Get ready to impress with this Savory Apple and Sage Tart. Perfect for a cozy autumn gathering, this dish marries sweet and savory elements beautifully in a flaky puff pastry. It's a delightful way to bring a touch of gourmet to your table with minimal fuss.
Puff pastry serves as the buttery, flaky base that holds everything together. It's the canvas for our tart, so we want it to puff up beautifully in the oven.
Apples bring sweetness and a bit of tartness. Choose firm apples like Granny Smiths or Honeycrisps to hold their shape during baking.
Goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet apples — it’s the savory star that brings everything into balance.
Honey provides a gentle sweetness that complements the tart apples and tangy cheese.
Fresh sage gives an earthy, aromatic note that ties the flavors together and makes the dish feel cozy and rustic.
Black pepper adds a subtle kick, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them.
Egg is used for the egg wash, which gives our pastry a golden, glossy finish.
This tart pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors. For a cozy brunch, serve it alongside a light soup, such as butternut squash or tomato bisque. You can also offer a selection of cheeses and charcuterie for a more substantial spread.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your tart bakes evenly and the puff pastry rises perfectly.
Next, roll out your puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You want to keep it at about a 10x15 inch rectangle. This gives you the perfect foundation to hold all the delicious toppings.
Now, layer your thinly sliced apples evenly across the pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border. This border will later be folded to create a nice crust.
Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and freshly chopped sage over the apples. The cheese will melt slightly during baking, blending beautifully with the apples.
Drizzle honey over the top. This touch of sweetness will marry the flavors perfectly.
Season with black pepper to taste. This adds just a hint of spice and complexity.
Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling to create that inviting border. Brush the edges with beaten egg to help them bake to a golden brown.
Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed. Keep an eye on it; every oven is a little different.
Once done, let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. This allows the toppings to set a bit and makes slicing easier.