Caramelized Leek, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Tart

Caramelized Leek, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Tart is a savory pastry dish that delivers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and earthy flavors nestled in a golden, flaky puff pastry crust. It’s elegant enough for brunch or entertaining, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. This tart is both wholesome and satisfying, making it a delightful choice for vegetarians and flavor-lovers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tart is layered with rich textures and bold flavors—sweet, mellow leeks, garlicky sautéed spinach, and tangy goat cheese all come together in a flaky pastry shell. It’s easy to prepare, looks beautiful on the table, and works for any meal of the day. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this tart is a guaranteed hit with minimal effort.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Puff pastry sheet, thawed
• Leeks, trimmed and sliced
• Fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• Goat cheese, crumbled
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional: fresh thyme or herbs for garnish

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet or tart pan with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté sliced leeks in olive oil and butter until soft and golden, about 10–15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted. If using frozen, simply stir in until heated through.
5. Roll out puff pastry and transfer to the prepared baking sheet or pan, trimming edges as needed.
6. Spoon the leek and spinach mixture onto the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
7. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese evenly over the top.
8. Fold in the pastry edges slightly to create a rustic border. Brush edges with beaten egg.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
10. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add eggs: Crack 2–3 eggs on top before baking for a brunch-style tart.
• Cheese swap: Use feta, ricotta, or parmesan in place of goat cheese.
• Mushroom mix: Add sautéed mushrooms for a heartier tart.
• Tomato burst: Top with cherry tomato halves before baking for sweetness and color.
• Crust options: Make it in a tart pan for a cleaner look or freeform for a rustic style.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. This tart is also delicious at room temperature.

FAQs

What part of the leek should I use?

Use the white and light green parts. Discard the tough dark green tops or save them for stock.

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake fresh when ready.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a soggy tart.

What type of goat cheese should I use?

Use soft, creamy goat cheese (chevre) for the best texture and tang.

Can I make this without goat cheese?

Absolutely—substitute with ricotta, cream cheese, or your preferred cheese.

How do I clean leeks properly?

Slice them and soak in a bowl of water, then lift them out to remove grit and dirt.

Can I serve this cold?

Yes, it tastes great at room temperature or lightly chilled—perfect for picnics or brunch spreads.

Can I add protein?

Yes, add cooked bacon, smoked salmon, or shredded chicken if desired.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this version is fully vegetarian as written.

Can I freeze the tart?

You can freeze leftovers, though the texture may soften slightly. Reheat in the oven from frozen for best results.

Conclusion

Caramelized Leek, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Tart is a savory pastry you’ll want to make again and again. It’s flavorful, elegant, and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for entertaining or enjoying a simple, satisfying meal. With a flaky puff pastry crust and a creamy, savory filling, it’s everything you want in a rustic tart—beautiful, balanced, and full of fresh flavor.

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