Irresistible Roasted Grape and Goat Cheese Tart Recipe

The smell of sweet, caramelized grapes mingling with the tangy creaminess of goat cheese is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a buttery tart crust that ties it all together. I first discovered the magic of roasted grapes at a wine tasting event, and it was love at first bite. Since then, I’ve been experimenting with ways to bring that burst of flavor home, and this roasted grape and goat cheese tart is the result. It’s become a family favorite for brunches, dinner parties, or whenever we need an elegant treat.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and absolutely worth the effort. The combination of flavors and textures—juicy grapes, creamy goat cheese, and flaky crust—makes it stand out from your typical tart. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, side dish, or even dessert! So, let’s dive into this recipe and create something that’s equal parts delicious and Instagram-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet-Savory Perfection: The roasted grapes add a delightful sweetness, which balances beautifully with the tangy goat cheese and buttery crust.
• Simple Yet Elegant: This tart is easy to make but looks like it came out of a fancy bakery—perfect for impressing your guests.
• Versatile: Serve it as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a unique side dish, or a light dessert with a drizzle of honey.
• Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a long shopping list—most items are pantry staples, with just a few fresh additions.
• Customizable: You can tweak the flavors to your liking—try adding herbs, experimenting with different cheeses, or switching up the fruit.

What sets this recipe apart is the roasting process for the grapes. It enhances their natural sweetness and creates a jammy texture that bursts with flavor. Pairing them with the creamy, slightly tangy goat cheese is pure magic. Plus, the tart crust is flaky and buttery, making every bite a little piece of heaven. Trust me, this is the kind of dish that will have your guests asking for seconds—and the recipe!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to deliver a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the tart crust:
• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 2-3 tbsp ice water
• ½ tsp salt
• For the filling:
• 2 cups (300g) seedless red grapes, washed and dried
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 6 oz (170g) goat cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Optional toppings:
• Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
• Extra honey (for drizzling)
• Chopped nuts like walnuts or pistachios (for added crunch)

These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. For the best results, look for firm, ripe red grapes and high-quality goat cheese. If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour. Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this irresistible tart:

• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or food processor (for making the crust)
• Rolling pin
• 9-inch tart pan (or a pie dish as an alternative)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Spatula

If you don’t have a tart pan, a pie dish works just as well—the edges might not be as defined, but the taste will be just as amazing. I personally use a non-stick tart pan for easy removal after baking. For the crust, a food processor can save time, but a good old pastry cutter works like a charm too!

Preparation Method

1. Make the tart crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter (or food processor) to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Roast the grapes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the grapes with olive oil and honey, if using, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them out evenly and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re softened and slightly caramelized. Let them cool.
3. Roll out the crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 11 inches in diameter. Gently transfer it to your tart pan, pressing it into the edges. Trim off excess dough. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent puffing.
4. Blind bake the crust: Place parchment paper over the crust and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, then bake for an additional 5 minutes. Let it cool.
5. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, whisk together the softened goat cheese, honey, egg, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
6. Assemble the tart: Spread the goat cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Arrange the roasted grapes on top, pressing them gently into the filling.
7. Bake the tart: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled tart for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges of the filling are set and slightly golden. Let it cool before slicing.

Pro tip: If the crust starts to brown too quickly while baking, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some handy tips to ensure your roasted grape and goat cheese tart turns out perfectly:

• Use cold butter: This helps create a flaky crust. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it.
• Dry your grapes: Excess moisture can prevent proper caramelization during roasting. Pat them dry before tossing with olive oil.
• Room temperature goat cheese: Softened goat cheese blends more smoothly into the filling, so let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before using.
• Don’t skip blind baking: Blind baking ensures the crust doesn’t get soggy once the filling is added.
• Cool before serving: Allow the tart to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to avoid a messy filling.

These little tricks make all the difference, trust me. After years of tweaking this recipe, I’ve learned that patience and attention to detail are the keys to success!

Variations & Adaptations

Here’s how you can make this recipe your own:

• Swap the cheese: If goat cheese isn’t your thing, try mascarpone for a milder flavor or ricotta for a lighter texture.
• Use different fruits: While roasted grapes are divine, you can experiment with figs, plums, or cherries for a seasonal twist.
• Make it savory: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the goat cheese mixture and skip the honey for a more herbaceous tart.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for the crust.
• Vegan variation: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and agave or maple syrup instead of honey.

Personally, I’ve tried adding fresh thyme and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios on top—it’s a game-changer and adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This tart is incredibly versatile, and here’s how you can serve and store it:

• Serving temperature: Best served slightly warm or at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor profile.
• Pairings: Serve it with a crisp glass of white wine or a refreshing sparkling rosé. For a heartier meal, pair it with a green salad and grilled chicken.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or enjoy them cold if you prefer.
• Flavor development: The flavors of the roasted grapes and goat cheese deepen after a day, making leftovers even tastier!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This roasted grape and goat cheese tart isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with goodness:

• Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving.
• Health benefits: Grapes are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while goat cheese provides protein and essential nutrients like calcium.
• Dietary considerations: Perfect for vegetarians and can be adapted for gluten-free or vegan diets.
• Potential allergens: Contains dairy and gluten (substitutions are mentioned above).

I love that this recipe combines indulgence with wholesome ingredients, so you can enjoy a treat without the guilt!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this roasted grape and goat cheese tart is it. The combination of flavors and textures is truly irresistible, and it’s the perfect dish to impress your friends and family. Whether you stick to the recipe or try out some of the fun variations, you’re sure to create something special.

This tart has become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too! Let me know how yours turns out in the comments below or share a photo of your tart on social media—I’d love to see your creations!

Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the tart crust and roast the grapes in advance. Assemble the tart and bake it just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

What other cheese can I use instead of goat cheese?

If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, mascarpone, ricotta, or cream cheese are great alternatives. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture.

How do I make the crust gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Be sure to check the texture—it may require a little extra water to come together.

Can I use green grapes instead of red ones?

Absolutely! Green grapes are slightly tart and will bring a different flavor profile to the tart. You can even mix red and green grapes for variety.

How long does this tart stay fresh?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven to revive the texture, or enjoy them cold!

Print