Roasted Grape & Thyme Tartlets with Goat Cheese Custard Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer or a chic afternoon snack, let me gush about a personal favorite: Roasted Grape & Thyme Tartlets with Goat Cheese Custard. Imagine flaky, buttery tartlet shells filled with the creamiest goat cheese custard, then topped with juicy roasted grapes and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. These little beauties strike the perfect balance between savory and sweet, with an elegance that will wow guests (and honestly, they’re much easier than they look!). The interplay of tangy goat cheese, aromatic herbs, and warm, caramelized grapes makes every bite unforgettable—trust me, you’ll want this recipe in your permanent rotation.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Roasted Grape & Thyme Tartlets with Goat Cheese Custard is in the carefully chosen, high-impact ingredients—each one is essential to the flavor and presentation. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh picks, you’re already half way to something truly impressive.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for crisp, tender tartlet shells that never overpower the filling.
• Unsalted butter: Super cold and cubed, this gives the pastry its signature buttery flakiness.
• Fresh thyme leaves: Adds earthy, slightly lemony notes straight into the dough and brings color.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in both the shell and the filling—don’t skip it!
• Ice water: Just enough to bring the dough together without making it tough.
• Creamy goat cheese: The heart of the custard—choose a mild, creamy chèvre for ultimate silkiness.
• Large egg: Helps the custard set while keeping it rich.
• Heavy cream: Luxurious creaminess and a luscious mouthfeel for the filling.
• Honey: Just a hint adds floral sweetness to play off the grapes and cheese.
• Freshly ground black pepper: A subtle kick that brings out all the savory elements.
• Red or black seedless grapes: Go for firm, juicy grapes that roast up beautifully and burst with flavor.
• Olive oil: Slicks the grapes and helps them blister and caramelize perfectly.
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds tang and depth—roasted grapes plus balsamic is a match made in heaven.
• Fresh thyme sprigs: Further infusion of that wonderful herbal aroma as the grapes roast.
• Flaky salt: Scattered over roasted grapes for bursts of texture and flavor.
• Microgreens or thyme tips: Fresh, delicate garnish that elevates the tartlets visually and with flavor.
• Optional honey or balsamic glaze: Adds another glossy, flavorful pop right before serving.

How to Make Roasted Grape & Thyme Tartlets with Goat Cheese Custard

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a food processor, pulse together the flour, thyme, and salt for a few seconds to distribute everything evenly. Add in the cold, cubed butter and pulse just until you see pea-sized pieces—don’t overmix, since those butter bits are what make your tartlet shells so flaky. Drizzle in the ice water, tablespoon by tablespoon, pulsing in between, until the dough just starts coming together. A quick chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes makes rolling out a breeze.

Step 2: Shape the Shells

On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut rounds to fit your mini tart pans or muffin tin cups, then press the dough in, making sure to get those lovely fluted edges. Pop the lined tins back into the fridge—chilling again prevents shrinkage and keeps everything nice and crisp during baking.

Step 3: Blind Bake

To ensure golden, crisp tartlet shells (and no soggy bottoms!), prick the pastry bases with a fork, then line each one with a little parchment and some baking weights or dried beans. Bake for 12 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment, and bake for another 5 to 6 minutes. You’re aiming for pale gold with a tempting buttery aroma. Let them cool while you prepare the other components.

Step 4: Roast the Grapes

Toss the grapes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme sprigs, and a pinch of flaky salt until glistening and coated. Spread on a baking tray and roast in a hot oven until the grapes are tender, their juices syrupy, and the skins blistered. The flavor intensifies beautifully—caramelized, juicy, with herbal perfume.

Step 5: Make Custard

Whisk together the creamy goat cheese, egg, heavy cream, honey, and a good crack of black pepper in a bowl until thick and perfectly smooth. This custard will bake up to a quivery, rich filling that serves as the ultimate canvas for all those gorgeous grapes.

Step 6: Assemble & Bake

Spoon the goat cheese custard into each cooled tartlet shell so they’re about three-quarters full. Carefully nestle in a few roasted grapes per tartlet, gently pressing them into the custard. Slide the tray back in the oven and bake until the custard is just set and a little wobbly in the center—this takes about 12 to 14 minutes.

Step 7: Finish

Allow the tartlets to cool just enough to handle. Right before serving, scatter over some microgreens or thyme tips, and drizzle with a touch more honey or balsamic glaze if you like. Your Roasted Grape & Thyme Tartlets with Goat Cheese Custard are now ready for their moment in the spotlight!

How to Serve Roasted Grape & Thyme Tartlets with Goat Cheese Custard

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, I love finishing each tartlet with a tangle of microgreens or tender thyme leaves. A final drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze brings both gloss and a hint of extra flavor, making these tartlets as beautiful as they are delicious.

Side Dishes

To round out the experience, serve these tartlets alongside a vibrant green salad with a sharp vinaigrette, or a simple platter of cured meats and toasted nuts. The contrast in flavors really lets the tartlets shine, plus everything complements that creamy goat cheese filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dramatic appetizer spread, arrange the Roasted Grape & Thyme Tartlets with Goat Cheese Custard on a rustic wooden board, nestled among grapes, sprigs of thyme, and wedges of fresh chèvre. Or, serve them on individual plates with a swipe of herbed yogurt and a scattering of toasted seeds for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers (if you have any!) should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The tartlet shells maintain their crispness surprisingly well, and the flavors meld even more overnight.

Freezing

If you’d like to make your Roasted Grape & Thyme Tartlets with Goat Cheese Custard in advance, you can freeze the baked tart shells and roasted grapes separately. Once cooled, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month. Assemble and bake from frozen for best results.

Reheating

To refresh leftover tartlets, warm them in a moderate oven (about 160°C/325°F) for 8–10 minutes. This brings back the crisp shell and revives the goat cheese custard, making every bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tartlet shells?

Absolutely, if you’re in a pinch, high-quality store-bought shells work beautifully, and you’ll still get all the flavor and charm of Roasted Grape & Thyme Tartlets with Goat Cheese Custard. Just skip straight to filling and baking!

What kind of goat cheese is best?

Look for a soft, creamy chèvre—not the crumbly kind—which whips smoothly into the custard. Fresh goat cheese offers the mildest, tangiest flavor without overwhelming other components.

Can I substitute the grapes with another fruit?

While grapes caramelize and sweeten uniquely, roasted figs or stone fruits (like plums or cherries) make delightful seasonal alternatives in this recipe.

How far ahead can I assemble these tartlets?

You can bake the tartlet shells and roast the grapes a day ahead. Fill and bake them with custard just before serving for the freshest, creamiest results.

Are these tartlets best served warm or at room temperature?

Both ways are wonderful! Slightly warm Roasted Grape & Thyme Tartlets with Goat Cheese Custard have a lush, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while room temperature tartlets let the flavors mellow and marry.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t wait for you to try Roasted Grape & Thyme Tartlets with Goat Cheese Custard—they’re little gems that impress on every level, from flavor to appearance. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, these tartlets are destined to become a beloved favorite!