Cheese and Spinach Tart Recipe
This Cheese and Spinach Tart is a delightful appetizer that brings together the rich, creamy texture of cheese and the fresh, earthy flavors of spinach. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or any special occasion, these little tarts are bursting with flavor and easy to prepare. With a flaky, buttery crust and a savory filling, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Pie Crust (dough, chilled) | 1, prepared and chilled for a few hours |
| Spinach Leaves (Palak), finely chopped | 500 grams |
| Britannia Cream Cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Cheddar Cheese, grated | 1 cup |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 3 cloves |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 85 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: French
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease muffin molds or a tart pan with butter, ensuring they are well-coated to prevent sticking.
- On a generously floured work surface, place your chilled pie dough. Use the heels of your palms to press the dough flat, then gently stretch it outward.
- Roll the dough out with a rolling pin to about a 1/4-inch thickness.
- Using a cutter or a knife, cut the dough into circles that will fit into your muffin mold. Keep the dough as cold as possible during this process.
- Lightly press the dough pieces into each muffin mold. Once all the dough is in place, refrigerate the tart shells while you prepare the filling.
-
Prepare the Spinach Filling:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and begins to sizzle.
- Add the finely chopped spinach to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, and stir well.
- Turn the heat to high and cook the spinach, stirring occasionally, until it wilts and releases all its water. Continue cooking until the liquid evaporates, leaving behind a dry mixture.
- Remove the pan from heat and allow the spinach to cool to room temperature.
-
Assemble the Tarts:
- Once the spinach has cooled, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup of cream cheese and 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. For an extra kick, you can add chili flakes at this stage if you enjoy a little spice in your dish.
- Remove the chilled pie crust from the refrigerator. Spoon the spinach and cheese filling into each tart shell, dividing it evenly among all the tart cups.
-
Bake the Tarts:
- Place the filled tart shells into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and crisp.
- Once baked, remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
-
Serve:
- Arrange the Cheese and Spinach Tarts on a platter and serve them as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering or holiday party. They make the perfect finger food for guests to enjoy while mingling!
Tips & Variations
- Crust Variation: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made tart shells or puff pastry instead of making your own pie crust.
- Spicy Kick: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the spinach mixture.
- Cheese Varieties: While cheddar cheese works wonderfully in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, feta, or parmesan for different textures and flavors.
This Cheese and Spinach Tart is not only a great way to use fresh spinach but also a fantastic treat for anyone who loves cheesy, savory appetizers. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a light meal, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of rich cream cheese and sharp cheddar with earthy spinach wrapped in a buttery crust makes each bite a flavorful indulgence!
