Cheesy Chorizo Apple Thyme Tarts Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because the combination of crispy puff pastry with the savory chorizo and sweet apple slices creates an explosion of flavors that feels uber sophisticated yet super easy to whip up. Plus, that golden, cheesy topping infused with fresh thyme makes every bite feel like a cozy autumn hug!

I adore blending flavors into a delightful balance, which is why I consider these Cheesy Chorizo Apple Thyme Tarts some of my favorites. The taste of chorizo pairs beautifully with apple and thyme—so well, in fact, that they might be cooking one another’s flavor to perfection.

And then there is the cheddar! These tarts are not dainty.

Cheesy Chorizo Apple Thyme Tarts are a meal, and they are irresistible!

Ingredients

Puff Pastry:
Rich in carbohydrates, it offers a crisp and flaky foundation that is as close to perfect as a pie crust can be.

Chorizo:
Adds a spicy, savory flavor and is rich in protein and fat.

Apple:
Rich in fiber, it delivers sweetness and a touch of tartness.

Cheddar Cheese:
Provides protein and calcium, conveys a biting, tangy flavor.

Fresh Thyme:
Comprising antioxidants, imbues a musky, sage-like fragrance.

Olive Oil:
Healthy fat source; helps with browning and flavoring.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 200g chorizo, sliced
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and put a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet.

2. On a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll out the puff pastry that has been thawed. Cut it into 4 equal squares or rectangles.

3. Move the pastry squares to the baking sheet that you prepared ahead of time. With a knife, lightly draw a line around the squares, about 1/2 inch from the edges. You want to be sure not to cut through the pastry. If you don’t have a knife, a dull butter knife or a metal spatula will do.

4. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chorizo and cook until somewhat crispy, around 3-4 minutes. Take it off the heat and set it aside.

5. Within the scored border of each pastry square, place a layer of thinly sliced apples.

6. Evenly sprinkle the apples with the shredded cheddar cheese.

7. Spread the cooked chorizo slices over the cheese.

8. Fresh thyme leaves are sprinkled over the toppings, and then salt and pepper are used to season them to taste.

9. To achieve a golden finish, brush the visible edges of the pastry with beaten egg.

10. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Rolling pin
5. Knife or dull butter knife/metal spatula
6. Skillet
7. Stove
8. Pastry brush
9. Cutting board
10. Measuring spoons
11. Mixing bowl
12. Cooling rack

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?Absolutely, you can switch out cheddar for Gruyère or mozzarella for another taste.
• Q: What type of apple should I use?A sweet-tart apple, such as a Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, works well to balance the heat of chorizo.
• Q: Can I prepare these tarts in advance?Q: Can the dishes be assembled ahead of time?
• Q: How should I store leftover tarts?A: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat in an oven.
• Q: Is there a substitute for puff pastry?Phyllo dough can be used as an alternative, but the texture will be crisper and lighter.
• Q: Can I make this vegetarian?Q: Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

  A: Yes. Chorizo can be omitted or replaced with a vegetarian sausage alternative.

Substitutions and Variations

When a different flavor profile is desired, chorizo can be substituted with chicken sausage or spicy Italian sausage.
Pear slices or thinly sliced figs can take the place of the apple to yield a comparable sweetness.
Gouda or mozzarella can replace cheddar cheese for a milder taste.
Fresh thyme leaves can be substituted with either rosemary or oregano, which produce a similarly herbal quality in the dish.

Pro Tips

1. Ensure the puff pastry is completely thawed and slightly chilled before working with it; this makes it easier to handle and helps it puff up nicely during baking.

2. For extra flavor, consider brushing the sliced apples with a little melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon before layering them on the pastry.

3. Pre-cook the chorizo a little longer until it’s crispy for an additional texture contrast and deeper flavor.

4. Using a fork, lightly prick the center of the pastry (inside the scored border) before adding toppings to prevent it from puffing excessively and to ensure even layers.

5. Consider adding a light drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze over the finished pastries just after baking for a touch of sweetness that complements the savory toppings.