Leek Tarte Tatin with Feta, Honey & Mint

Saffron

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Serves: 2 for dinner, 4 for lunch

This Leek Tarte Tatin with Feta, Honey & Mint is a savoury showstopper that’s easier to make than it looks. In this version, slow-cooked leeks are caramelised in a glossy mix of balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey, then topped with crisp, flaky puff pastry and baked until golden. Once flipped, the leeks become beautifully soft and sweet, topped off with crumbled feta, torn mint, and a drizzle of honey for that perfect final flourish.

It’s an ideal recipe for a brunch, lunch or vegetarian main, especially when paired with a simple salad like the balsamic-glazed beetroot salad I served it with. The flavours are bold yet balanced: sweet leeks, tangy mustard, creamy feta, and cooling mint — all brought together by the buttery pastry underneath.

I made this for my client through @Thuisgekookt, and I think it’s one of those recipes that feels both homely and a bit fancy at the same time. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just treating yourself to a flavour-packed dish, this is a great one to have in your back pocket.

Serve this with a simple fresh salad or these Hasselback Beets with Dill Sauce & Lemon Yoghurt for example.

This recipe is inspired by multiple different chefs: Udi Barkan, La Cuisine Géraldine and Not Quite Nigella.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Sweet & savoury layers – Leeks, feta, mustard and honey work together beautifully.
✔️ Looks impressive, but it’s simple – No tricky pastry work, just one great flip.
✔️ Vegetarian-friendly – A hearty and satisfying main or side.
✔️ Make-ahead winner – Great warm or at room temperature.
✔️ Perfect for entertaining – Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weekdays.

FAQs

Can I swap feta for a different cheese?
Yes, soft goat’s cheese or even a bit of blue cheese would work well, depending on how bold you like your flavours.

Do I need to cook the leeks first?
Yes, gently caramelising them before baking brings out their sweetness and prevents sogginess.

What kind of puff pastry works best?
A good-quality all-butter puff pastry gives the best flavour and texture.

Can this be made in advance?
Definitely — it’s great served warm, but also holds up beautifully at room temp.

What size pan do I need?
A 24cm oven-safe frying pan or cake tin is ideal for flipping and baking.

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  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Serves: 2 for dinner, 4 for lunch

A savoury leek tarte tatin with caramelised leeks, feta, honey and mint on flaky puff pastry. Easy, elegant and perfect for a vegetarian main or side.

Ingredients

  • 4 large leeks
  • 2 tsbp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter, replace with olive oil for vegan
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinergar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • salt & papper, to taste
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 150 g feta, more of less to taste
  • 1 large roll fresh puff pastry, or a frozen equivalent

Instructions

Prepping the leeks

  • 1)

    Preheat oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with parchment. Chop off the tops and bottoms od the leeks to the length that they will fit into your heavy based skillet or pie pan.

  • 2)

    Wash the leeks well to get rid of the sand but try and keep the layers together.

  • 3)

    Lay them cut side down on a baking try and drizzle with olive oil, making sure all sides are coated.

  • 4)

    Roast in the oven for ± 35 minutes until browned on top and softened on the inside.

  • 5)

    Remove from the oven and let cool so they’re easier to handle.

  • 6)

    Remove the top browned leaves, they will be tough to eat. While the leeks are cooling you can prep the rest.

  • 7)

Finishing off the dish

  • 1)

    In a small bowl combine the balsamic vinegar, mustard, honey, pepper, salt and thyme leaves. Stir to mix well.

  • 2)

    Brush the bottom of a heavy based skillet or a pie pan with 1/3 of the sauce. Then arrange the leeks on top of the sauce, cut side down. The whole pan should be covered.

  • 3)

    Pour the rest of the sauce over the leeks, topping it off with the puff pastry. Fold all the excess corners into the middle, no need to throw it out.

  • 4)

    Prick a few holes into the dough with a fork and then place in the oven. Bake for ± 35 – 40 minutes until the crust is nice and browned. Keep an eye on it towards the end, you don’t want the crust to burn.

  • 5)

    Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. If needed cut along the edges with a knife to release the puff pastry from the pan.

  • 6)

    Place large plate, slightly bigger than the pan, on top. Using oven mits or a tea towel, quickly but carefully flip the pan and tap a few times on the top to make sure it all releases. Remove the pan and voilà!

  • 7)

    Crumble the feta over the top, drizzle withe some more honey and sprinkle on some torn mint (mint turns black when heated so do this just before serving).

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