Q1: What is the best way to thaw frozen puff pastry so it doesn't break?

The absolute best way is to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight . If you are short on time, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 40-60 minutes, but you must be careful. You want the dough to be just pliable enough to unfold without cracking, but it should still be very cold to the touch for the best, puffiest result.

Q2: Can I use fresh pears instead of canned for this recipe?

Yes, you can, but it will require one extra step. If you are using fresh pears, you want to use a firm variety like Bosc or Anjou . You will want to poach or sauté the pear slices in a little bit of butter and sugar for a few minutes first to soften them slightly before you arrange them on the raw puff pastry.

Q3: What other cheeses go well with pears and apples?

Pears and apples have a wonderful affinity for a variety of cheeses. A sharp cheddar , as used in this recipe, is a classic pairing. For a tangier, more pungent flavor, a creamy, crumbled blue cheese (like Gorgonzola or Stilton) or a soft goat cheese would be absolutely fantastic.

Q4: Can I make these tarts ahead of time for a party?

Yes! The best make-ahead method is to fully assemble the unbaked tarts on your parchment-lined baking sheets, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Then, when your guests arrive, you can bake them fresh from the fridge so they are served hot, puffy, and at their absolute crispiest.

Q5: Can I make one large tart instead of individual ones?

Of course! You can simply leave the sheet of puff pastry whole, arrange all of your fanned-out pear halves on top, and bake it as one large, rustic tart. You will then be able to slice it into individual portions after it has been baked.

The Easiest Quick & Elegant Pear Tart

A quick and easy recipe for individual pear tarts that combines sweet and savory flavors. The recipe uses a convenient sheet of store-bought puff pastry as the base, which is brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Fanned slices of canned pear are arranged on top, and the tarts are baked until golden. In a unique final step, the warm tarts are sprinkled with shredded Cheddar cheese and returned to the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt.

Author: Evelyn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 tarts 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup raw sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter, melted
2 (15 1/4-ounce) cans pear halves in syrup, drained
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
Lay the thawed puff pastry sheet on a work surface. Brush it with melted butter and sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Cut the pastry into 6 even pieces.
Slice the pear halves into 1/4-inch thick slices, keeping them attached at the stem end. Fan the slices of one pear half over each puff pastry square.
Sprinkle the tops of the pear tarts with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Place the tarts on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the pastry is golden and cooked through.
Remove the tarts from the oven, sprinkle them with the shredded Cheddar cheese, and return them to the oven to bake for 5 more minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Serve warm.

Notes

This recipe is very quick to assemble, using store-bought puff pastry and canned pears as shortcuts.
The combination of sweet, spiced pear and savory, melted Cheddar cheese is a classic pairing, similar to serving apple pie with a slice of cheddar.
These tarts are best served warm while the cheese is still melted and gooey.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tart
Calories: 400-480
Sugar: 25-30 g
Sodium: 250-350 mg
Fat: 25-32 g
Saturated Fat: 14-18 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35-42 g
Fiber: 2-3 g
Protein: 5-7 g
Cholesterol: 40-60 mg

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/pear-tart/