Description
Cheesy mini cheddar tarts promise a delightful burst of flavor that whisks you straight to comfort food heaven. Crisp pastry shells cradle rich cheddar filling, creating an irresistible bite-sized treat perfect for gatherings or indulgent snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup grated Cabot cheddar cheese
- 1 pie crust (divided)
Dairy and Liquid:
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) heavy cream
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) thyme or other fresh herbs
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F and thoroughly coat a mini muffin or tart tin with a light layer of cooking spray.
- Dust a clean work surface with flour and carefully roll out the pie dough to an even thickness.
- Use a circular cookie cutter or specialized tart mold to create precise dough rounds that perfectly fit each compartment of the tin.
- Gently press the dough circles into the tin, ensuring they are smoothly aligned and cover the entire surface area of each cavity.
- Crack eggs into a mixing bowl and combine with heavy cream, whisking vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
- Carefully distribute the egg and cream mixture into each prepared tart shell, filling them approximately three-quarters full to prevent overflow during baking.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of freshly grated cheddar cheese over the surface of each tart, ensuring even coverage.
- Optional: Delicately garnish with finely chopped fresh thyme leaves to enhance the aromatic profile of the tarts.
- Transfer the tart tin to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and set filling.
- Remove from the oven and allow the tarts to cool slightly before carefully extracting them from the tin for serving.
Notes
- Ensure pie dough is chilled before rolling to prevent sticking and maintain flaky texture.
- Use room temperature eggs for smoother, more even custard consistency in the filling.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.
- Prepare tarts ahead of time and reheat briefly in oven for crisp crust when serving at parties or brunches.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg