This Savory Puff Pastry Tart is everything you could want in a comfort bake—crispy, golden layers of puff pastry wrapped around a rich and creamy filling loaded with cream cheese, bacon, salami, aromatic basil, sweet sugar beets, and crunchy spring onions. It’s brushed with egg yolk for that perfect golden finish and baked until puffed and irresistible.
Whether served as a brunch centerpiece, dinner side, or a standalone snack, this puff pastry tart brings flavor, texture, and elegance to your table with very little effort.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Cuisine: European Fusion / Comfort Bake
Ingredients
-
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
-
100 g (3.5 oz) cream cheese
-
Fresh basil leaves (a small handful)
-
3–4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
-
1 egg (for filling and sealing)
-
4 slices salami, chopped
-
70 g (2.5 oz) cheese (any melty cheese like mozzarella or cheddar), grated
-
2 spring onions, chopped
-
½ small sugar beet, peeled and grated
-
1 garlic clove, minced
-
½ small onion, finely chopped
-
Salt, to taste
-
1 egg yolk (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Prepare the filling
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, chopped basil, crumbled bacon, chopped salami, grated cheese, garlic, onion, sugar beet, and spring onions. Crack in one egg and season with a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Roll and shape the pastry
Roll out the puff pastry slightly on a floured surface if needed. Place it on the prepared baking tray. If desired, use a knife to gently score a border around the edges, about 1 inch from the sides, to help the edges puff up more dramatically.
Assemble the tart
Spread the prepared filling evenly over the center of the pastry, staying within the scored border. The cream cheese will help bind everything together and add creaminess to the center.
Brush and bake
Beat the egg yolk and brush it over the edges of the pastry to promote a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the edges are puffed and deeply golden and the filling is set and slightly browned on top.
Cool and serve
Let the tart cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)
-
Calories: 370
-
Protein: 11g
-
Fat: 26g
-
Carbohydrates: 22g
-
Fiber: 2g
-
Sugar: 4g
-
Sodium: 480mg
-
Vitamin C: 10% DV
-
Calcium: 15% DV
-
Iron: 8% DV
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This tart takes inspiration from European savory pastries, particularly French and Italian-style tarts that feature cheese, herbs, and cured meats. The twist comes in with the addition of sugar beets, a uniquely earthy, naturally sweet ingredient that contrasts beautifully with the savory cheeses and meats.
Puff pastry has long been a favorite of home cooks and professionals alike due to its versatility and dramatic presentation. The popularity of sheet-pan tarts, galettes, and savory hand pies has grown massively thanks to social media and Pinterest, where food lovers crave recipes that are both beautiful and approachable.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
-
Crispy, flaky, golden crust that contrasts the creamy filling
-
Loaded with savory, herby, and slightly sweet flavors
-
Simple ingredients, no fancy techniques
-
Perfect for entertaining, holidays, or weeknight dinners
-
Customizable with whatever veggies or meats you have on hand
-
Freezer-friendly and great as leftovers
-
Pairs beautifully with soups or salads
Health Benefits
While indulgent, this recipe contains some surprising health perks:
-
Sugar beets are rich in antioxidants and natural nitrates that support circulation
-
Spring onions and garlic add anti-inflammatory compounds and immune support
-
Basil is full of antibacterial properties and antioxidants
-
Eggs and cheese provide protein, calcium, and healthy fats
-
Using puff pastry instead of a heavy crust lightens the texture
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve with a fresh green salad and vinaigrette
-
Pair with tomato soup or butternut squash bisque
-
Top with a fried or poached egg for brunch
-
Slice into small squares and serve as an appetizer or on a party platter
-
Drizzle with balsamic glaze or hot honey for a gourmet twist
-
Serve with roasted vegetables or sweet potatoes on the side
Cooking Tips
-
Thaw puff pastry properly in the fridge or at room temperature—don’t force it in the microwave
-
Grate cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded for better meltability
-
Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking
-
Add herbs after baking if you want them to retain a fresh, vibrant look
-
Slice beets thinly or grate them to avoid watery fillings
-
For more puff, chill the assembled tart in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking
Variations to Try
-
Vegetarian version – skip bacon and salami, add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes
-
Add spinach or kale sautéed and drained
-
Switch cheese – try brie, feta, gouda, or gruyère
-
Use store-bought beet hummus instead of grated beet for a creamy, colorful layer
-
Swap out meats with smoked turkey, ham, or prosciutto
-
Spicy version – add chili flakes or spicy pepperoni
-
Make mini tarts by cutting pastry into squares or rounds before assembling
Conclusion
This Savory Puff Pastry Tart is a perfect combination of flaky, creamy, salty, and sweet. It’s everything you want in a baked dish: comforting, customizable, and just fancy enough to impress. Whether you’re using up leftovers, entertaining guests, or baking a satisfying dinner, this tart never fails to deliver flavor and elegance with ease.
So grab that puff pastry from the freezer and get creative. It’s time to turn simple ingredients into something golden and unforgettable.
FAQ
1. Can I make this puff pastry tart ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge. Bake just before serving.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Let the tart cool completely, wrap slices tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
3. How do I reheat this tart?
Bake at 160°C (325°F) for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. This helps crisp up the pastry again.
4. Can I use a gluten-free puff pastry?
Yes! Many grocery stores carry gluten-free puff pastry. Just follow the same instructions.
5. Can I make this tart dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded vegan cheese. Results may vary slightly.
6. What other vegetables can I use?
Zucchini, mushrooms, roasted peppers, or even caramelized onions work wonderfully.
7. Can I use store-bought beet slices?
Yes, just drain and pat them dry before chopping or layering into the filling.
8. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Mozzarella for melt, cheddar for sharpness, or gouda for richness.
9. Can I add eggs on top before baking?
You can! Crack a whole egg in the center before baking for a runny-yolk finish.
10. How do I keep the bottom of the tart from getting soggy?
Bake on a preheated tray or pizza stone. You can also prick the pastry before adding filling to allow steam to escape.