Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets

A Taste of Fall in Every Bite

You know that moment when autumn finally feels real — when the air turns crisp, and you can smell cinnamon and roasted pumpkin in the kitchen? These Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets capture that feeling perfectly.

Each little tart is buttery, flaky, and filled with a creamy pumpkin and goat cheese filling that’s slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and beautifully balanced. They look elegant enough for a holiday table but are simple enough to whip up on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

If you’ve been looking for a small, impressive appetizer that tastes like fall comfort with a gourmet twist, this is the one.

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Why You’ll Love These Tartlets

There’s a reason these tartlets are such a hit at gatherings — they’re the kind of bite that makes people pause mid-conversation.

• Perfectly balanced flavor: The earthy sweetness of pumpkin pairs beautifully with creamy, tangy goat cheese.
• Crispy and creamy contrast: The flaky crust meets the smooth filling in every bite.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients, no complicated steps.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prep them in advance and bake right before serving.
• Ideal for entertaining: Small, neat, and classy — no mess, no fuss.

They’re basically your shortcut to looking like a pro in the kitchen with minimal effort.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what you’ll need for these savory-sweet mini tarts.

Ingredient	Amount	Notes / Substitutes
Puff pastry sheet (thawed)	1 sheet	You can also use pie dough or phyllo cups
Pumpkin purée	¾ cup (180g)	Use 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling
Goat cheese (soft, crumbled)	4 oz (115g)	Cream cheese works if you prefer milder flavor
Egg	1	Helps bind the filling
Heavy cream	2 tbsp	Adds smooth texture
Brown sugar	1 tbsp	Balances tanginess
Fresh thyme or rosemary	1 tsp, chopped	Optional, adds a gourmet touch
Salt	¼ tsp	Adjust to taste
Black pepper	⅛ tsp	Freshly ground preferred
Honey	1 tbsp (for drizzle)	Optional but adds warmth and depth
Chopped pecans or walnuts	2 tbsp	Optional topping for crunch

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How to Make Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or line it with parchment squares.

Thaw your puff pastry according to the package instructions — it should be cold but pliable.

Step 2: Cut the Pastry

Unfold the puff pastry on a floured surface. Roll it lightly to smooth out the creases, then cut it into 2-inch squares (or circles using a cookie cutter).

Press each piece gently into the mini muffin cups, making sure it forms a little shell.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Pumpkin purée
• Goat cheese
• Egg
• Heavy cream
• Brown sugar
• Thyme or rosemary (if using)
• Salt and black pepper

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling into each pastry cup — don’t overfill, as it will puff slightly while baking.

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry edges are golden and the filling is set.

Step 5: Cool & Finish

Let the tartlets cool for about 5 minutes before removing them from the pan. Drizzle lightly with honey and sprinkle chopped pecans on top for that perfect finish.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Tartlets

• Keep pastry cold: It puffs better when chilled.
• Use pure pumpkin: Not pumpkin pie filling — you want control over the sweetness.
• Soft goat cheese mixes easier: Let it come to room temperature first.
• Don’t overbake: The filling should look slightly firm but not dry.
• Add crunch: A sprinkle of nuts or seeds gives great texture.

These small touches make the difference between “good” and “wow, who made these?”

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Flavor Variations to Try

You can make these tartlets again and again without them ever feeling repetitive.

1. Savory Herb Tartlets

Skip the sugar and honey, and add caramelized onions or crumbled bacon.

2. Maple Pecan Pumpkin Tartlets

Add 1 tsp maple syrup to the filling and top with chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup after baking.

3. Spiced Pumpkin Tartlets

Mix in ¼ tsp cinnamon and nutmeg to bring out more classic fall dessert flavors.

4. Mediterranean Twist

Add a pinch of smoked paprika and top with roasted red peppers or olives.

5. Sweet Dessert Version

Use cream cheese instead of goat cheese, add extra brown sugar, and dust with cinnamon sugar before baking.

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Why Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Work So Well Together

Pumpkin brings natural sweetness and creaminess, while goat cheese adds tang and depth. When baked together, they form a filling that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The flavor balance is what makes these tartlets so addictive — a little sweet, a little savory, and entirely satisfying.

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Serving Ideas

These tartlets are perfect for:

• Holiday appetizers (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Friendsgiving)
• Brunch spreads
• Wine nights — pairs beautifully with Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
• Buffets or potlucks — they hold up well at room temperature
• Picnic snacks

Serve them warm or at room temp — they’re delicious either way.

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

To Make Ahead:

You can assemble the tartlets a few hours in advance. Keep them in the fridge until ready to bake.

To Reheat:

Warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving — it makes the pastry soggy.

To Freeze:

Bake and cool completely. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.

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Nutritional Information (Per Tartlet)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~110
Protein	3g
Carbs	9g
Fat	7g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	85mg

These are estimates and can vary based on the ingredients you use.

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FAQ: Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?

No — pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which can overpower the goat cheese. Use pure pumpkin purée instead.

Can I make this with phyllo dough?

Yes! Layer a few sheets of phyllo with melted butter between each, then cut and fill just as you would with puff pastry.

What if I don’t like goat cheese?

Cream cheese, ricotta, or even feta can work as substitutes, though the flavor will change slightly.

Can I serve them cold?

Yes, but they taste best warm or at room temperature when the filling is creamy.

How do I keep the crust crisp?

Let them cool on a wire rack to prevent steam from softening the bottom.

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Pairing Ideas

Pair these tartlets with flavors that complement their creamy, earthy filling.

Drink Pairing	Why It Works
Chardonnay	Its buttery notes pair beautifully with goat cheese
Pinot Noir	Light tannins balance the sweetness of pumpkin
Sparkling apple cider	Adds freshness and fall flavor
Chai latte	Warm spices match the cozy vibe

Food Pairings

• Roasted turkey or chicken
• Butternut squash soup
• Fresh green salad with cranberries and nuts
• Cranberry chutney or fig jam for dipping

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Mini Pumpkin Tartlets vs Traditional Pumpkin Pie

Feature	Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets	Traditional Pumpkin Pie
Size	Bite-sized, individual	Full-size, sliced
Texture	Flaky crust, creamy filling	Soft, custard-like
Flavor	Sweet and tangy (goat cheese)	Sweet and spiced
Serving	Appetizer or snack	Dessert
Prep Time	20–25 minutes	1+ hour

These tartlets give you all the flavor of pumpkin pie but with a savory, sophisticated edge — perfect when you want something different from the usual dessert.

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Troubleshooting Guide

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Pastry didn’t puff	Dough too warm	Chill before baking
Filling cracked	Overbaked	Remove when set but slightly jiggly
Soggy bottom	Overfilled cups or steam	Vent with a fork, don’t overfill
Bland flavor	Not enough seasoning	Add more salt, pepper, or herbs

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Presentation Ideas

You eat with your eyes first, so make them stand out.

• Garnish with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
• Serve on a wooden board or slate platter with mini forks.
• Add color contrast with pomegranate seeds or microgreens on top.
• Stack them in a tiered tray for a holiday party centerpiece.

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Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets: Quick Reference Table

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Difficulty
15 minutes	20 minutes	35 minutes	12–15 tartlets	Easy

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Conclusion

These Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets bring everything you love about fall together — cozy pumpkin flavor, creamy goat cheese, and that irresistible flaky crust. They’re small, elegant, and packed with flavor, making them just as perfect for family dinners as for festive gatherings.

What makes them stand out is that balance — a little sweet, a little savory, and always comforting. You can serve them warm straight from the oven or at room temperature, and they’ll still taste like something you’d get at a fancy café.

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Your Turn to Bake

So go ahead — grab that puff pastry, open a can of pumpkin, and make these tartlets today. They’re quick to put together and even quicker to disappear.