Bread tarts are my go-to when I need something quick, tasty, and crowd-pleasing. Whether it’s for a casual dinner party or an after-school snack, these savory tartlets are simple to put together and always a hit with both kids and adults.
Update: May 14, 2025 – I recently uploaded a video showing how I make them, so do check it out if you want a visual walk through.
Traditionally, a tart is a small pastry case filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Instead of using pastry, I use slices of gluten-free bread, pressed into a muffin tin to form the tart base. The filling is a mix of beans and salsa, topped with shredded mixed cheese and baked until golden. They come out crisp on the edges, gooey in the center, and full of flavor.
We love having friends over, and most Saturdays we’re either hosting or visiting someone. When I’m planning a dinner, it’s the appetizers that take the most thought. I try to include something for everyone—gluten-free, vegetarian, and everything in between. These bread tarts tick all the right boxes. They’re naturally vegetarian, easily made gluten-free, and always get a lot of compliments from friends.
Last Saturday, we had a small gathering of close friends and these bread tarts were one of the appetizers I served. They’re inspired by the traditional Mexican dish, sopes. The combination of beans and salsa works so well in the bread base, and the cheese on top brings everything together. The best part is that they can be made a few hours in advance (2 to 4 hours is ideal) and stored in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
I always try to prepare as much as possible before guests arrive so I can enjoy their company instead of running around the kitchen. Other appetizers I love to prep ahead include my sprouted bean and peanut salad, garlic and brown sugar cheese ball, and sesame tofu patties. These are all great for a variety of diets and taste great even after sitting for a bit.
Dinner parties at our place always end with a cup of Pheti Hui Coffee, a frothy, cappuccino-style drink made without a machine. I keep the whipped coffee mix ready in the fridge and just add hot milk when it’s time to serve. If you haven’t tried it, check out this post for the recipe.
These bread tartlets are easy to customize too. You can switch up the filling based on what you have—try mushrooms and cream cheese, or paneer with chutney for a fun twist.
Let me know in the comments if you give them a try!
Ingredients
- 12 Gluten free bread slices
- melted butter
- Ingredients for filling:
- 1 can mixed beans
- 1/2- 3/4 cup salsa
- 1 green chili, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- salt as per taste
- 1 cup mixed grated cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the crusts from the bread slices. Working with one or two slices at a time, microwave them for about 7 seconds to soften the gluten-free bread slightly.
- Lightly roll out each slice with a rolling pin. Press the bread into the cavities of a muffin tray to form a tart shell. (Since gluten-free bread is usually smaller than regular slices, you may need to patch with extra pieces to fully cover the muffin cup and create an even shell. You can moisten the bread to patch up).
- Repeat for all slices. Once done, brush the insides of the bread tarts with melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 -12 minutes, or until the bread turns light golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Set aside the toasted bread tartlets to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Drain and rinse the canned mixed beans. Place them in a bowl and mix in salsa, salt, chopped chilies, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and chopped cilantro.
- Spoon the bean mixture into each bread tartlet. Top with shredded cheese.
- Return the filled tartlets to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted. For extra crispness or browning, you can broil them for about 1 minute.
- Serve warm. These taste great fresh out of the oven or even at room temperature!
- If you have any leftovers, pop them in the air fryer or oven for 5 minutes at 350 deg F.
anne
These tartlets looks simply delicious ! Just love the edible bowl 😀 And congrats on being in the Foodbuzz Top 9 !
Choc Chip Uru
These little tarts look fantastic – I love the delicious flavours they contain, I would eat a whole batch!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Shirley Tay
These tartlets are gorgeous! U truly deserve those votes, my dear! Won’t u send me some, Balvinder?? Hahaha!
Navaneetham Krishnan
Lovely snack for a small gathering and yes, with a cup of cappuccino.
Ambreen
Wow, congratulations on Top 9! These bread tarts look awesome! Wish I could grab one of these 🙂
Indulge
Hi;
Sorry was caught up with what people call Life, and did not visit your space. Today I decided to do it anyhow and boy I am so glad I did. This is an amazing space. I do not need to eat gluten free diet, but I do need to cut down on my carb intake and get my weight in balance. I am surely trying recipes from your space. Hope we develop a bond beyond blog.
Love Ash.
Balvinder Ubi
Welcome Ash! Yes, sure we can develop a bond as you can see from my post how socialwe are.
Malti
Hi Neetu, Looking at your post after long time, I don’t know what you are talking about this voting thing but congratulations!
Yes I love beaten coffee, I don’t make it for guests. Its hard to beat for so many people. The bread snacks are really good and I just filled them with dry ingredients .Adding salsa would be delicious.
Balvinder Ubi
I have made a link to the recipe of beaten coffee, and you don’t have to beat it with hand for so meany people. Electric beaters are made to help us.
Claudia
Wow – is that ever gorgeous and welcoming and healthy! Congrats on the Top 9! Huge accomplishment!
Tina Bk
Glad to see you stepping over to makes some southwestern cuisine, you did an awesome job on this. Love the blend of flavors and nice to some appetizers that are not fried! Delicious post. Also, congrats on the top 9!
Cucina49
Congratulations on making it into the top 9–that’s fantastic and well-deserved. These little tarts look fabulous and would be a perfect party finger food.
Alida
Mmm.. these are really yummy and look so pretty. Great for a dinner party too!
Amanda
These are so cute, love them!
Asmita
Hi Balvinder,
This looks so delicious!I love the little bread baskets. Will have to try this out.
Treat and Trick
What a creative and wholesome snack! Congrats on the Top 9 dear!
Maureen @ Orgasmic Chef
Love that I can make these for my pal who can’t eat gluten. This is a keeper.
Baker Street
Using bread to make the tart bottoms is a great idea, Neetu! Congratulation on top 9! 🙂
Sandra Lee
Congrats on your Top 9 entry and thanks for this recipe. You could fill these with lots of different things.
Vicki Bensinger
Balvinder I love this appetizer. So many delicious ingredients all piled into one place for a tasty treat. I know what you mean about accomodating everyone. It’s hard sometimes but dinner guests definitely appreciate it. Nothing would be worse than to serve someone something their body couldn’t tolerate, then they’d have to leave the party early.
Thanks for sharing this and your other recipes. Your beaten coffee sounds great and easy!
mireia badia
Amazing!!
RavieNomNoms
Perfect little tarts!!! They look so good!
Suzi
Hi Balvinder, I just saw this on Google+, but I left you a comment way the other day but I don’t see it and a hearty thank you for the shout out. I love these little snacks. Hope all is well and you are having a wonderful day.
Balvinder Ubi
Hi Suzi, I never checked my spam but after this comment, I was wondering what could have happened then I checked my spam and there your comment was sitting with some of others from previous recipes. You know we learn new things each day, from now on I will make sure to check my spam after few days.
Sook
The tarts look fabulous!
Nami | Just One Cookbook
What a great use of bread and it looks very pretty!! I always love your healthy meal and get inspired by your recipes. This one seems very easy and great for kids snack and lunch!
Tessa Domestic Diva
Creative allergy friendly appetizer! I will be featuring you r recipe this week on Allergy Free Wednesdays, thank you for sharing it! Pinned!
Anonymous
Can these tartlets be made ahead of time? A day in advance?
Balvinder Ubi
I guess you can, after all gluten free bread is notorious for being hard. But, I have never made in advance,now I will try.
Amelia
Hi Balvinder, oh.. I miss this posting or we haven’t meet?
Anyway your this bread tarts very pretty and good ideas for parties. And it sure look very appetizing and addictive. Love the filling, very nice combination.
Have a lovely week ahead,regards.