Dessert

Dates & Brie Upside-Down Tarts Recipe

Name: Dates & Brie Upside-Down Tarts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 puff pastry sheet; 1 pinch flour (for dusting); 27 medjool dates (pitted); Olive oil (for brushing); 9 thick slices of brie; 4 oz pancetta; 2 tbsp chives (chopped); 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary; 3½ tbsp honey; 1½ tbsp white balsamic vinegar; 2 tsp crushed red peppers

ByMariam Harutyunyan August 27, 2026August 27, 2026

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Introduction

Discover the delightful balance of sweet and savory with these Dates & Brie Upside-Down Tarts. Crisp puff pastry envelops luscious dates, topped with melted brie, pancetta, and a spicy honey glaze. They make an elegant appetizer or a tasty snack for any occasion.

The dish shows three square pieces of golden-brown flaky pastry, each topped with multiple layers: a dark, glossy sauce at the bottom, a melted pale yellow cheese layer with a soft texture, and small bits of crispy brown garnish sprinkled on top. Finely chopped green herbs are scattered over the cheese, adding a fresh contrast. The pieces are arranged on a white plate with two thin red rings near the edge, and bright orange and yellow edible flowers are placed between the pastries. The background surface is white with a marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 puff pastry sheet
1 pinch flour

27 medjool dates (pitted)
Olive oil (for brushing)

9 thick slices of brie
4 oz pancetta

2 tbsp chives
3½ tbsp honey
1½ tbsp white balsamic

2 tsp crushed red peppers
1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary

Instructions

Step 1: Lightly flour a cutting board and roll out the puff pastry sheet slightly. Cut the pastry into 9 equal squares.

Step 2: On a sheet of parchment paper, arrange the dates in groups of three. Cover with another parchment paper and gently smash the dates together using a rolling pin.
Step 3: Brush olive oil on the edges of one side of each puff pastry square.
Step 4: Place the oiled side of the pastry squares face down onto each trio of dates, pressing firmly to seal. Pinch the edges with a fork and brush the top of the squares with olive oil.

Step 5: Preheat a griddle to medium-low heat (375°F to 400°F). Add the pancetta and cook until golden brown.
Step 6: Place the puff pastry tarts on the griddle, date side down, cover with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes. Lower heat to maintain temperature, then flip the tarts carefully and cook the other side for another 5-6 minutes with the lid on.
Step 7: Turn off the heat, top each tart with a thick slice of brie, cover again, and let sit for 3-4 minutes to melt the cheese.

Step 8: Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the tarts, then sprinkle with pancetta and chopped chives.
Step 9: To make the honey glaze, combine honey, white balsamic, crushed red peppers, and fresh rosemary in a pan. Cook gently until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Tips & Variations

Use store-bought puff pastry to save time, but thaw it properly before rolling out.

Swap pancetta with crispy bacon or prosciutto for a different savory flavor.
Adjust crushed red peppers in the honey glaze to control the heat level.
For a vegetarian option, omit pancetta and add toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.

Storage

Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F) to preserve flakiness and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows several small square flatbreads with a golden-brown crust, each topped with a layer of melted cheese that has a smooth, slightly glossy texture. On top of the cheese are scattered pieces of dark, glossy caramelized onions and small bits of reddish-brown bacon or similar garnish, sprinkled evenly with finely chopped green herbs. Two edible flowers, one orange and one bright yellow, rest among the flatbreads on the white plate with red trim. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the overall look is fresh, colorful, and appetizing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these tarts ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the tarts and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Cook them fresh for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have a griddle?

You can cook the tarts in a non-stick skillet or bake them in the oven at 375°F until golden, about 12-15 minutes per side. Just ensure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning.