Cheese and Spinach Tart Recipe
A delightful fusion of creamy cheese and fresh spinach encased in a flaky, whole-wheat crust, these Cheese and Spinach Tarts make a perfect appetizer for any party or gathering. The combination of sharp cheddar, rich cream cheese, and sautéed spinach infused with a hint of garlic and chili flakes will surely leave your guests wanting more.
These bite-sized tarts, baked in a muffin pan for easy serving, can also be made in a large pie dish for a heartier main dish. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or a casual get-together, these tarts are guaranteed to impress!
Cuisine: French
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 85 minutes
Servings: 12 tarts
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Pie Crust | 1 (dough made and chilled for a few hours) |
| Spinach Leaves (Palak) | 500 grams, finely chopped |
| Britannia Cream Cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup, grated |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, finely chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a muffin pan with a light coating of butter.
- Once the pie crust dough has been chilled for a few hours, begin by generously flouring your work surface.
- Place the chilled dough on the floured surface. Using the heel of your palm, press down and flatten the dough, pulling it outward to stretch the dough evenly.
- Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a large circle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into pieces that will fit into the individual muffin molds. Work quickly to keep the dough cold, dusting with enough flour to prevent it from sticking to the counter.
- Gently place each dough piece into a muffin mold, pressing lightly to form a cup. Once all the dough pieces are in place, refrigerate the muffin tin while preparing the spinach filling.
2. Prepare the Spinach Filling:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until it starts to sizzle and becomes aromatic.
- Add the chopped spinach along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Increase the heat to high and cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts and any excess moisture evaporates.
- Remove from heat and let the spinach mixture cool to room temperature.
3. Assemble the Tarts:
- Once the spinach mixture has cooled, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup cream cheese and 1 cup grated cheddar cheese to the bowl, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- For an extra kick, sprinkle in some chili flakes and stir to incorporate. This step is optional but highly recommended for those who enjoy a bit of heat!
- Carefully spoon the spinach mixture into the chilled pie crust cups in the muffin tin, filling each one to the top.
4. Bake the Tarts:
- Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese filling is set.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the tarts cool slightly before serving.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the Cheese and Spinach Tarts to a platter and serve as a delightful appetizer at your next party or holiday gathering. These bite-sized treats are perfect for guests to grab and enjoy in one hand, making them a hit at any event!
Tips and Variations:
- Whole Wheat Crust: For an even healthier version, consider using a whole wheat pie crust or a gluten-free crust for a different twist.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses such as feta, mozzarella, or goat cheese for a unique flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit more heat, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a small diced green chili to the spinach filling.
- Larger Tart: If you prefer to make this as a main dish, simply use a larger pie crust pan instead of a muffin tin. The baking time will be slightly longer—around 30 to 35 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Per Tart)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
These Cheese and Spinach Tarts are a wonderful combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and the nutritional benefits of spinach, all wrapped up in a crisp, flaky crust. Whether as an appetizer or a main course, they are sure to make a lasting impression!
