The aroma of Christmas Sausage & Fig Mini Tarts fills the air, beckoning everyone to gather around. With each bite, the sweetness of figs dances with savory sausage, creating a party in your mouth that you won’t want to miss.
As the holidays approach, I can’t help but reminisce about the first time I made these delightful mini tarts. They were a hit at my family’s Christmas gathering, and even Uncle Bob, who swears he only eats meatloaf, went back for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These mini tarts are impressively easy to prepare, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.
- The blend of sweet figs and savory sausage creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
- Their elegant presentation will wow your guests while being versatile enough for any occasion.
- Plus, they are a delightful way to sneak in a serving of fruit!
There was that one Christmas where I accidentally made too many—my family was thrilled and so were our neighbors when we shared the leftovers.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Puff Pastry: Choose high-quality puff pastry from the freezer section; it puffs up beautifully when baked.
- Sausage: Use your favorite breakfast sausage; I recommend spicy for an extra kick.
- Fresh Figs: Opt for ripe figs for sweetness; if unavailable, dried figs work too.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture to balance the flavors.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey enhances the natural sweetness of the figs; use local honey if possible.
- Fresh Herbs (Thyme or Rosemary): Fresh herbs brighten the flavors; chop finely before adding.
- Egg Wash (Egg + Water): An egg wash gives your tarts that lovely golden finish when baked.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Sausage & Fig Mini Tarts
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into squares to fit your mini tart molds.
Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Crumble it as it cooks and enjoy that sizzle sound.
Add Figs and Cream Cheese: In a bowl, mix together chopped figs and softened cream cheese until well combined. The mixture should be smooth with little fig chunks peeking through.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in cooked sausage, honey, and chopped herbs into the fig-cream cheese mixture until everything is harmoniously blended. The sweet and savory aroma will make your mouth water.
Fill and Bake Tarts: Spoon generous amounts of filling into each pastry square. Fold over corners and brush with egg wash for that shiny finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool and Serve!: Allow them to cool slightly before serving—trust me; you don’t want to burn your tongue on all that deliciousness!
With these steps complete, you’ll have golden-brown Christmas Sausage & Fig Mini Tarts ready to impress everyone at your holiday gathering!
Content
Make sure to use high-quality sausage for a rich flavor that pairs well with figs. The better the sausage, the more delicious the mini tarts will be. I learned this the hard way when I skimped on quality once, and my guests were not impressed.
Experiment with different types of figs to discover unique flavors; fresh, dried, or even fig preserves work wonders. I remember trying a spicy fig jam once that added a delightful zing to my tarts, and everyone went back for seconds!
You Must Know
- Don’t skip the egg wash!
- It gives your pastry that golden-brown shine we all love.
- I once forgot this step and ended up serving pale mini tarts; let’s just say they weren’t Instagram-worthy!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the sausage while preheating your oven, then roll out the dough and prepare the figs. This method maximizes efficiency and results in perfectly cooked tarts.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on personal preference; try goat cheese instead of cream cheese or add nuts for crunch. The versatility of these mini tarts allows for endless creativity.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover mini tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use parchment paper on your baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Always taste your filling before assembling; it should sing with flavor!
- Let the pastries cool slightly before serving to avoid burning tongues.
I still chuckle when I think about that one Christmas party where I almost burned these mini tarts—thankfully, they turned out fine and became a family favorite!
FAQ
What type of sausage is best for Christmas Sausage & Fig Mini Tarts?
Using high-quality Italian sausage enhances flavor significantly compared to regular options.
Can I use frozen pastry dough for this recipe?
Yes, frozen pastry dough works perfectly; just thaw it according to package instructions before use.
How can I make these tarts vegetarian-friendly?
Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative for a delicious vegetarian option.
Christmas Sausage & Fig Mini Tarts
Indulge in the festive flavors of Christmas with these delightful Sausage & Fig Mini Tarts. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet figs and savory sausage, encased in flaky puff pastry. Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, these mini tarts are sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 mini tarts 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 cup breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- 1/2 cup fresh figs (chopped, or 1/3 cup dried figs)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (chopped)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness and cut into squares for mini tart molds.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix chopped figs with softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in cooked sausage, honey, and herbs until well combined.
- Spoon filling into each pastry square, fold corners over, and brush tops with egg wash.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use high-quality sausage for richer flavor. Experiment with fig varieties for unique tastes. For vegetarian options, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based alternatives.
