Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets – A Fall Appetizer Dream
When fall rolls around, there’s one ingredient that takes center stage in every cozy kitchen — pumpkin. Whether it’s in soups, lattes, or pies, pumpkin adds that signature warmth and sweetness we all crave during cooler months. But today, we’re taking pumpkin in a slightly different direction — savory, elegant, and absolutely irresistible.
Meet the Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets: bite-sized, buttery pastries filled with creamy pumpkin, tangy goat cheese, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle
of fresh thyme. These little golden tartlets are the perfect marriage of sweet and savory — and the ultimate appetizer for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving spreads, or cozy weekend dinners.
If you’re looking for something that’s quick, impressive, and deeply flavorful, this is your recipe.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets
- Easy to make: With ready-made puff pastry and simple ingredients, these tartlets come together in under an hour.
- Elegant yet rustic: Their golden flaky crust and creamy topping make them perfect for entertaining or gifting.
- Packed with flavor: Pumpkin, caramelized onions, goat cheese, and honey combine for a dynamic flavor profile — sweet, tangy, and earthy.
- Perfectly portioned: These tartlets are the ideal size for appetizers or side dishes, making them great for parties or intimate dinners.
Ingredients
For the Tartlet Shells
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon flour (for dusting)
For the Pumpkin Filling
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping
- 4 ounces goat cheese (crumbled)
- ½ cup caramelized onions (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for drizzling)
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the puff pastry shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly dust a work surface with flour and gently roll out the puff pastry sheet. Cut the dough into circles large enough to fit your mini tart pans or muffin tin cups. Press each circle into the molds and prick the base with a fork to prevent puffing.
2. Pre-bake the crusts
Place parchment paper squares into each tart shell and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove the weights and set aside.
3. Make the pumpkin filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg, heavy cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the tartlets
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pumpkin filling into each pre-baked tart shell. Add a small spoonful of caramelized onions on top of the pumpkin mixture.
5. Bake to perfection
Return the tartlets to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
6. Add the toppings
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Top each tartlet with a crumble of goat cheese, a drizzle of honey, and a few thyme leaves for garnish.
7. Serve and enjoy
Serve warm or at room temperature. These tartlets pair beautifully with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider!
Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare mini tart pans or muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into circles to fit tart molds. Press into pans and prick with fork.
- Pre-bake crusts for 8–10 minutes using pie weights or beans, then remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, egg, cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fill each tart shell with pumpkin mixture and top with a spoon of caramelized onions.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and filling is set.
- Top with goat cheese crumbles, honey drizzle, and thyme leaves. Serve warm.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Tartlets
- Use room-temperature goat cheese: It crumbles more easily and spreads beautifully over the warm tartlets.
- Caramelize your onions slowly: Low and slow is the secret to rich, jammy caramelized onions that enhance the pumpkin flavor.
- For a smoky twist: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to your pumpkin filling or sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top.
- Make ahead: You can prepare and bake the tart shells a day ahead, then fill and bake them just before serving.
Flavor Variations
- Herbed Feta Swap: Use feta cheese and oregano instead of goat cheese and thyme for a Mediterranean flair.
- Sweet & Savory Mix: Add a small spoon of fig jam before topping with goat cheese for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts on top for added texture and flavor.
- Mini Quiche Style: Add a few bits of sautéed spinach or caramelized mushrooms to the filling for a more hearty tartlet.
Serving Suggestions
These tartlets are incredibly versatile and can be served in various settings:
- As an appetizer: Arrange them on a wooden board with other small bites like stuffed mushrooms or mini bruschetta.
- At brunch: Pair them with a mixed greens salad and a light vinaigrette.
- During the holidays: These make the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas appetizer spread.
- As a snack: Enjoy one or two warm tartlets with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Make It Family-Friendly
If goat cheese isn’t a hit with kids, you can swap it for cream cheese or ricotta, which has a milder flavor. Add a drizzle of maple syrup on top instead of honey for a softer sweetness that appeals to all ages.
Storage & Reheating
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until heated through.
- To Freeze: You can freeze the unbaked tart shells and pumpkin filling separately. When ready to use, thaw, assemble, and bake fresh.
Fun Fact: Why Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Work So Well Together
The creamy sweetness of pumpkin pairs beautifully with the tangy, earthy notes of goat cheese because they balance each other perfectly. Pumpkin provides smooth richness, while goat cheese adds brightness — creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
The Perfect Fall Bite
Every bite of these Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets delivers a little bit of everything — creamy pumpkin, savory onion, tangy cheese, and buttery pastry. Whether you serve them as appetizers, snacks, or part of your fall dinner menu, they’re bound to impress.
Simple, elegant, and bursting with autumn flavor — these tartlets deserve a spot in your seasonal recipe rotation.
