or last-minute gatherings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Puff Pastry Tart:

• Puff pastry – 400g (store-bought or homemade)
• Egg – 1, beaten (for brushing)
• Ketchup – 2 tablespoons
• Boiled sausage – 100g, sliced
• Smoked sausage – 100g, sliced
• Tomato – 1 medium, sliced
• Pickled cucumbers – 2, sliced
• Mayonnaise – 1 tablespoon
• Cheese – 150g, grated (use cheddar, mozzarella, or any melty cheese)

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Pastry brush
• Knife and cutting board
• Grater

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the puff pastry from sticking.
2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the 400g of puff pastry into a rectangle or square, approximately ½ cm thick. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, you can roll it to your preferred thickness and shape.
3. Score the Pastry: Using a sharp knife, score a 1-inch border around the edges of the puff pastry. Be careful not to cut all the way through the dough—this will help the edges rise and form a crust.
4. Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat 1 egg. Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. This will give the tart a beautiful golden color when baked.

Step 2: Assemble the Toppings

1. Spread the Ketchup and Mayonnaise: In the center of the puff pastry (inside the scored border), spread 2 tablespoons of ketchup evenly, followed by 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to spread the sauces evenly.
2. Layer the Sausages: Evenly distribute the 100g of boiled sausage and 100g of smoked sausage slices over the pastry. Make sure the sausages are spread out to cover the entire base, leaving the borders free.
3. Add the Vegetables: Arrange the sliced tomato and pickled cucumbers on top of the sausages. The fresh tomato adds juiciness to the tart, while the pickled cucumbers give it a tangy kick.
4. Top with Cheese: Finally, sprinkle 150g of grated cheese over the entire tart, making sure to cover all the toppings evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Tart

1. Bake the Tart: Place the prepared tart in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Check for Doneness: Once the edges are puffed up and the center is fully cooked, remove the tart from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Step 4: Serve the Tart

1. Slice and Serve: Once slightly cooled, use a sharp knife to slice the tart into squares or rectangles. Serve the tart warm, garnished with fresh parsley or additional pickles on the side for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips:

• Defrosting Puff Pastry: If using frozen puff pastry, be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before rolling it out. Do not try to roll frozen pastry, as it may crack.
• Customize the Toppings: You can easily customize the toppings by using other ingredients you have on hand. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for additional flavor and texture.
• Prevent Sogginess: To prevent the pastry from becoming soggy, you can lightly pre-bake the pastry for 5-7 minutes before adding the toppings. This will help create a crispier base.
• Cheese Variations: For a different flavor, try using a combination of cheeses such as gouda, parmesan, or Swiss cheese instead of cheddar or mozzarella.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked tart by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 360-400 kcal
• Protein: 12-15 g
• Fat: 25-30 g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30 g
• Fiber: 1-2 g
• Sugar: 2-3 g
• Sodium: 700-800 mg

This puff pastry tart is a rich and satisfying dish, providing a good balance of protein from the sausages and cheese, as well as carbohydrates from the pastry. The fat content is relatively high due to the pastry and cheese, making this dish indulgent and perfect for a special treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use homemade puff pastry? Yes! Homemade puff pastry can be used for this recipe and will give the tart a more buttery, flaky texture. Just make sure to follow the same rolling and baking instructions.

2. Can I make this tart vegetarian? Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with vegetarian options like plant-based sausages or simply load the tart with more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

3. Can I add other toppings? Definitely! This recipe is highly customizable. You can add other ingredients like olives, bell peppers, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of pesto on top after baking for extra flavor.

4. How do I keep the tart from becoming soggy? To avoid sogginess, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the tomatoes and pickled cucumbers before adding them to the tart. You can also lightly pre-bake the pastry to help create a firmer base.

5. Can I use other types of sausages? Yes, you can use a variety of sausages such as chorizo, kielbasa, or spicy Italian sausage to change up the flavor. Just make sure to slice them thinly to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion:

This Sausage and Cheese Puff Pastry Tart is an easy-to-make yet flavorful dish that will delight your taste buds. The combination of savory sausages, tangy tomatoes and pickles, and melty cheese on a crisp puff pastry base makes for a perfectly balanced meal. Whether you’re making it as a quick dinner, an appetizer for a party, or a snack for yourself, this tart is versatile and highly customizable. With a short prep time and minimal ingredients, you can whip this up in no time and enjoy a delicious, golden tart that everyone will love.