The scents of dough rising and baking into flaky, golden layers don't need to be limited to sweet confections. You can still experience the joy of baking your own pastries, even if you are not a sweets lover. These savory pastry recipes range from tender cheese gougeres to flaky tart shells to the most delectable breakfast croissants.
Epoisses Cheese and Apple Tart Recipe
©Jessica Spengler
This country cheese and apple tart recipe from Burgundy is made with Epoisses cheese and pate brisee. Epoisses is made by monks at the abbey of Citeaux and was reportedly adored by Napoleon. In a pinch, Muenster cheese can be used as a substitute, but it does remove the authenticity of the dish. This tart is an incredibly easy and nutritious dinner to make when you’re in a rush.
Crab Quiche Recipe
Flickr User "avlxyz"
This savory crab quiche makes an excellent light dinner served beside a pile of mixed greens drizzled with vinaigrette. Pair your dinner with ice-cold white wine like a dry Chenin Blanc. Round it out with Peches Melba for dessert and you’ll have a summery South of France meal year round.
Quiche Lorraine Recipe
This quiche Lorraine recipe yields a rich egg pie and hails from the mountainous region of Lorraine in northern France. Sufficient for a filling meal in itself, quiche Lorraine has been adapted over the years from a humble custard and bacon pie to the substantial cheese, bacon, and egg creation that it is known for today.
Spinach and Bacon Tart Recipe
Flickr user sleepyneko
This spinach and bacon tart recipe makes an effortless and elegant presentation for breakfast, lunch, and dinner - and everything in between. Fresh spinach, crumbled bacon, and three varieties of cheese make this quiche pleasing to all palates. Serve it alongside strawberry sorbet and Belgian waffles for a lovely brunch.
Sundried Tomato and Asparagus Tart Recipe
For a colorful entree, try this sundried tomato and asparagus tart recipe. Pastry baked to delicately crisp, golden perfection combined with roasted vegetables and a rich, eggy custard makes a lovely addition to brunch and special occasions.Artichoke Tart Recipe
Most of the time, all that is needed for a fantastic dish is a handful of quality ingredients, skillfully put together. That is the case with this artichoke tart recipe. Simply combine sauteed artichokes and crème fraiche into a filling and bake it into a flakey, golden pastry dough. The resulting pastry couldn't be fresher - perfect for luncheons and casual sunset dinners.Cheese Croissants Recipe
Flickr user Kimubert
Warm and buttery, this cheese croissant recipe is a savory version of the famous French pastry. A perfect complement to sweet brunch foods, these croissants can be served with soup and salad for a cafe-style meal later, if you have any leftovers.
Gougeres Recipe
Bitten Word
Gougeres are little cheese puffs, usually served as an appetizer with wine or cocktails. They're so easy to make. Simply whip up an egg and cheese batter, pipe it onto a baking sheet, and bake the gougeres until they are puffed and golden. The little pastries fill the kitchen with a fantastic aroma and are perfect for a cozy night spent indoors.
Ham and Gruyere Croissants Recipe
Charles Haynes
This ham and Gruyere croissants recipe makes a savory twist on the cafe staple. Shaved ham and nutty Gruyere cheese are baked right into the warm and buttery dough, turning the classic flaky pastry into a hearty, standalone meal. Serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Roquefort and Caramelized Onion Tart Recipe
Luisa Ghetti
This classic Roquefort and caramelized onion tart recipe is layered with complex flavors: salty, piquant cheese, mellow, sweet onions, and rich eggs and cream. Baked into a flaky pastry shell, the combination is nothing less than irresistible. Originally from the caves of Mont Combalou, tangy Roquefort cheese is protected by the first ever A.O.C., or controlled term of origin. If you can't find true Roquefort in your market, ask your grocer for a good quality blue cheese.
