Cottage Cheese and Crème Fraîche Fillo Tart

– **1 package of fillo dough** (thawed if frozen)
– **1 cup cottage cheese** (preferably full-fat for richness)
– **1/2 cup crème fraîche** (you can substitute sour cream if necessary)
– **2 tablespoons olive oil** (for brushing the dough)
– **1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice** (to brighten the flavors)
– **1 teaspoon dried thyme** (or fresh thyme if you have it on hand)
– **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder** (for subtle depth)
– **1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives** (optional, for garnish)
– **Salt and pepper** (to taste)
– **1 egg** (for brushing on the dough before baking)

### How to Make Cottage Cheese and Crème Fraîche Fillo Tart

Making this tart is surprisingly straightforward and doesn’t require much prep time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to serving up a savory, crispy treat in no time.

#### Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. This ensures the tart will bake evenly and achieve a perfectly golden, crispy crust.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Fillo Dough

Fillo dough is a bit delicate, so be sure to handle it with care. Lay one sheet of the dough on a clean work surface, and brush it lightly with **olive oil**. Place another sheet of dough on top, and continue layering and brushing the dough with olive oil until you’ve used about 6-8 sheets. This will create a sturdy, crisp crust once baked.

Once you’ve layered the dough, gently press it into a **9-inch tart pan** or a pie dish, ensuring the dough lines the sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

#### Step 3: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the **cottage cheese**, **crème fraîche**, and **lemon juice**. Stir in the **thyme**, **garlic powder**, and a pinch of **salt** and **pepper**. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

If you like, you can blend the mixture for an even smoother texture, or keep it a bit chunky for added texture. The creamy cottage cheese and tangy crème fraîche mixture will create a luscious filling for the tart, with a hint of brightness from the lemon juice and herbs.

#### Step 4: Assemble the Tart

Spoon the cottage cheese and crème fraîche filling into the prepared fillo crust, spreading it out evenly.

#### Step 5: Top and Seal the Tart

Once the filling is spread out, fold the edges of the fillo dough over the top of the tart, creating a rustic, free-form crust. It’s okay if it’s not perfectly even—it adds to the charm of the tart. Brush the exposed edges of the fillo dough with a beaten **egg** to give it a rich, golden finish when it bakes.

#### Step 6: Bake the Tart

Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about **25-30 minutes**, or until the fillo dough is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is slightly set. Keep an eye on the crust to ensure it doesn’t burn—if it starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil to protect them.

#### Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish the tart with **fresh chives** or **thyme leaves** for a pop of color and flavor. You can also drizzle a little extra crème fraîche on top or serve with a side of mixed greens for a light salad.

### Tips for Making the Best Cottage Cheese and Crème Fraîche Fillo Tart

– **Use High-Quality Fillo Dough**: To get the crispiest and flakiest crust, make sure you’re using good-quality fillo dough. If it’s frozen, be sure to let it thaw completely before using.
– **Customize the Filling**: Feel free to get creative with the filling! You can add **spinach**, **caramelized onions**, or **mushrooms** for extra flavor and texture. For a richer version, try adding a bit of grated cheese like **parmesan** or **gruyère** to the mixture.
– **Herb Variations**: Try adding **oregano**, **basil**, or even a touch of **rosemary** to the filling for different flavor profiles.
– **Make it a Meal**: Pair the tart with a light salad for a complete meal. A simple **arugula salad** with lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy filling perfectly.
– **Serving Suggestion**: This tart can be served warm or at room temperature, so it’s great for both dinner parties and make-ahead meals.

### Why You’ll Love Cottage Cheese and Crème Fraîche Fillo Tart

1. **Deliciously Creamy**: The combination of cottage cheese and crème fraîche gives the filling a perfect creamy, tangy richness that balances beautifully with the flaky pastry.
2. **Impressive Yet Easy**: While this tart looks elegant and sophisticated, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Even novice cooks can master this recipe in no time.
3. **Versatile**: The tart is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for brunch, a light lunch, or even as a party appetizer.
4. **Crispy and Flaky**: Thanks to the fillo dough, the crust is beautifully crispy and light, offering the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
5. **Customizable**: Add in your favorite herbs or vegetables to the filling, making this tart truly your own.

### Conclusion

The **Cottage Cheese and Crème Fraîche Fillo Tart** is a perfect balance of flavors and textures—creamy, tangy filling nestled inside a crispy, golden pastry. It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive but is incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions. Whether served as an appetizer or a light meal, this tart is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

So, the next time you’re looking to impress your guests with something elegant and mouthwatering, give this delicious, creamy, and crispy tart a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious it is!