Puff Pastry Tart with Apples, Prosciutto & Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
This Puff Pastry Tart with Apples, Prosciutto & Parmesan is a delightful combination of crisp pastry, savory cheese, and sweet-tart apples. It’s easy to prepare and makes for an elegant appetizer or light meal.

Ingredients
- 1 sheet (half of a 17.3-oz. package) puff pastry, thawed
- 1 1/4 cups shaved Parmesan cheese (about 3 1/2 oz.)
- 1/2 tart green apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 2 thin slices prosciutto (about 1 oz.), cut into 1/4-in. strips
- 1 tsp. fennel seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll the puff pastry out to a 10-inch square and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 2: Use a fork to pierce the pastry all over to prevent puffing. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to chill the dough.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 4: Sprinkle about 3/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Arrange the apple slices and prosciutto strips on top, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
- Step 5: Bake the tart until the pastry is almost golden and the cheese is melted, about 20 minutes.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the fennel seeds over the tart and return it to the oven. Bake until fully golden and fragrant, about 5 more minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use a sharp, tart apple like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the salty prosciutto.
- Substitute fennel seeds with fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herbal note.
- For extra crispiness, brush the pastry edges with a little beaten egg before baking.
Storage
Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F) to keep the pastry crisp, or enjoy it at room temperature.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen puff pastry without thawing?
It’s best to thaw puff pastry according to package instructions before rolling it out to prevent cracking and ensure even baking.
What can I use instead of prosciutto?
You can substitute prosciutto with thinly sliced ham, turkey, or even smoked salmon for a different flavor profile.
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Puff Pastry Tart with Apples, Prosciutto & Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A delightful puff pastry tart featuring a savory blend of shaved Parmesan cheese, crisp tart green apples, and thinly sliced prosciutto, finished with aromatic fennel seeds for an elegant appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Tart Ingredients
- 1 sheet (half of a 17.3-oz. package) puff pastry, thawed
- 1 1/4 cups shaved Parmesan cheese (about 3 1/2 oz.)
- 1/2 tart green apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 2 thin slices prosciutto (about 1 oz.), cut into 1/4-in. strips
- 1 tsp. fennel seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 10-inch square and carefully transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
- Dock the Pastry: Use a fork to prick the pastry all over to prevent excessive puffing during baking. Place the baking sheet with the pastry into the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to chill.
- Preheat Oven: While the pastry chills, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking.
- Assemble the Tart: Sprinkle about 3/4 cup of the shaved Parmesan cheese evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Layer the thinly sliced green apples and prosciutto strips evenly on top, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over everything.
- Bake Initial Phase: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake until the pastry is almost golden and the cheese is starting to melt, approximately 20 minutes.
- Finish Baking with Fennel: Remove the tart from the oven and sprinkle the fennel seeds evenly over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the pastry is golden and the fennel seeds are fragrant.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling for easier handling.
- Use a tart green apple like Granny Smith for the best balance of tartness and texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of prosciutto based on your preference for saltiness.
- Fennel seeds add a unique flavor; omit them if you prefer a more traditional tart.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or alongside a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keywords: puff pastry tart, apple tart, prosciutto tart, Parmesan cheese, fennel seeds, appetizer recipe, Italian tart

