The festive season is the perfect time to gather around the table with loved ones and share delicious meals that warm the heart. If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and wholesome flavor to your Christmas dinner, vegetarian tarts are a delightful choice.
Not only do they bring vibrant colors and fresh ingredients to your holiday spread, but they also cater to guests who prefer meat-free options without compromising on taste or festivity. From rich roasted vegetables to creamy cheeses and fragrant herbs, these Christmas vegetarian tart recipes will impress your family and friends alike.
Whether you want to prepare a stunning appetizer or a satisfying main course, these recipes are versatile and full of seasonal charm. Plus, they’re simple enough to make ahead, helping you enjoy the holidays without kitchen stress.
Let’s dive into some mouthwatering vegetarian tarts that will become your new Christmas classics!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegetarian Christmas tarts are a fantastic way to celebrate the season with fresh, wholesome ingredients that burst with flavor. They combine the flaky, buttery goodness of pastry with hearty vegetables, creamy cheeses, and aromatic herbs, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
These tarts are highly customizable, so you can easily adjust them to suit your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.
Another wonderful aspect is their visual appeal — the colorful layers and golden crusts make for stunning presentations that will wow your guests. They can also be made in individual portions or as a large tart to share, offering flexibility for any holiday gathering.
Embrace the joy of cooking something festive, healthy, and irresistibly tasty!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200g ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: pine nuts or walnuts for garnish
Equipment
- Baking sheet or tart pan
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and chopping board
- Frying pan or skillet
- Pastry brush
- Oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease your tart pan.
- Prepare the vegetables: Toss the diced butternut squash, halved Brussels sprouts, sliced red pepper, and red onion in olive oil, salt, pepper, and half the thyme. Spread them evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Transfer it to your tart pan or baking sheet, trimming edges if necessary. Use a fork to prick the base gently to prevent puffing.
- Mix the ricotta cheese with minced garlic, remaining thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spread this mixture evenly over the pastry base, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Distribute the roasted vegetables over the ricotta layer. Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese on top for that perfect melty finish.
- Brush the pastry edges with the beaten egg to give a golden sheen once baked.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden, and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with pine nuts or walnuts if desired for extra crunch and festive flair.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra layer of flavor, try adding caramelized shallots or a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.”
- Make it vegan: Substitute the ricotta with a plant-based cheese or blended tofu, and skip the egg wash or use a plant-based milk alternative.
- Seasonal swaps: Use sweet potatoes, parsnips, or cauliflower instead of butternut squash for a different twist.
- Add herbs: Fresh rosemary or sage can replace or complement thyme for a more aromatic tart.
- Nutty topping: Toasted pecans or walnuts add crunch and richness—try recipes like Pecan Crackers Recipe for inspiration on incorporating nuts into your holiday fare.
- Advance prep: Roast the vegetables a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Assemble and bake the tart on the day of your celebration.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/6 tart) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 10 g |
Fat | 18 g |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sugar | 6 g |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas vegetarian tart pairs wonderfully with a crisp winter salad featuring ingredients like arugula, pomegranate seeds, and toasted almonds. A light vinaigrette dressed with balsamic or apple cider vinegar complements the richness of the tart beautifully.
For a complete holiday meal, serve alongside warm crusty bread or a bowl of hearty soup. If you want to explore more festive vegetarian dishes, check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a cozy vegetable side or the Passover Zucchini Kugel Recipe for another delicious option.
Christmas Vegetarian Tart Recipes You’ll Love
Roasted Root Vegetable Tart with Herbed Ricotta
This tart highlights the earthy sweetness of roasted carrots, parsnips, and beets. The herbed ricotta base brings a creamy tang that balances the vegetables perfectly.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a bright finish.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced parsnips
- 1 cup diced beets
- 200g ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon mixed herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
- Roast diced root vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes.
- Mix ricotta with garlic and herbs.
- Spread ricotta over rolled-out pastry; top with roasted vegetables.
- Brush pastry edges with egg and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
Spinach and Feta Christmas Tart
A classic combination that never fails — sautéed spinach, tangy feta, and flaky pastry. Add pine nuts for crunch and a sprinkle of nutmeg for warmth.
This tart is perfect for both appetizers and light mains.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 300g fresh spinach, chopped
- 150g crumbled feta cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent, add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Spread spinach mixture over the puff pastry, sprinkle with feta.
- Brush edges with beaten egg and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes.
Mushroom, Leek, and Gruyère Tart
This savory tart marries earthy mushrooms and sweet leeks with nutty Gruyère cheese. It’s elegant, comforting, and a great vegetarian option for the holidays.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 200g mixed mushrooms, sliced
- 1 leek, cleaned and sliced
- 150g grated Gruyère cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
- In a pan, sauté leeks and garlic in olive oil until soft, add mushrooms and cook until moisture evaporates. Season well.
- Spread mixture on puff pastry, top with Gruyère cheese.
- Brush pastry edges with beaten egg, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
Each of these tarts offers a unique flavor profile and festive feel, perfect for your Christmas table. For more inspiration on festive cooking, don’t miss our Christmas Recipes Kerala or dive into delightful desserts like the Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe for a sweet ending.
Conclusion
Christmas vegetarian tarts are a wonderful way to bring warmth, flavor, and festive cheer to your holiday meals. They celebrate the season’s bounty with colorful vegetables, fresh herbs, and creamy cheeses, all encased in golden, flaky pastry.
These recipes are not only delicious but also adaptable, making them perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or elegant dinners.
By preparing these tarts, you can impress your guests with wholesome, meat-free dishes that fit right into the joyous spirit of Christmas. Plus, the ability to make them ahead saves precious time during the busy holiday rush.
Embrace these recipes and add a new tradition to your festive table that everyone will look forward to year after year!
📖 Recipe Card: Christmas Vegetarian Tart
Description: A festive vegetarian tart filled with seasonal vegetables and creamy goat cheese. Perfect for holiday gatherings as a savory centerpiece.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup caramelized onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss butternut squash and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Roast vegetables for 20 minutes until tender.
- Roll out puff pastry on a baking sheet and prick with a fork.
- Spread caramelized onions evenly on pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Arrange roasted vegetables and bell pepper over onions.
- Sprinkle goat cheese on top.
- Fold edges of pastry to create a border and brush with beaten egg.
- Bake tart for 15 minutes until pastry is golden and crisp.
- Let tart cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 22 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Christmas Vegetarian Tart”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A festive vegetarian tart filled with seasonal vegetables and creamy goat cheese. Perfect for holiday gatherings as a savory centerpiece.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT35M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 sheet puff pastry, thawed”, “1 cup butternut squash, peeled and diced”, “1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved”, “1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced”, “1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled”, “1/4 cup caramelized onions”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 400\u00b0F (200\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toss butternut squash and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roast vegetables for 20 minutes until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roll out puff pastry on a baking sheet and prick with a fork.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread caramelized onions evenly on pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Arrange roasted vegetables and bell pepper over onions.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle goat cheese on top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fold edges of pastry to create a border and brush with beaten egg.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake tart for 15 minutes until pastry is golden and crisp.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let tart cool slightly before slicing and serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “7 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “22 g”}}