Name: Appetizer Recipes Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 4 ounces goat cheese, softened; 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or dill), chopped; 1/2 cup mixed olives, chopped; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Salt and pepper to taste

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Whenever I want to impress guests without stressing in the kitchen, I turn to these herby olive goat cheese tartlets. They’re little bites of joy—flaky pastry, creamy goat cheese, and a pop of briny olive all in one. You know how some recipes look fancy but secretly take very little effort? Yeah, this is one of those. I still remember the first time I served these at a family gathering. I was worried they’d be too ‘grown-up’ for the kids, but to my surprise, they disappeared faster than the cookies. There’s just something magical about warm goat cheese paired with herbs and olives. Even people who claim they don’t like olives suddenly change their minds. What I love most is how flexible this tartlets recipe is. You can switch up the herbs, try different olives, or even sneak in roasted veggies. So if you’re hunting for appetizer recipes that double as healthy baked goods and sneak in a little sophistication, this one’s for you. Goat recipes like this remind me why I keep goat cheese in my fridge at all times—it makes any dish feel special.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets Recipe
3) Ingredients for Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets
4) How to Make Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets
5) Tips for Making Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets
6) Making Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets
8) Try these Appetizer next!
9) Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Simple to prepare appetizer recipes that feel special without too much work.
Flaky puff pastry filled with creamy goat cheese and savory olives.
Perfect balance of flavors with herbs, cheese, and pastry in every bite.
Flexible recipe with options to switch herbs or add roasted vegetables.

2) Easy Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets Recipe

I like recipes that make me look like I’ve spent hours in the kitchen when in truth, I didn’t. These tartlets are exactly that. They combine flaky pastry with creamy goat cheese and briny olives. It’s a pairing that feels classic yet still surprises people when they bite in.

Every time I bake them, I’m reminded why appetizer recipes are worth keeping on hand. They don’t just feed the stomach, they create moments. When someone takes one bite and instantly smiles, you know you’ve chosen the right recipe. That’s what I call success.

When I share food on Lila Cooks, I want people to feel confident. I want them to believe they can pull off something impressive without breaking a sweat. This tartlets recipe captures that balance of ease and elegance in a way that makes me proud to call it mine.

3) Ingredients for Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets

Puff Pastry: One sheet, thawed. It’s flaky, it’s light, and it forms the golden base for these tartlets. Store-bought works beautifully and saves time.

Goat Cheese: Four ounces, softened. Its creamy tang holds everything together. When it melts into the pastry, it creates a filling that feels indulgent but balanced.

Fresh Herbs: One tablespoon, chopped parsley, thyme, or dill. They add freshness and color that lifts the cheese and olives.

Mixed Olives: Half a cup, chopped. Briny and bold, they’re the star accent. I love mixing green and black olives for a contrast in flavor and look.

Egg Wash: One beaten egg. Brush this over the pastry for that golden finish that makes the tartlets look bakery-ready.

Seasoning: A little salt and pepper. The goat cheese has flavor, the olives bring salt, but that final touch of seasoning ties it all together.

4) How to Make Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. That’s the base for keeping things clean and crisp.

Step 2. Roll the puff pastry slightly and cut it into squares or circles, around two inches across. This size makes them easy to hold and bite.

Step 3. Place a spoonful of goat cheese in the center of each piece of pastry. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic works just fine.

Step 4. Add herbs and olives on top. It’s a little like painting but with flavor. The colors pop even before baking.

Step 5. Fold edges slightly and brush with egg wash. This seals the flavor and gives the tartlets that golden shine we all love.

Step 6. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until puffed and golden. The smell in your kitchen will make it hard to wait.

Step 7. Serve warm. That’s when the goat cheese is soft and the pastry has its best crunch.

5) Tips for Making Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets

Use puff pastry that’s fully thawed but still cool to the touch. If it gets too warm, it can turn sticky and tough to work with. A cool pastry gives you the best rise in the oven.

When chopping olives, keep the pieces small. Large chunks can overpower the goat cheese. Smaller bits scatter through the filling more evenly and make every bite balanced.

Season lightly. The olives bring salt on their own. Taste as you go. A little pepper adds warmth, but heavy seasoning can bury the goat cheese flavor that makes this recipe special.

6) Making Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets Ahead of Time

I know the stress of preparing everything last minute. That’s why I like to prep these tartlets early. You can assemble them on the baking sheet, cover with wrap, and refrigerate for a few hours. When guests arrive, slide them straight into the oven.

Another option is to bake them fully, let them cool, then reheat them briefly before serving. They won’t be quite as puffed as fresh, but they’ll still taste wonderful and save you time.

Making ahead also gives you space to enjoy your gathering. No need to rush around the kitchen when you’d rather laugh with friends and family. That’s the joy of appetizer recipes that let you stay present at the table.

7) Storing Leftover Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for two to three days. The pastry softens a little but reheats nicely in the oven.

If you plan to eat them the next day, warm them at 350°F for about five minutes. They’ll crisp up again and taste close to fresh-baked.

Leftovers rarely happen when I serve these, but when they do, they make the perfect little snack with coffee or tea the next day. The balance of savory cheese and olives with flaky pastry never gets old.

8) Try these Appetizer next!

9) Herby Olive Goat Cheese Tartlets