
This endive tarte tatin has become my signature dish for dinner parties. The magic happens when simple ingredients come together - tender caramelized endives paired with melted goat cheese create an irresistible combination. I've perfected this recipe over years of making it in my kitchen, adjusting the flavors until they sing in perfect harmony.
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
This tarte holds a special place in my recipe collection. The secret lies in transforming crisp endives into melt-in-your-mouth morsels with a subtle sweetness. When combined with creamy goat cheese, it creates an unexpectedly delicious pairing that never fails to impress guests.
Essential Ingredients
The star ingredients for this elegant tart are 5 firm, fresh endives and 2 aged Chavignol goat cheese rounds. You'll also need 50g butter for cooking and greasing, a pinch of herbes de Provence for aromatic depth, ready-made puff pastry for convenience, plus sugar, salt and pepper for seasoning.
The Cooking Process
Begin by sautéing the endives in butter until golden. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200°C. Prepare the baking pan with melted butter and a light dusting of sugar. Arrange the endives in a circular pattern, nestle pieces of goat cheese between them, and sprinkle with herbes de Provence. Drape the puff pastry over top. After 20 minutes of baking comes the dramatic moment of flipping the tart.

Chef's Tips
For an extra touch of sweetness, try adding a drizzle of honey while cooking the endives. Another crucial step is thoroughly draining the endives before arranging them in the pan - this ensures the pastry stays perfectly crisp during baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I know if the endives are cooked properly?
- They should be tender and have a light golden color. Use the tip of a knife to check—they should be soft when pierced.
- → Can I prepare the tart ahead of time?
- You can cook the endives beforehand. Assemble and bake the tart just before serving to keep the pastry nice and crisp.
- → What kind of pan should I use?
- A 24-26 cm (9-10 inch) round cake pan works perfectly. Make sure it’s oven-safe and non-stick.
- → Is it possible to substitute the goat cheese?
- Yes, you could swap it with blue cheese or even something like brie. Just make sure it melts well during baking.
- → How can I stop the pastry from getting soggy?
- Drain the endives thoroughly after cooking and avoid using too much butter. Press the pastry evenly against the filling.