Creamed Kale Tart with Goat Cheese and Crispy Capers is a savory, elegant dish that’s bursting with rich flavor and texture. The tender kale in a creamy base pairs beautifully with tangy goat cheese, all nestled in a buttery tart crust. Crispy capers add a briny crunch that elevates each bite, making this tart perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
pre-made tart crust or pie dougholive oilshallotsgarlicfresh kale (stems removed, chopped)heavy creamcream cheesegoat cheeseeggslemon zestnutmegsalt and peppercapers (drained and dried)butter or extra oil (for frying capers)
directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and place tart crust into a tart pan, trimming edges. Prick the base with a fork and blind bake for 10 minutes.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté shallots and garlic in olive oil until softened.
Add chopped kale and cook until wilted. Stir in cream and cream cheese, cooking until smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Let the mixture cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs.
Pour the kale mixture into the pre-baked tart shell and crumble goat cheese over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
While the tart bakes, heat a small amount of butter or oil in a pan and fry the capers until crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Top the tart with crispy capers just before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Variations
Use spinach or Swiss chard in place of kale.
Swap goat cheese for feta or ricotta.
Add caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness.
Use puff pastry instead of a tart crust for a flakier texture.
Sprinkle with chili flakes for a mild kick.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving to preserve the crust’s texture.
FAQs
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day ahead and reheat before serving.
Can I freeze the tart?
Yes, freeze baked and cooled tart for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
What kind of goat cheese works best?
Soft, fresh goat cheese crumbles easily and adds tangy richness.
Are capers necessary?
They add great texture and flavor, but you can skip or replace them with olives or toasted pine nuts.
Can I make this without cream cheese?
Yes, use more heavy cream or substitute with ricotta or mascarpone.
Is this tart vegetarian?
Yes, it’s fully vegetarian as written.
Can I use frozen kale?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess water before using.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free tart shell or crust substitute.
Can I serve it cold?
Yes, it’s delicious warm or at room temperature—great for picnics.
Can I use mini tart pans?
Yes, just reduce the baking time to 15-20 minutes depending on size.
Conclusion
Creamed Kale Tart with Goat Cheese and Crispy Capers brings bold flavor and creamy, flaky texture to your table in one stunning dish. It’s rich yet balanced, fancy enough for entertaining and easy enough for everyday. Try it once, and it may just become your new favorite savory tart.
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Creamed Kale Tart with Goat Cheese and Crispy Capers
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory tart featuring a creamy kale filling, tangy goat cheese, and crispy capers atop a flaky puff pastry crust—perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped kale, stems removed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying capers)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add chopped kale and cook for 4–5 minutes until wilted. Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Cook another 2 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Roll out puff pastry and transfer to the baking sheet. Score a 1-inch border around the edge and prick the center with a fork.
- Spread the creamed kale mixture within the border. Top with crumbled goat cheese.
- Brush pastry edges with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
- While the tart bakes, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small pan and fry capers until crispy, about 2–3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Remove tart from oven and sprinkle crispy capers over the top. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the kale mixture ahead of time for easier assembly.
- Swap goat cheese with feta or ricotta for a different flavor.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg