Decadent Blue Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Tart
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Decadent Blue Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Tart. This savory tart features a flaky homemade crust, filled with a creamy mixture of luscious cream cheese and tangy blue cheese, beautifully complemented by roasted red peppers and crunchy pine nuts. Perfect for a gourmet appetizer or a delightful addition to any gathering, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its elegant presentation and bold flavors. Serve warm or at room temperature and relish in the gourmet experience right from your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (Measure and set aside.)
cold Land O'Lakes butter
1/2 cup (Cut into chunks.)
ice water
4-5 tablespoons (Chill before use.)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (Soften at room temperature.)
crumbled blue cheese
1/3 cup (Ready to use.)
whipping cream
1/4 cup (Chill before use.)
egg
1 (Slightly beaten.)
fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground.)
chopped roasted red pepper
1/3 cup (Chop before adding.)
lightly toasted pine nuts or favorite nuts
3 tablespoons (Lightly toast if using pine nuts.)
chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (Chop before adding.)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3
Gradually mix in the ice water with a fork until the dough is just moistened. Form the dough into a ball, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
4
Carefully place the rolled pastry into a 9 or 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom (or a pie pan). Press the pastry firmly into the bottom and sides of the pan, trimming any excess pastry. Prick the base all over with a fork to prevent bubbling.
5
Bake the pastry shell for 17 to 22 minutes or until it's very lightly browned. Allow it to cool slightly.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and crumbled blue cheese. Mix at medium speed, scraping the bowl often, until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
7
Add the whipping cream, slightly beaten egg, and freshly ground black pepper to the cheese mixture, continuing to beat until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
8
Spread the creamy filling into the baked pastry shell, ensuring an even layer. Top with chopped roasted red peppers, toasted pine nuts (or your favorite chopped nuts), and fresh parsley.
9
Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
10
Once baked, let the tart stand for about 20 minutes before cutting it into wedges. Serve warm or at room temperature. Cover and store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary flavors of the Decadent Blue Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Tart?
The tart features a rich blend of tangy blue cheese, luscious cream cheese, and savory roasted red peppers.
What kind of crust is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a flaky homemade pastry crust made from all-purpose flour, cold butter, and ice water.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the pastry shell need to bake before adding the filling?
The pastry shell should be baked for 17 to 22 minutes or until it is very lightly browned.
What size tart pan is recommended?
A 9 or 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, or a standard pie pan, can be used.
How do I prevent the pastry from bubbling while baking?
You should prick the base of the pastry all over with a fork before baking to prevent bubbles from forming.
How should the butter be prepared for the crust?
The butter should be kept cold and cut into chunks before being worked into the flour.
What is the first step in creating the pastry dough?
Combine the all-purpose flour and cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
How large should the dough be rolled out?
The dough should be rolled out into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
What two cheeses make up the base of the filling?
The filling consists of a mixture of softened cream cheese and crumbled blue cheese.
Should the cream cheese be cold when mixing the filling?
No, the cream cheese should be softened at room temperature for easier and smoother blending.
What liquid ingredients are added to the cheese mixture?
Whipping cream and a slightly beaten egg are added to the cheese mixture.
What seasoning is used in the cheese filling?
Freshly coarse ground black pepper is used to season the filling.
What are the toppings for the tart before its final bake?
The tart is topped with chopped roasted red peppers, toasted pine nuts, and fresh parsley.
Can I use different nuts instead of pine nuts?
Yes, you can substitute pine nuts with your favorite chopped nuts if desired.
How long does the tart bake once it is filled?
It should bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
How long should the tart rest after baking?
The tart should stand for about 20 minutes before being cut into wedges.
Is this tart served hot or cold?
The tart is versatile and can be served warm or at room temperature.
How should I store any leftovers?
Any leftovers should be covered and stored in the refrigerator.
How much blue cheese is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
How much cream cheese is needed?
One 8-ounce package of cream cheese is required for the filling.
How much whipping cream is used in the filling?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of whipping cream.
What type of flour is needed for the crust?
The recipe specifies 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Does the egg need to be beaten before adding it to the cheese?
Yes, the egg should be slightly beaten before being incorporated into the cheese mixture.
How much roasted red pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of chopped roasted red pepper.
What is the role of the ice water in the pastry?
Ice water is added gradually until the dough is just moistened and can be formed into a ball.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients listed for this savory tart recipe.
Is this recipe considered a gourmet appetizer?
Yes, it is described as a gourmet appetizer perfect for elegant gatherings.
How should the fresh parsley be prepared?
The fresh parsley should be chopped before being added as a topping to the tart.
What brand of butter is recommended in the ingredient list?
The recipe recommends using cold Land O'Lakes butter.