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Apricot Pepper Jack Mini-Tarts is a delicious recipe to serve as an appetizer or snack at your next family gathering. The spicy-sweet combination is wonderful. And it’s quite easy to make!
(Post modified with new photos on 11/4/23.)
It’s always good to have an easy appetizer that you can make when last minute or unexpected company arrives. Plus, this recipe makes 24 mini tarts, which makes it a great option for a family gathering or potluck dinner.
I like to serve warm appetizers for fall and winter entertaining. These tarts are a perfect fit for holiday gatherings, where you’ll be serving finger foods. They also work for a cheese tray or for a wine tasting party. Or even a brunch or buffet.
The combination of sweet apricots and crunchy pecans and the spicy pepper jack cheese is marvelous. Add in the garlic flavor of the crust and it is truly delightful. You’ll have a hard time eating just one. So, it’s good that this recipe makes 24 tarts!
More Easy Appetizers to Try
Ingredients for Apricot Pepper Jack Mini-Tarts
(See the full recipe at the bottom of this post.)
- refrigerator plain or garlic crescent rolls
- garlic powder
- pepper jack cheese
- apricot preserves
- Pecans
Special Tart-Making Tools
To make this recipe, you’ll need a mini muffin or tart pan for 24 tarts.
And although, not necessary, a little tart press is quite handy whenever you want to make crusts for tarts. I use mine often.
Instructions for Making This Recipe
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Gather the ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table. Spray a mini muffin or tart pan with baking spray.
Prepare the Ingredients
Using a nut chopper or sharp knife, chop the pecans into small pieces.
Shred the pepper jack cheese with a fine to medium grater.
Roll out the refrigerator crescent rolls and pinch edges together to seal.
If you can find crescent rolls that have not been sliced, even better. Also, if you can find the garlic flavored rolls, this will save a step in preparation. A few years ago, this type of refrigerator crescent roll was easily obtained, but I’ve not been able to find them lately.
If you are using plain crescent rolls, sprinkle garlic powder over the dough. Cut the crescent dough into 24 squares with a knife or pastry roller.
Assemble the Mini Tarts
Place each square into a mini muffin or tart cup with your thumb or a tart tamper so the dough comes to the top of each.
Fill each cup with 2 teaspoons of grated pepper jack cheese.
Follow this with 1/2 teaspoon apricot preserves, and 1/2 teaspoon chopped pecans.
Bake in preheated oven for 12-16 minutes until golden brown and tops are crusty. Remove from pan and place on a serving platter or tray.
Serve mini tarts warm or at room temperature. This recipe will make 24 tarts, and will serve 12-16 people.
Wine Pairing Suggestions: Your favorite Moscato or Chardonnay.
See more Appetizer Recipes Here. Browse Holiday Entertaining Ideas Here.
Apricot Pepper Jack Mini-Tarts
Ingredients
- 1 can plain or garlic crescent rolls
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves
- 1/3 cup pecans crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Gather the ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table. Spray a mini muffin or tart pan with baking spray.
Prepare the Ingredients
- Using a nut chopper or sharp knife, finely chop the pecans into small pieces.
- Shred the pepper jack cheese with a fine to medium grater.
- Roll out the refrigerator crescent rolls and pinch edges together to seal.If you are using plain crescent rolls, sprinkle garlic powder over the dough. Cut the crescent dough into 24 squares with a knife or pastry roller.
Assemble the Tarts
- Place each square into a mini muffin or tart cup with your thumb or a tart tamper so the dough comes to the top of each.
- Fill each cup with 2 teaspoons of grated pepper jack cheese.
- Follow this with 1 teaspoon apricot preserves, and 1/2 teaspoon chopped pecans.
- Bake in preheated oven for 12-16 minutes until golden brown and tops are crusty. Remove from pan and place on a serving platter or tray.
- Serve mini tarts warm or at room temperature. Makes 24 tarts.
Notes
