There’s something irresistible about a warm, flaky tart filled with gooey, melty cheddar cheese. These Mini Cheddar Tarts are the ultimate bite-sized delight—perfect for brunches, parties, or just a cozy snack at home. They’re buttery, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so even if you’re short on time, you can still whip up a batch of these little beauties. Trust me, they’ll disappear fast—so you might want to make a double batch!
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Why You’ll Love Mini Cheddar Tarts
These little cheese-filled tarts are as delicious as they are versatile. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a brunch, a holiday gathering, or a quick snack, these tarts fit right in.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and easy-to-follow steps make this a foolproof recipe.
- Customizable: You can add bacon, herbs, or even a touch of spice to make them your own.
- Kid-Approved: Cheesy, flaky, and bite-sized—kids and adults alike will love these!
Ingredients
These Mini Cheddar Tarts come together with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is absolutely delicious.
Pie Crust: The flaky, buttery base that holds all the cheesy goodness together. Store-bought works great, but homemade is even better!
Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Sharp cheddar gives the best rich, tangy flavor, but mild cheddar works too.
Eggs: Help bind everything together for a smooth, creamy filling.
Heavy Cream: Adds a touch of richness and makes the filling extra creamy.
Mustard Powder: A secret ingredient that enhances the cheese flavor without overpowering it.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings to bring everything together.
Optional Add-ins: Cooked bacon, chopped green onions, or a pinch of cayenne for a little kick.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
These Mini Cheddar Tarts are super simple to make—just follow these easy steps!
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking and gives the tarts that perfect golden crust.
Prepare the Crust: Roll out your pie crust and cut it into small circles using a round cutter. Press each circle into a mini muffin tin to form little tart shells.
Mix the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well combined.
Fill the Tarts: Spoon the cheese mixture into each prepared tart shell, filling them about ¾ full. Be careful not to overfill!
Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tarts are golden brown and the filling is set.
Cool & Serve: Let the tarts cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Mini Cheddar Tarts
These cheesy little tarts are delicious on their own, but here are a few fun ways to serve them:
- As an Appetizer: Arrange them on a platter with fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
- Brunch Addition: Pair them with eggs, fruit, and a cup of coffee for a complete brunch spread.
- With a Side Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a light and tasty meal.
- Party Snack: Make a big batch and serve them with dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch.
Additional Tips
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These tarts can be baked ahead and reheated before serving.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked tarts and bake them straight from the freezer when needed. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try mixing in different cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
A1: Yes! Store-bought pie crust works great and saves time.
Q2: Can I add bacon or ham to the filling?
A2: Absolutely! Cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham adds extra flavor.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze these tarts?
A4: Yes! Freeze them unbaked, then bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A5: Yes! Try Gruyère, Parmesan, or even smoked cheddar for a twist.
Q6: How do I reheat them?
A6: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes for best results.
Q7: Can I make these ahead of time?
A7: Yes! Bake them ahead and reheat before serving.
Q8: Can I make a bigger version instead of mini tarts?
A8: Yes! You can use a regular muffin tin for larger tarts, but increase the baking time slightly.
Q9: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A9: Half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the texture may be slightly less rich.
Q10: Can I make these gluten-free?
A10: Yes! Use a gluten-free pie crust or make a crustless version by baking the filling in greased muffin tins.
Conclusion
Mini Cheddar Tarts are the ultimate bite-sized treat cheesy, flaky, and so easy to make. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, as an appetizer, or just for a delicious snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Make a batch (or two!) and watch them disappear. Happy baking!
Print
Mini Cheddar Tarts
- Prep Time: 1
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 12 tarts 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheddar Cheese Tarts are bite-sized delights, filled with rich cheddar cheese and a creamy custard, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. With just a few simple ingredients, they make for a perfect savory snack or appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick bite, these tarts are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (divided)
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Cabot cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon thyme or other fresh herbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a tart or mini muffin tin.
- Roll out the pie dough on a floured surface. Cut the dough into circles using a tart or cookie cutter and place them into individual tart tins.
- In a medium mixing bowl or stand mixer, whisk together eggs and heavy cream until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture into the crusts, filling each one until about 3/4 full.
- Top generously with grated cheddar cheese and garnish with fresh herbs like thyme.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the tarts are set and golden brown.
Notes
- You can substitute the thyme with other fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for a different flavor.
- These tarts are best served warm but can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 140mg