Upside-Down Feta & Shallot Puff Tarts

Why Make This Recipe

Upside-Down Feta & Shallot Puff Tarts are a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of caramelized shallots with the creamy, salty goodness of feta cheese. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch, an appetizer, or even a crowd-pleasing party snack. They are easy to make and look impressive, making them a great choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

How to Make Upside-Down Feta & Shallot Puff Tarts

Ingredients:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
2–3 medium shallots, peeled and thinly sliced into rings
100g feta cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
Olive oil, for brushing
Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Salt & black pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
In a small skillet, melt butter with sugar and balsamic until bubbly. Add shallots and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and golden.
On the baking tray, make 4 piles: arrange caramelized shallots in circles, sprinkle with feta and thyme, and season lightly.
Cut puff pastry into 4 squares. Place over each pile and gently tuck the edges underneath.
Brush pastry with olive oil. Prick lightly with a fork.
Bake for 18–22 minutes until puffed, deep golden, and crisp.
Let cool for 2–3 minutes, then carefully flip each tart onto a plate to reveal the glossy top.

How to Serve Upside-Down Feta & Shallot Puff Tarts

Serve these tarts warm, as they are best right out of the oven. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a fresh salad for a complete meal. They also work well as a fancy snack at parties or gatherings.

How to Store Upside-Down Feta & Shallot Puff Tarts

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through.

Tips to Make Upside-Down Feta & Shallot Puff Tarts

Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed for the best texture.
You can adjust the sweetness of the shallots by adding more or less sugar, depending on your taste.
Experiment with different cheeses, like goat cheese or gorgonzola, if you’re feeling adventurous.

Variation

Try adding other vegetables like sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. You can also use herbs like rosemary or oregano in place of thyme for a different twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought caramelized shallots?
Yes, store-bought caramelized shallots can save you time. Just make sure they are well-seasoned.

2. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
You can use gluten-free puff pastry as a substitute for regular puff pastry.

3. Can I freeze these tarts?
Yes, you can freeze the prepared but unbaked tarts. Just wrap them tightly and store in the freezer. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.