Bacon, Bleu Cheese, and Potato Puff Pastry Tart

Why You’ll Love it:

• Savory Flavor Combination– the salty, smoky flavor of bacon paired with the sharp, tangy taste of bleu cheese creates a deliciously savory profile that’s balanced by the creamy potatoes.
• Crispy Puff Pastry– the puff pastry base adds a delightful, buttery crunch to each bite, contrasting beautifully with the creamy and savory toppings.
• Easy to Make– using store-bought puff pastry simplifies the preparation process, making it an accessible and quick recipe for both novice and experienced cooks
• Impressive Presentation– the golden, flaky pastry and the colorful toppings make this tart visually appealing, ideal for serving to guests or at gatherings.

Ingredient Notes:

• Puff Pastry– if using frozen puff pastry, allow it to thaw before rolling it out to ensure it’s pliable and easy to work with.
• Red Potato– thinly sliced. A mandoline slicer is perfect for achieving uniform, paper-thin slices quickly and safely.
• Red Onion- adds a mild, sweet flavor to the tart.
• Olive Oil- used for sautéing and adding a rich, fruity flavor.
• Mascarpone Cheese– a soft, spreadable Italian cream cheese. Philadelphia cream cheese can be used as a substitute if needed.
• Bleu Cheese– provides a tangy, bold flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, goat cheese is a great alternative.
• Thick Cut Bacon– adds a hearty, smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch.
• Cream– used to thin out the cream cheese mixture and in the egg wash. Half & half (a blend of milk and cream) works well.
• Egg– mixed with cream to create an egg wash for a glossy finish on the pastry.
• Honey- adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.
• Hot Sauce- combined with honey for a spicy-sweet flavor contrast.
• Chili Pepper Flakes– provides a hint of heat and a pop of color.
• Fresh Rosemary- adds a fragrant, earthy flavor.
• Salt & Pepper- essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor of the tart.

How to Make Puff Pastry Tart:

1. Prep Potatoes & Onions:
   • Use a mandoline slicer to slice the potatoes as thinly as possible.
   • Toss the sliced potatoes with a bit of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
   • In a separate bowl, toss the sliced onions with another drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
2. Prepare Tart:
   • Unfold the thawed puff pastry and transfer it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • For a thinner tart, gently roll out the puff pastry to extend the sides by 1/2 to 1 inch, being careful not to overwork the dough or spread it too thin.
   • Poke the center of the pastry a few times with a fork.
   • Mix the mascarpone cheese with 2 tablespoons of half & half until smooth. Stir in half of the crumbled bleu cheese.
   • Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 3-inch border around the edge.
   • Top the cheese mixture with the sliced potatoes, onions, remaining bleu cheese, and rosemary.
   • Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the potatoes and brush with a whisked egg wash. Crack a bit of fresh pepper on top.
3. Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Bake the tart for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. If the edges start to darken too much, cover them with foil and continue baking.
   • Meanwhile, stir together the honey, chili flakes, and hot sauce.
   • Once baked, top the tart with chopped cooked bacon and drizzle with the spicy honey. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Tips & Recipe Notes:

• Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before unfolding to prevent cracking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Uniform Slicing: Use a mandoline slicer for uniform potato slices. This ensures even cooking and a professional-looking tart.
• Avoid Soggy Pastry: Pat the sliced potatoes dry with paper towels before tossing them with olive oil to remove excess moisture and prevent a soggy pastry.
• Prevent Over-browning: Check the tart frequently while baking. If the edges are browning too quickly, cover them with foil to avoid burning.
• Cheese Substitution: If you’re not a fan of bleu cheese, goat cheese or feta can be used for a milder flavor.
• Honey Drizzle: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey drizzle to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
• Serving: Let the tart cool slightly before slicing to allow the cheese to set, making it easier to cut clean slices.

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