Imagine gathering around the table with the enticing aroma of fresh, flaky pastry filling the air. The Sausage and Apple Puff Pastry Tart is a dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors, making it a standout at any meal. The combination of spicy Italian sausage, caramelized onions, and sweet apple slices, all nestled on a bed of herbed ricotta, creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.
This tart is more than just food; it’s an experience. Whether you’re enjoying it as a hearty appetizer or a snack, it’s sure to bring a touch of warmth and comfort to your table. With its golden, crispy crust and rich, flavorful filling, this recipe is perfect for cozy gatherings or when you simply want to treat yourself to something special. Indulge in this delicious Sausage and Apple Puff Pastry Tart and let its flavors transport you to a place of culinary bliss.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Sausage and Apple Puff Pastry Tart
- Chill the Puff Pastry: Ensure the puff pastry stays cold before baking. If it warms up too much, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes. Cold puff pastry will puff up better, creating those desirable flaky layers.
- Scoring the Pastry: When scoring the puff pastry, be gentle to avoid cutting through the dough completely. This step helps create a raised border that keeps the toppings contained and ensures a visually appealing tart.
- Caramelizing Onions: Take your time with the onions; patience is key. Caramelizing them slowly over medium-low heat will bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor, which pairs perfectly with the savory sausage and tart apple.
- Perfect Sausage Crumble: After cooking the sausage, let it rest for a minute before slicing or crumbling. This allows the juices to redistribute, preventing them from spilling out and ensuring a moist, flavorful sausage topping.
- Uniform Apple Slices: Cut the apple slices thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through during baking. A mandoline can be a handy tool for this, providing uniform slices that will cook at the same rate as the other ingredients.
- Egg Wash Precision: When applying the egg wash to the edges of the puff pastry, use a pastry brush and be careful not to let it drip over the sides. This helps create a golden, glossy finish without gluing the layers together, which would prevent the pastry from rising properly.
- Customizing Herbs: Feel free to experiment with the herb blend in the ricotta. While thyme, rosemary, and sage work beautifully, you could also try adding a touch of oregano or chives for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Baking Sheet Rotation: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning, especially if your oven has hot spots. This helps achieve a uniformly golden and crisp tart.
- Serving Fresh: This tart is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the pastry is still crisp. If you need to reheat it, do so in a hot oven (not the microwave) to restore some of the original crispiness.
- Pairing Suggestions: Consider serving this tart with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or alongside roasted vegetables. The acidity in the salad will balance the richness of the tart beautifully.
Sausage and Apple Puff Pastry Tart
4
servings20
minutes30
minutes495
kcal50
minutesGet ready to wow your taste buds with this delightful Sausage and Apple Puff Pastry Tart! Perfect for any occasion, this dish combines the savory goodness of sausage with the sweetness of apples, all on a bed of herbed ricotta and flaky puff pastry. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and sophisticated. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a unique appetizer, this tart is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry Base
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, lightly beaten
- Sausage and Onion Mixture
3 links spicy Italian sausage
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 teaspoons olive oil
½ red onion, sliced into rings
- Herbed Ricotta Spread
½ cup ricotta cheese
½ tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (divided)
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- Topping
1 sweet apple, cored and thinly sliced
- Alternative Ingredients:
Puff Pastry: Gluten-free puff pastry for gluten-free option.
Italian Sausage: Chicken sausage or turkey sausage as a leaner alternative.
Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese or cream cheese for a different texture.
Red Onion: Yellow onion or shallots for a milder flavor.
Sweet Apple: Pears or peaches for a different fruit twist.
Directions
- Prepare Puff Pastry – Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the thawed puff pastry on the parchment paper. Lightly score the edges with a knife to create a ½-inch border around the square. Brush the edges with the beaten egg and set aside. Prick the center of the pastry thoroughly with a fork and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook Sausage – In a nonstick pan over medium heat, cook the sausage links until browned all over, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan but keep half of the rendered fat in the pan.
- Caramelize Onions – Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter and olive oil to the pan with the sausage fat. Once melted and shimmering, add the onion rings and cook until caramelized and golden brown on each side, about 8 minutes per side.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture – In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining beaten egg with ricotta cheese, thyme, rosemary, half of the chopped sage, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble Tart – Remove the puff pastry from the refrigerator. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly within the scored border. Top with caramelized onions, sliced apples, and cooked sausage pieces.
- Bake Tart – Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the edges of the pastry are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve – Once baked, garnish with the remaining fresh sage before serving.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- nonstick pan
- baking sheet
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 495kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Potassium: 250mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ- Sausage and Apple Puff Pastry Tart
Can I prepare the tart in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components (such as cooking the sausage, caramelizing the onions, and mixing the ricotta spread) ahead of time. Assemble the tart just before baking for the best results. The puff pastry should be kept chilled until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry is a convenient option that works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before use.
What type of apple should I use?
A sweet, firm apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji is ideal for this recipe. These varieties hold up well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the savory sausage.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
f you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or cream cheese. Both will give you a different texture but still provide a creamy base for the tart.
Can I add other toppings or ingredients?
Certainly! Feel free to customize the tart by adding ingredients like grated cheese, additional herbs, or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet touch.
