Savory Lamb and Herb Tart with Hot Cross Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A flaky pastry tart filled with spiced lamb and herbs, topped with a sweet and spicy hot cross glaze that symbolizes Easter's symbolic cross. This british-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes layers pastry sheets, ground lamb, fresh thyme into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 8 British cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Roll out pastry sheets and cut into 8-inch circles. Transfer to baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine 200g ground lamb, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 1 tsp rosemary, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Shape into 8 equal meatballs and place on pastry circles.
  3. Step 3: Brush pastry edges with egg wash. Bake for 20 minutes until pastry is golden and meatballs are cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 2 tbsp flour in a small bowl. Drizzle this glaze over the hot tarts while still warm, forming a cross pattern with a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Let cool slightly before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Lamb and Herb Tart with Hot Cross Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Savory Lamb and Herb Tart with Hot Cross Glaze?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Lamb and Herb Tart with Hot Cross Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Savory Lamb and Herb Tart with Hot Cross Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Savory Lamb and Herb Tart with Hot Cross Glaze?

British beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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