Chorizo Tarts with Apple and Thyme

Simple and sophisticated can be had with these Cheesy Chorizo Apple Thyme Tarts, whether you're looking for a savory snack or a satisfying supper.

Where has frozen puff pastry been all my life!? Absolutely brilliant stuff for a non-baker like me who appreciates a crispy, flaky treat.

And what a treat these Chorizo Tarts with Apple and Thyme are! A sophisticated flavor-bomb thanks to the chorizo and fresh thyme; balanced out with a hint of crunch and sweetness from Honeycrisp apples; coated in two cheesy blankets; and all atop a glorious crispy pastry crust.

Plus, they look super fancy and involved, but there are only six ingredients and minimal prep time.

Ingredients Needed to Make Chorizo Puff Pastry Tarts

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Pepperidge Farm puff pastry sheets (follow package instructions on defrosting)
• 1 pound chorizo* (I used beef)
• ½ Honeycrisp apple, julienned and then cubed into small cubes
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup manchego cheese, shredded
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (measured as leaves removed from thyme sprigs)
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

NOTES

*Use crumbly chorizo. You don't want to use anything too greasy or soupy for this recipe, as you want to keep the puff pastry as crisp as possible.

How to Make Cheese and Chorizo Apple Thyme Tarts

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, as the puff pastry package instructs.
2. Brown the chorizo in a pan over medium heat, using a spatula to break the chorizo into small pieces. It should take around 5-7 minutes to cook through. Remove from heat and spread over paper towels until ready for use to remove excess grease.
3. Unroll the puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 9 squares. Brush with melted butter. Divide the puff pastry squares between two large baking sheets.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes. They should be puffed up at this point, but pale-ish in color. Remove from oven, but leave the oven on.
5. Put a divet in the center of each square with a spoon, keeping the sides intact so that it can hold the filling.
6. Sprinkle equal amounts cheddar cheese, cubed apples, chorizo, and manchego cheese (in that order) onto each square, then top each with a few fresh thyme leaves.
7. Return to oven and cook for another 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tarts are golden and crispy at the edges.
8. Let cool for a minute, then dig in.

NOTES

*These Chorizo Puff Pasty Tarts don't reheat well, unfortunately, so cut the recipe in half if you're serving a smaller group. The flaky crispness of freshly baked puff pastry just cannot be resuscitated from leftovers.

Chorizo Puff Pastry Tart Substitutions and Alternatives

You can certainly make changes to this Chorizo Tarts with Apple and Thyme recipe if you'd like :). Here are some suggestions, keeping in mind that you should keep the ingredient amounts called for the same (or nearly so).

• Instead of ground chorizo, you can certainly use another ground protein like beef, pork, or chicken, seasoned as you'd like (though I'd keep a similar flavor profile to chorizo).
• Any good melting cheese is welcome here; try pepper jack, oaxaca, smoked gouda, etc.
• Instead of (or maybe in addition to) thyme, reach for fresh basil, oregano, or rosemary.
• I love the agreeable flavor of a Honeycrisp here, but you could also use another similarly flavored crisp apple like a Braeburn or Fuji.
• Make your own puff pastry! If you've got a good homemade recipe, use it! I reach for the frozen stuff out of convenience.

What are you waiting for? Go make these awesome chorizo puff pastry tarts! Impress your friends. Or hoard them to yourself. Your call.

If you like this you might also like:

• Coconut Rice Krispie Cookies
• Easy Seasoned Refried Beans
• Roasted Green Tomato Salsa
• Crunchy Porchetta Seasoned Pepitas
• Ground Venison Tacos
• Spicy Roasted Carrot Soup

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