Ingredients:

This recipe for Savory Filo Pastry Tarts with Pancetta and Chives makes 12 individual servings, each a perfect bite-sized delight. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Filo Shells:

• 1 package (270g) filo pastry sheets: Filo pastry is known for its ultra-thin layers, which, when baked, become wonderfully crisp and light. It’s the key to creating the perfect tart shell.
• 3 tbsp (45g) butter, melted: Butter adds richness and helps crisp the filo pastry, ensuring it turns golden brown and flaky during baking.

For the Filling:

• 2.5 oz (70g) pancetta or bacon, diced: Pancetta offers a delicate, salty flavor that complements the richness of the egg mixture. You can substitute with bacon for a stronger smoky flavor.
• 4 large eggs: The eggs are the base of the filling, providing a creamy and custardy texture that binds the filling together.
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh chives: Chives add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color, making the filling even more delicious and visually appealing.
• 1/2 tsp (3g) salt: Salt enhances all the flavors, bringing everything together in harmony.
• 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper: Black pepper adds a mild heat and complements the savory nature of the pancetta or bacon.
• 1/3 cup (30g) Parmesan cheese, grated: Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor to the filling, elevating the taste of the tart and enhancing the overall creaminess.
• 1/4 cup (60g) cream: Cream provides the necessary richness and smooth texture for the filling, giving it a luxurious feel that melts in your mouth.

Steps:

Making these Savory Filo Pastry Tarts with Pancetta and Chives is a simple and straightforward process that takes minimal time to prepare, resulting in a dish that’s perfect for any gathering.

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the filo pastry bakes to a golden crisp when it’s time to assemble.

2. Prepare the Filo Shells:

• Unwrap the filo pastry and carefully lay one sheet on a clean, flat surface. Keep the remaining sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
• Brush the sheet with melted butter using a pastry brush. Then place another sheet of filo pastry on top of the buttered sheet. Repeat this process until you have layered about 5-6 sheets.
• Once you have layered the filo sheets, use a sharp knife to cut the stack into 12 equal squares. Each square should be large enough to fit into the wells of a muffin tin or tart pan.
• Gently press each filo square into the muffin tin, allowing the edges to form little folds around the sides of the pan. Brush the edges with a bit more butter to ensure a golden, crispy finish.

3. Cook the Pancetta (or Bacon):

• Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the diced pancetta or bacon. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until the pancetta becomes crispy and golden. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

4. Make the Filling:

• In a medium-sized bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together until smooth. Add the cream, salt, and black pepper, and continue whisking to combine.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped chives, mixing until evenly distributed.
• Add the cooked pancetta (or bacon) to the egg mixture, and give everything one final stir to combine.

5. Assemble the Tarts:

• Spoon the egg mixture evenly into the prepared filo pastry shells, filling each about three-quarters full. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may overflow while baking.
• Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the tops are golden brown. The filo pastry should be crisp and flaky, and the filling should be just firm to the touch.

6. Serve:

• Once baked, remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin.
• Serve warm, garnished with a few extra chives if desired. These savory tarts are perfect for brunch, a light lunch, or as an appetizer for a dinner party.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 18-20 minutes

Total Time:

• 35-40 minutes

Calories per Serving:

• Approximately 150-180 kcal per tart (calories may vary based on specific ingredients used)

Why This Recipe is Timeless:

The Savory Filo Pastry Tarts with Pancetta and Chives are a classic example of how simplicity and elegance can come together to create something truly memorable. The use of filo pastry, a versatile and flaky base, adds a lightness that complements the richness of the filling, making each bite a harmonious experience.

What makes this recipe timeless is its versatility and ability to adapt to different occasions and ingredients. The savory filling, with its blend of creamy eggs, Parmesan cheese, smoky pancetta, and fresh chives, can be adjusted to suit a wide range of tastes. Whether you opt for a different type of cheese, swap pancetta for sausage, or even add a variety of herbs, the core concept of the dish remains the same: a perfectly balanced combination of crispy pastry and savory filling.

These tarts are perfect for a weekend brunch with friends, as a starter for a dinner party, or even as a comforting snack to enjoy at home. They are also incredibly easy to prepare and can be made in advance, which makes them a go-to dish for busy hosts. The balance of flavors and textures ensures that these tarts will always have a place at the table, making them a truly timeless recipe.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 150-180 kcal
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I make these tarts ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the tarts up to the point of baking and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven and follow the baking instructions.

Q: Can I use a different type of pastry? A: While filo pastry gives these tarts their signature crispiness and lightness, you can also use puff pastry if that’s what you have on hand. Puff pastry will yield a slightly different texture but still works wonderfully.

Q: Can I freeze these tarts? A: Yes, these tarts can be frozen before baking. Simply assemble the tarts, then place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake from frozen for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Tips for Making the Perfect Savory Filo Tarts:

1. Keep Filo Sheets Covered: Filo pastry dries out quickly, so be sure to keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth as you work with them.
2. Layer the Filo Sheets Well: For the best crispiness, be sure to use multiple layers of filo pastry (at least 5-6 sheets). Each layer should be brushed with butter to ensure the pastry crisps up nicely.
3. Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients for the filling. You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, or use a different type of cheese such as Gruyère or cheddar.
4. Don’t Overfill the Shells: It’s important not to overfill the filo pastry shells, as the filling will puff up as it cooks. Leave some space to allow the tarts to bake properly.

Storage Tips:

• Store in an airtight container: These savory tarts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in the oven: To reheat, place the tarts back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until they are heated through and the filo is crispy again.

Conclusion:

These Savory Filo Pastry Tarts with Pancetta and Chives are the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity. With their delicate, crisp pastry and rich, creamy filling, they offer a satisfying bite every time. Whether you’re serving them as a savory brunch option, a light lunch, or an appetizer at a party, they are sure to impress. The versatility of the filling means you can tailor it to your preferences, while the flaky filo pastry ensures that each tart is light, crispy, and delicious.

This recipe is timeless because it’s easy to make, adaptable, and endlessly satisfying. From the savory pancetta to the luxurious, creamy filling, it’s a dish that offers something for everyone. Whether enjoyed hot out of the oven or at room temperature, these tarts are a delightful treat that will never go out of style.