Belgian Goat Cheese and Anchovy Puff Tart - A Sophisticated Beer Café Classic
Where Mediterranean flavors meet Belgian craftsmanship in perfect harmony
This exquisite Belgian tart represents the beautiful intersection of Mediterranean influence and traditional Flemish cuisine that defines Belgium's rich culinary heritage. Born from the country's historic role as a European trading crossroads, this appetizer showcases the finest Belgian goat cheese from the Ardennes region alongside premium anchovies arranged in a stunning sun-dial pattern. The combination of buttery puff pastry, tangy sour cream base, and briny capers creates an unforgettable flavor experience that pairs perfectly with Belgian beer culture. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or exploring authentic Belgian cuisine, this tart delivers restaurant-quality results that will impress even the most discerning palates.
Nutritional Benefits
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients
Equipment Needed
- •Baking sheet
- •Parchment paper
- •Fork for docking
- •Small mixing bowl
- •Pastry brush
- •Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Instructions
Preparation
- 1
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and place baking sheet inside to heat. This ensures a perfectly crispy bottom crust.
⏱️ ~5 min💡 Tip: A hot baking sheet is the secret to avoiding soggy bottoms - 2
Roll out thawed puff pastry on lightly floured surface to 3mm thickness. Transfer carefully to parchment-lined baking sheet.
⏱️ ~3 min💡 Tip: Work quickly to keep pastry cold - warm pastry won't puff properly - 3
Using a sharp knife, lightly score a 1cm border around the pastry edge without cutting through completely.
⏱️ ~2 min💡 Tip: This creates a beautiful raised edge that frames your toppings - 4
Dock the center area with a fork, creating holes every 2cm to prevent excessive puffing.
⏱️ ~2 min💡 Tip: Thorough docking ensures an even surface for your toppings
Cooking
- 5
Brush the scored border with beaten egg wash and bake for 12-15 minutes until half-baked and beginning to rise.
⏱️ ~15 min🌡️ 200°C💡 Tip: Pierce any large air bubbles that form during baking - 6
Remove from oven and immediately pierce air bubbles with fork, gently pressing down to flatten center area.
⏱️ ~2 min💡 Tip: Work quickly while pastry is still warm and pliable - 7
Mix tomato paste concentrate with sour cream and Espelette pepper until smooth and well combined.
⏱️ ~2 min💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning - should be tangy with gentle heat - 8
Spread tomato-sour cream mixture evenly over pre-baked pastry base, staying within the scored border.
⏱️ ~2 min💡 Tip: Leave the puffed border clean for maximum visual impact - 9
Sprinkle capers evenly, then arrange anchovy fillets in sun-dial pattern from center radiating outward.
⏱️ ~3 min💡 Tip: Pat anchovies completely dry to prevent excess oil pooling - 10
Crumble goat cheese between anchovy rays, then sprinkle Parmesan over entire tart.
⏱️ ~2 min💡 Tip: Keep some anchovy visible for stunning presentation - 11
Return to oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until pastry is deep golden and cheese is lightly browned.
⏱️ ~12 min🌡️ 200°C💡 Tip: Rotate halfway through for even browning - 12
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
⏱️ ~5 min💡 Tip: Serve warm, not hot, for optimal flavor balance
Pro Tips
Use authentic Belgian goat cheese from the Ardennes region for the most authentic flavor profile
Always taste anchovies before seasoning - they vary in saltiness and you may not need additional salt
For extra crispy results, blind bake with pie weights for the first 10 minutes
Ensure sour cream is at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture
Recipe Variations
This Belgian Goat Cheese and Anchovy Puff Tart represents the perfect marriage of Mediterranean influences and Belgian culinary traditions. The stunning sun-dial presentation makes it an impressive centerpiece for any gathering, while the complex flavor profile of tangy goat cheese, briny anchovies, and buttery pastry creates an unforgettable taste experience. Serve warm with your favorite Belgian beer and watch as this sophisticated appetizer becomes the star of your entertaining repertoire. The cultural heritage and artisanal quality of this dish truly embodies the spirit of Belgian cuisine - where tradition meets innovation in every delicious bite.
Storage Instructions
Best served immediately while warm. Can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in 180°C oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and pastry re-crisps. Avoid microwave as it will make the pastry soggy.
