Pear and Goat Cheese Phyllo Tart
If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to pull together, this Pear and Goat Cheese Phyllo Tart is going to be your new holiday go-to. It’s light, elegant, flaky, and the perfect balance of sweet and savory, everything you want for a Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or Christmas gathering.
The beauty of working with phyllo is that you get that bakery-style crisp texture without any complicated dough prep. Layer it with butter or olive oil, spread on tangy goat cheese, top with thinly sliced pears, and the oven does the rest. The result? A golden, impressive tart that tastes like it came straight from a café in Paris.
Why You’ll Love This Tart
- Perfect for holiday entertaining, It looks fancy but is incredibly simple.
- Sweet + savory flavor, The combination of pears, goat cheese, and honey is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Light and flaky, Phyllo keeps it elegant without being heavy.
- Customizable, Add herbs, nuts, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Tips for Best Results
- Use ripe but firm pears for the best texture. Bosc and Anjou pears work especially well.
- Keep phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
- Serve the tart the day you make it so the phyllo stays crisp.
- Try variations like fig jam, blue cheese, or caramelized onions for a deeper flavor profile.
Perfect for Thanksgiving & Holiday Entertaining
This tart has that magical combination of rustic charm and elegant presentation, making it ideal for the holiday table. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, it’s guaranteed to disappear quickly.
Pear and Goat Cheese Phyllo Tart
Ingredients
- 1 roll (8 ounce) phyllo dough, thawed as per package instructions
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces goat cheese, chilled and sliced
- 8 tablespoons butter, melted and divided
- Custard:
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- pinch kosher salt
- Topping Ideas:
- honey
- fresh thyme leaves
- flaky salt
- chopped pistachios, optional
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 350°F. Brush 2 tablespoons of melted butter on the bottom of the sheet pan. Set aside.
- Layer phyllo dough 2 sheets at a time. Crinkle them together to create folds, like an accordion. Lay the folded dough on the prepared baking pan, placing them close together. Brush the remaining melted butter in the gaps and fill with the goat cheese and pear slices. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the custard by combining milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Remove the pan from the oven and evenly pour custard over the tart. Transfer the pan back to the oven and bake for 20-25 more minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove tart from the oven, drizzle with honey, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, flaky salt, and pistachios, if desired. Enjoy!