Belgian Cheese and Ham Puff Tart - Sophisticated Entertaining Made Simple
Crispy puff pastry meets creamy cheese and premium toppings in this elegant Belgian-inspired appetizer
This Belgian Cheese and Ham Puff Tart represents the perfect marriage of rustic comfort and refined elegance that defines modern Belgian cuisine. Drawing inspiration from Belgium's rich tradition of pastry-making and their appreciation for premium ingredients, this tart transforms simple components into something truly spectacular. The secret lies in the two-stage baking technique that ensures a perfectly crispy base while maintaining the luxurious creaminess of the St Moret cheese topping. Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner party or looking to elevate your appetizer game, this tart delivers restaurant-quality results with surprisingly achievable home cooking techniques.
Nutritional Benefits
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients
Equipment Needed
- •baking sheet
- •parchment paper
- •fork
- •medium mixing bowl
- •microplane or fine grater
- •sharp knife
- •cooling rack
Instructions
Preparation
- 1
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
⏱️ ~3 min💡 Tip: Ensure oven is fully preheated for even puff pastry rise - 2
Unroll chilled puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a 1cm border around the edge without cutting through.
⏱️ ~2 min💡 Tip: Keep pastry cold for best puff - work quickly - 3
Prick the center of the pastry generously with a fork at 1cm intervals to prevent excessive rising.
⏱️ ~2 min💡 Tip: This creates steam vents and prevents bubbles - 4
Beat the egg and brush lightly over the scored border only.
⏱️ ~1 min💡 Tip: Avoid egg wash on the center area to prevent weighting it down - 5
In a bowl, combine St Moret cheese and sour cream in 2:1 ratio (200g:100g). Add zest of 1 lime, a pinch of Espelette pepper, and salt to taste. Mix until smooth.
⏱️ ~5 min💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning - the mixture should be bright and slightly tangy
Cooking
- 6
Bake the puff pastry in preheated 200°C oven for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden and puffed. Check after 4 minutes and pierce any large air bubbles with a fork.
⏱️ ~7 min🌡️ 200°C💡 Tip: Shorter prebaking creates the perfect base for the cheese mixture - 7
Remove from oven and gently press down the center if needed. Spread the cheese-sour cream mixture evenly over the center, avoiding the raised border.
⏱️ ~2 min💡 Tip: Work quickly while pastry is hot for better adhesion - 8
Return to oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes until the cheese mixture is just set and lightly golden at edges.
⏱️ ~10 min🌡️ 200°C💡 Tip: Avoid overbaking - the topping should remain creamy - 9
Transfer to a cooling rack and let rest for 5 minutes to prevent burning.
⏱️ ~5 min💡 Tip: This resting period allows the base to crisp further - 10
Arrange cured ham slices artfully over the tart, followed by torn burrata pieces. Finish with fresh zest from the second lime.
⏱️ ~3 min💡 Tip: Add burrata just before serving to maintain its creamy texture
Pro Tips
For extra crispness, preheat a heavy baking sheet and place the pastry on the hot surface
Use a pizza stone if available for superior bottom crust
Tear burrata with hands rather than cutting to preserve the cream
Recipe Variations
This Belgian Cheese and Ham Puff Tart embodies the sophisticated simplicity that makes Belgian cuisine so appealing. The contrast between the crispy, buttery pastry and the luxurious toppings creates a memorable appetizer that's sure to impress your guests. Serve immediately while the pastry is at its crispest, paired with a glass of Belgian beer or crisp white wine for the complete experience.
Storage Instructions
Best served immediately. If storing, keep components separate - store baked pastry base at room temperature for up to 6 hours, refrigerated toppings separately. Assemble just before serving.
Reheating:
Reheat base only in 180°C oven for 3-4 minutes to crisp, then add cold toppings. Do not reheat with burrata.
