Spicy Sausage and Cheese Tarts

These Spicy Sausage and Cheese Tarts are crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor. Savory sausage, melted cheese, and warm spices come together in flaky pastry shells—perfect as an appetizer, party bite, or quick snack. Easy to make and impossible to resist!

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
8 oz (225 g) spicy sausage (beef or chicken), casing removed
1 small onion or shallot, finely diced
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼–½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Black pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with parchment liners.
Cook the sausage filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion or shallot and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
Stir in smoked paprika, chili flakes, black pepper, and salt. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the pastry
Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares large enough to fit into the muffin cups.
Gently press each square into the cups to form tart shells.
Mix the filling
In a bowl, whisk together the egg and cream (or milk).
Stir in the cooked sausage mixture and shredded cheese.
Assemble the tarts
Spoon the filling evenly into each pastry shell.
Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the filling is set and bubbly.
Garnish & serve
Let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.