This is one of those recipes that checks all of the boxes: it’s sweet, savory, spicy, easy & fun to make, and an absolute crowd-pleaser.
I’ve been wanting to make an epic holiday tart for a while now and I’m convinced this gorgeous pear puff pastry tart came to me in a dream. Puff pastry makes the best bake for any type of tart because it bakes up flaky and delicious all on its own — all you have to do is top it!
We’re topping this tart with my favorite spicy habanero cheddar cheese, juicy pears, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of sweet honey to tie it all together. Don’t forget the flaky sea salt for that “voila!” finish.
All I’ll say is this puff pastry tart is so good that both Rebecca and Abra made it for their Friendsgiving celebrations before it even hit the blog and said it was gone in minutes. Bake this up for Christmas with family, share it with friends on New Year’s Eve, or just enjoy a little something special during your busy week.
Everything you’ll need to make this pear puff pastry tart
The best part about this recipe? It’s made with just 6 simple ingredients, plus some flaky sea salt (for good measure). Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Puff pastry: you can find puff pastry sheets in the freezer section of your grocery store!
- Cheese: I LOVE using a spicy cheddar for that perfect sweet and spicy combo. My fav is Cabot habanero cheddar.
- Pears: you’ll just need 1-2 just ripe Bartlett pears. Be sure they’re not overripe!
- Egg: you’ll also need an egg for an egg wash so that the edges get nice and golden.
- Honey: for that drizzle of delicious sweetness.
- Walnuts: adding some chopped, toasted walnuts creates the perfect crunch in every bite.
- Flaky sea salt: get a lil’ fancy with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Customize your pear tart
This easy pear puff pastry tart is great for jazzing up and making your own! Here are some ideas:
- Choose your fruit: I love using pears in this puff pastry tart, but sliced apples would be perfect this time of year and peaches would be great in the summer!
- Pick a cheese: if you’re not into spice, feel free to use regular sharp cheddar cheese. You could also switch it up with any of your fav cheeses like fontina, gouda, gruyere, havarti, or spicy pepper jack.
- Try a new crunch: chopped, roasted pistachios or pecans would also be delicious on top.
- Make them mini: feel free to cut your puff pastry into even squares beforehand and assemble them the same way if you want cute single-serve pear tartlets!
Add a kick of heat
If you love spice like I do feel free to drizzle on some hot honey instead of regular honey! I recommend this brand, otherwise, you can make your own by heating up the honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a tiny bit of hot sauce.
Get a little extra
If you’re feeling extra fancy, try sprinkling on some ground cinnamon and coarse sugar along with the flaky sea salt!
Do I need to peel the pears?
Nope! Not unless you’d like to. I personally think the pears hold their shape best with the skins intact.
How to make this easy pear puff pastry tart
- Prep your puff pastry. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add your thawed puff pastry and poke a few holes all over it with a fork.
- Top your tart. Sprinkle on the shredded cheese, leaving 1 inch on all sides, and then add the sliced pears in rows.
- Brush & bake. Whisk your egg in a small bowl, then brush the edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash.
- Bake, top & serve. Bake the tart until it’s golden and crisp, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle with sea salt. Cut into 9 squares and serve it up!
Should it be warm or cold?
This pear tart can be enjoyed warm or at room temp! That’s what’s great about serving it at parties and get-togethers.
Storing tips
If you have any pear puff pastry tart left over, simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can reheat it in the oven until warmed through (just be sure not to overbake).
More fun appetizers you’ll love
- Ricotta and Pear Crostini with Salty Pumpkin Seed Pistachio Crunch
- Roasted Garlic Tahini Carrot Dip
- Scallion Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Mushrooms
- Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey
- Garlic Olive Oil Dip
Get all of my appetizer recipes here!
I hope you love this easy pear puff pastry tart! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Pear, Walnut & Cheddar Puff Pastry Tart
Ingredients
- 1 (9x13) sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces shredded spicy cheddar (we use Cabot Habanero cheddar)
- 2-3 ripe Bartlett pears (make sure they aren’t too ripe!), sliced
- 1 egg
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the sheet of puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet and poke with a fork a few times all over.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the puff pastry, leaving a 1 inch layer on the sides. Add on the sliced pears.
- In a small bowl, mix together the egg with a fork and use a pastry brush to brush on the edges of the puff pastry crust. This will help to create a nice golden brown crust when baked.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is deeply golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and drizzle with honey, sprinkle with walnuts and a little flaky sea salt. Use the parchment paper to transfer the tart to a cutting board. Cut into 9 large squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
Cant wait to make this soon for me can i use vegan cheese i never had pear puff pastry tart before perfect for my after office meals love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
I made with a Havarti flavored with herbs & spices, and liked it most with apples! Especially with apples, so easy to have the ingredients in the fridge/freezer for when you need them. Habanero Cabot way too spicy for us LOL but love with the milder cheese!
This was delicious and so easy to make. I loved the balance between sweet and savory.
So where are the walnuts in your instructions? Do I toast them first, add with pears? Thanks in advance.
Hi! They’re listed in step 5 – you’ll add them on top of the tart after taking it out of the oven. You can actually buy toasted walnuts, or feel free to toast them in a pan on the stovetop until fragrant. Enjoy!
Curious about gluten free alternatives for the puff pastry base?
Thanks!!
Hi! Hmm if you have a favorite store-bought or homemade gluten-free pie crust that should work! I unfortunately haven’t perfected a GF pie crust alternative.
This made the kitchen smell great! It’s a fabulous recipe! I didn’t use a spicy cheddar, as our guest doesn’t do spicy. I added some fresh cracked black pepper instead, and it still tasted amazing. I will definitely make this again, and again, and again…
Amazing! Glad they were a hit!
Do you think the texture and flavor would be compromised if I freeze my pears right now and then used them next week?
I would not use frozen pears for this recipe, sorry!
This was so good! Will make again. I used Cabot seriously sharp cheddar with some diced jalapeños mixed in and used the hot honey variation. 10/10
Delicious! Glad you enjoyed!